All That Glitters Isn’t Gold finds London-based Zimbabwean artist Ananya reflecting on disillusionment with quiet intensity.
The track trades dramatic highs for something more understated—a slow realisation creeping in rather than crashing down.
This slow-burning pop ballad builds around shimmering synths and lush piano chords, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Her vocals move effortlessly between quiet vulnerability as it glides on the lush backdrop, amplifying the song’s reflective nature.
“This song is one of those realisations that lingers for a while after the moment’s gone,” Ananya explains. “It’s about looking back at something (or someone) you once thought was special, only to see the cracks you ignored.”
That hesitation is woven into the song’s structure. The chorus swells, then fades. The instrumentation thickens, then pulls away.
By the end, the song feels like it’s slipping through your fingers rather than concluding.
Ananya’s lyrics balance frustration with restraint. “I met you and I put you on / You saw my secrets, had my fun” lands like an unfinished thought—half accusation, half self-reflection.
Subtle layers of harmonies and swelling instrumentation add depth without overpowering the core melody, making space for the lyrics to resonate.
The production leans into warmth and restraint, letting the emotion build naturally rather than forcing momentum.
There’s no dramatic unraveling here, just the quiet weight of hindsight setting in.
Listen to All That Glitters Isn’t Gold now.
You might also like:
- JOA Golden Years: A Coming-of-Age Anthem Wrapped in Melancholy and Defiance
- Varas Eaten By Worms: A Haunting Alt-Pop Reflection on Self-Preservation
- Dani Stocksdale Fight With Me: A Raw, Emotional Journey Through Fraying Friendships
ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN’T GOLD – LYRICS
Took me a while, I’ll admit it
Been looking out for deceptive qualities
Said you stood by me but you didn’t
I sniffed you out before you had the chance to leave
Don’t care about a reputation
I wish you nothing but the best
Think I deserved a conversation
Still you say you don’t love me less
But I met you and I put you on
You saw my secrets, had my fun
But when my world was uncontrolled
I never found your hand to hold
So I turned out my little lights
But then you said I caused a fight
I drew the line and here I fold
Cause all that glitters isn’t gold
Sometimes I wish I never spoke up
And kept it all inside to be a step ahead
Instead, the truth provoked you
Had you thinking it was untrue
Been keeping count of all of your bluffs
but somehow I held onto everything we were
a leopard doesn’t change its spots
I should’ve known the moment I was taking score
I met you and I put you on
You saw my secrets, had my fun
But when my world was uncontrolled
I never found your hand to hold
So I turned out my little lights
And then you said I caused a fight
I drew the line and here I fold
Cause all that glitters isn’t gold
If this meets the headlines
Have I reached your deadlines?
No, I’m not sorry
Living out a suitcase
You’re living in your space
I got out Scot free
Past the best-before date
Are we on the same page?
We’ll split evenly
I’ve been staying up late
I’ll say it with a straight face
I know you miss me
So I turned out my little lights
And then you said I caused a fight
I drew the line and here I fold
Cause all that glitters isn’t gold
