The Kids Are Alright (song)

For the album of the same name, see The Kids Are Alright.

* General Information

## Music Video

"**The Kids Are Alright**" is the second track and single off Chloe x Halle's debut 2018 album of the same name. The song was released as a single on January 3, 2018 and was co-written by Chloe and Halle Bailey, with Diana Gordon and Tayla Parx. Chloe also produced the song on her own.

Led by Chloe x Halle's everpresent, powerful yet light vocals, the message of the song lets listeners know that this generation is full of people that can and will stand on their own, work hard for what they want, and have fun while doing it.

## Background

When asked on what inspired the song, Chloe x Halle answered that it definitely have to be their lives, and livelihood, and the moment that they're in. "Being a part of this generation, there's so many crazy things happening and the world is worried about us and if we'll be fine 'cause there's so much responsibility that will be on our backs," they wrote, "but this song is to let everyone know who is worrying that the kids are all right. We got this. It’s like a reminder to ourselves as well to mantra that. Even with everything going on in the world, we're going to be okay."

On the writing process of the song, they stated:

> At our house, it’s by our porch. I have my keyboard, and we have our telephunk and mic, and our monitor. I just started playing some eerie chords. They’re really ethereal and fun and bright, and my sister and Diana Gordon, who we wrote the song with, we all got inspired by that. Then the melodies took over. We recorded those down even before we did the lyrics. Then we came back to the lyrics maybe about a week or two later after we felt the music and the melodies, and we went along with it like that. It was a fun and freeing process, and we spoke straight from the heart.
>
>

## Live performances

The duo performed "The Kids Are Alright" live on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* in March 2018.

## Critical reception

Writing for *SoulBounce*, writer Donte Gibson described the song as a "youth-centric anthem". He believes that "[Chloe x Halle] once again defy things as typical as genre, seeming to fuse pop and R&B seamlessly with their own unique style. It works, especially since the song is all about the youth of the current generation being able to forge their own way in modern-day society." He also remarked that even though there is no bass line or drums accompanying their vocals, they're only supported by airy synth chords and their own layered backing vocals. "It's not until the track's final minute that the thump of drums is felt, and even then their introduced more as ornamentation than a crucial element to the song. The choice gives the song a hopeful, optimistic feeling as it keeps the sound pretty light and easy." Aron A. from HotNewHipHop commented that the sisters "vocal abilities shine through the song's production and they continue to prove that they're about to making some major moves in the future." He also believed that the song "showcases the maturity in their artistry and sound."

Describing the song as a "synth-heavy anthem that rebutts the tiresome (and inaccurate) lazy millenial cliche", *Complex*'s Grant Rindner praised the "powerful" vocal runs, and felt that the track features "some of the strongest writing of their young careers."

## Usage in other media

The song was featured in the debut episode of American sitcom series *Grown-ish*, were both Chloe and Halle star.

## Lyrics

We don't really care about the trends you like to follow

You know what they say, they here today and gone tomorrow

Oooh

Oooh

If I'm in the mood I get as ratchet as I wanna

Turn around and show you, I could bless you with some culture

Oooh

Oooh

Workin' ain't no nine to five

California that's a vibe

Friends, that's always down to ride

You know, you know that's the life

We just wanna have some fun

It's some love for everyone

Pass it 'round when you get done

That's the move yeah that's the one

We all, we all, we alright

The kids are alright

We all, we alright

Yeah the kids are alright

We all, we all, we alright

The kids are alright

We all, we alright

Yeah, the kids are-

Everything is new cause we about that innovation

Call it how we see it we a genius generation

Oooh

Oooh

Workin' ain't no nine to five!

California that's a vibe

We down to ride

You know, you know that's the life

We wanna have some fun

It's some love for everyone

Pass it 'round when you get done

That's the move yeah that's the one (the one)

We all, we all, we alright

The kids are alright

We all, we alright

Yeah the kids are alright

We all, we all, we alright

The kids are alright

We all, we alright

Yeah the kids are-

Do it while you young

Don't let them turn you numb

Don't let them get you strung

Ooh let me put you on

Don't listen to them lies

Stop following the hype

Better meditate, better namaste

Better go and get your life

We all, we all, we alright

The kids are alright

We all, we alright!

Yeah the kids are alright

We all, we all, we alright

The kids are alright

We all, we alright!

Yeah the kids are-

Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (Hoh!)

The kids are alright

Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah yeah (Hoh!)

Yeah the kids are alright (whoo!)

Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (Hoh!)

The kids are alright

Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Yeah the kids are alright

## **"The Kids Are Alright (song)" credits adapted from Tidal**

### Written by:

Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Dianna Gordon, Tayla Parx

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Chloe x Halle – The Kids Are Alright Lyrics". Genius Lyrics. Retrieved on February 23, 2021.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Gibson, Donte (January 3, 2018). "Chloe x Halle Let Us Know ‘The Kids Are Alright’". SoulBounce. Retrieved on February 23, 2021.
3. ↑ Chloe x Halle (October 26, 2018). "Chloe x Halle Perform “The Kids Are Alright” on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!". YouTube. Retrieved on February 23, 2021.
4. ↑ Aron A. (January 3, 2018). "Chloe X Halle Release Their Latest Single "The Kids Are Alright"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved on February 23, 2021.
5. ↑ Rindner, Grant (January 3, 2018). "Chloe and Halle Return With Soaring Single “The Kids Are Alright”". *Complex*. Retrieved on February 21, 2021.
6. ↑ O'Brien, Shannon (January 3, 2018). "Chloe x Halle Release New Song During “Grown-ish” Premiere". *TigerBeat*. Retrieved on February 23, 2021.
7. ↑ "Credits / The Kids Are Alright / Chloe x Halle". Tidal. Retrieved on March 13, 2021.