Jack Harlow’s “Dua Lipa” is about the artist’s aspirations, achievements, and personal life. At its core, the song reflects the drive to do more, to be more. Harlow touches on his ambition by using the metaphor of wanting to do more with Dua Lipa than just a feature. This isn’t just about wanting to collaborate with a famous artist; it’s about desiring a life that goes beyond the baseline expectations. While doing so, Harlow also spills some tea about public perception, his city, and how he’s scaling up from basements to arenas.
Craving the juicy details? Let’s unpack how Jack Harlow masterfully uses sharp wit, deep self-reflection, and nods to pop culture to weave his narrative.
“Dua Lipa” Lyrics Meaning
“Rain, rain, rain, rain.” Harlow may be talking about a cleansing, a fresh start. It sets the tone for the narrative about to unfold. Then he jumps into the line “Dua Lipa, I’m tryna do more with her than do a feature.” He’s referring to the artist Dua Lipa and making a statement about how he wants to go beyond the usual. Just like he wants to have more than a working relationship with her, he wants his life to be more than just a series of features or moments.
“I checked the web, they out here chewin’ me up, f–k it,” moves into the territory of public perception. Harlow understands the internet is both a tool and a battlefield. He doesn’t shy away from admitting that he reads what people say about him online.
Now, let’s address “You know my city like the new Korea, bustin’.” Here Harlow gets local, emphasizing the vibrant energy and dynamism of his hometown, without explicitly naming it. He’s got pride in where he’s from, and he’s confident that it’s making waves.
“Fadeaway, I lift that Luka knee up, bucket” is a blend of sports and life. The fadeaway shot is one of the most difficult in basketball, and Luka Dončić is renowned for it. Harlow relates this to his own life, implying he makes difficult tasks look easy.
“I sold them basements out, let’s do arenas, crushing,” emphasizes his growth. From low-key basement gigs to full-fledged arenas, Harlow is scaling up and doesn’t intend to stop. It connects well with the overall theme of wanting more.
“She looking, I’m blushing, I’m lying, I’m touching,” gives us a quick look at his love life. Love or lust, whatever it is, Harlow acknowledges the game but doesn’t let it define him.
“Girl, them Russian twists is working, now just put your butt into it,” can be viewed as a comment on both workouts and relationships. It’s like he’s saying, “Hey, you’re doing good, but you can always do better.”
The Story Behind “Dua Lipa”
When Jack Harlow penned “Dua Lipa,” he was riding a wave of success and coming to terms with his newfound fame. While fame comes with its perks, it’s often accompanied by intense scrutiny, something Harlow doesn’t shy away from acknowledging in his lyrics. His state of mind seems to be one of careful introspection as well as ambition. He’s young, and he’s achieved a lot, but there’s this lingering hunger for more.
The artist uses the song to express these complex emotions and thoughts, giving us a multi-layered understanding of who he is at this moment. The track reflects the duality of wanting to stay true to one’s roots while also reaching for the stars. Harlow knows that he has the talent and the drive to keep scaling up, and he’s not afraid to declare it to the world. So, when he mentions doing more than just a feature with Dua Lipa, it’s his declaration of wanting to excel to make the most of his opportunities.
This need to scale up and do more is emblematic of his transition from a promising artist who used to perform in basements to someone who’s headlining arenas. It’s a testament to his growing influence in the hip-hop world, and the lyrics do an excellent job of encapsulating that journey. Even the title, “Dua Lipa,” is symbolic. It reflects the level of stardom and influence he’s aiming for—something that doesn’t come easy but is clearly within his sight.