Locked Away by R. City featuring Adam Levine is a song that has resonated with many since its release on June 29, 2015. This track is part of R. City’s debut studio album, What Dreams Are Made Of, which was produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut. The song falls under the genres of dancehall and reggae fusion, a blend of Caribbean rhythms with contemporary pop elements.
Locked Away is about unconditional love and loyalty, questioning whether a partner would stay committed through difficult times. The song’s message and beat made it go viral.
The duo Rock City, consisting of brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas, drew inspiration for Locked Away from their own family experiences. The song reflects their parents’ enduring relationship despite numerous hardships, including their father’s imprisonment. This personal connection adds depth to the song’s lyrics, making it a heartfelt tribute to enduring love.
Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5, lends his distinctive voice to the chorus. Levine’s collaboration with R. City helped bring the song to a broader audience.
The music video for Locked Away, directed by Marc Klasfeld, further enhances the song’s narrative. Released on August 14, 2015, the video portrays various scenarios of couples facing challenges and staying loyal to each other. It features four different families dealing with issues such as military deployment, financial struggles, and imprisonment. The video opens with a soldier leaving his family to return to service, highlighting the sacrifices made by military families. Another storyline follows a man and a woman fighting to make ends meet, while another depicts a father and daughter torn apart by an unlawful act. The video concludes with scenes of reconciliation and hope, reinforcing the song’s message of enduring love.
Locked Away achieved significant success in the music industry, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also charted highly in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The song’s success marked R. City’s first top ten hit and further solidified Adam Levine’s status as a versatile artist capable of crossing genres. The song’s popularity was bolstered by its relatable lyrics and the voices of both R. City and Levine.
Locked Away has been performed live by both R. City and Adam Levine on various occasions, including television appearances and concerts. The live performances capture the energy and emotion of the studio recording, further cementing the song’s place in popular music.
Locked Away is a confirmation to R. City’s songwriting talent and their ability to create songs that resonates with audiences across generations. . Locked Away continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans old and new As one of R. City’s most beloved songs.
Locked Away by R. City ft. Adam Levine (Lyrics)
[Adam Levine:]
If I got locked away,
And we lost it all today,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
If I showed you my flaws,
If I couldn’t be strong,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
[R. City:]
Right about now.
If a judge for-life me,
Would you stay by my side?
Or is ya gonna say good-bye?
Can you tell me right now?
If I couldn’t buy you the fancy things in life,
Shorty, would it be alright?
Come and show me that you are down
(ah-ha)
Now tell me would you really ride for me?
(would you really ride for me?)
Baby, tell me would you die for me?
(tell me would you die for me?)
Would you spend your whole life with me?
(what’s up?)
Would you be there to always hold me down?
Tell me would you really cry for me?
(would you really cry for me?)
Baby, don’t lie to me.
(baby, don’t lie to me)
If I didn’t have anything,
(what’s up?)
I wanna know would you stick around?
[Adam Levine:]
If I got locked away,
And we lost it all today,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
If I showed you my flaws,
If I couldn’t be strong,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
[R. City:]
Skiddly-dong-dong-dong dang.
All I want is somebody real who don’t need much.
A girl I know that I can trust,
To be here when money low.
If I did not have nothing else to give but love,
Would that even be enough?
(tell me, tell me, tell me)
Girl, meh need fi know
(ah-ha)
Now, tell me would you really ride for me?
(would you really ride for me?)
Baby, tell me would you die for me?
(tell me would you die for me?)
Would you spend your whole life with me?
(what’s up?)
Would you be there to always hold me down?
Tell me would you really cry for me?
(would you really cry for me?)
Baby, don’t lie to me.
(baby, don’t lie to me)
If I didn’t have anything,
(what’s up?)
I wanna know would you stick around?
[Adam Levine:]
If I got locked away,
And we lost it all today,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
If I showed you my flaws,
If I couldn’t be strong,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
[R. City:]
Tell me, tell me, would you want me?
(want me)
Tell me, tell me, would you call me?
(call me)
If you knew I wasn’t ballin’
‘Cause I need a gal who’s always by my side…
Tell me, tell me, do you need me?
(need me)
Tell me, tell me, do you love me? Yeah.
Or is ya just tryna play me?
‘Cause I need a gal to hold me down for life.
[Adam Levine:]
If I got locked away,
And we lost it all today,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
If I showed you my flaws,
If I couldn’t be strong,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
If I got locked away,
And we lost it all today,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
If I showed you my flaws,
If I couldn’t be strong,
Tell me honestly,
Would you still love me the same?
Would you still love me the same?