Levitating Featuring DaBaby – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” featuring DaBaby, is a standout track from her 2020 album Future Nostalgia and has become one of the most iconic pop songs of recent years. Blending retro influences with modern production, “Levitating” brings together elements of disco, funk, and electro-pop, creating an infectious sound that has dominated both charts and dance floors worldwide. The addition of rapper DaBaby adds a fresh dynamic to the song, combining pop with rap in a seamless fusion that enhances the energy and appeal of the track.
The song, produced by Koz and Stuart Price, is a shining example of Lipa’s ability to draw inspiration from past musical eras while making them feel current and fresh. Its upbeat rhythm, catchy chorus, and space-themed lyrics make it a celebratory and feel-good anthem that stands out in Lipa’s discography.
A Look at the Music and Production
“Levitating” is built around a bass-heavy groove and funky beats that immediately evoke the classic sounds of 1970s disco. The use of synthesizers, rhythmic claps, and a driving bassline creates a pulsating energy that makes the song instantly danceable. Lipa’s vocals float effortlessly over the track, delivering lyrics about love, euphoria, and escape. The chorus, in particular, is irresistibly catchy:
“I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight. I need you all night, come on, dance with me. I’m levitating.”
These lyrics, combined with the song’s rhythmic beat, make “Levitating” a joyous, feel-good experience that transports listeners into a world of light-hearted fun and romance. The space-themed imagery of moonlight, stars, and levitation further elevates the song, adding a whimsical element that enhances its carefree vibe.
The production on “Levitating” is sleek and polished, thanks in part to Stuart Price, a legendary producer who has worked with artists like Madonna and Kylie Minogue. His influence is evident in the song’s impeccable structure and pacing. Every beat, synth line, and vocal riff is meticulously crafted to keep the energy high and the mood uplifting. The result is a track that feels both timeless and modern, effortlessly blending the nostalgia of disco with the cutting-edge sensibilities of contemporary pop.
DaBaby’s Feature: A Pop-Rap Fusion
The collaboration between Dua Lipa and DaBaby on “Levitating” is an example of how pop and rap can work together to create a compelling and dynamic sound. DaBaby’s rap verse is strategically placed in the latter half of the song, providing a burst of energy that contrasts with Lipa’s smooth vocals. His confident, playful delivery complements the song’s theme of feeling unstoppable and euphoric in love. In his verse, DaBaby raps:
“My love is like a rocket, watch it blast off. And I’m feelin’ so electric, dance my ass off.”
This line, filled with space metaphors, meshes perfectly with the rest of the song’s celestial imagery. DaBaby’s presence gives the track an edge, expanding its appeal to both pop and hip-hop audiences. His feature adds a layer of grit and swagger, making “Levitating” feel even more dynamic and exhilarating.
Lyrical Themes: Love, Euphoria, and Escapism
At its core, “Levitating” is a celebration of love and the feelings of euphoria that come with it. The lyrics are playful and imaginative, using cosmic imagery to describe the transcendent experience of being in love. Lines like “I’m levitating,” and “You’re my starlight,” suggest that love is an otherworldly force that can make someone feel like they’re floating above reality.
The song is not just about romantic love, but also about the freedom and happiness that come from letting go and embracing the moment. It’s about enjoying life to the fullest, without fear or hesitation. This sense of escapism is reinforced by the song’s energetic tempo and upbeat rhythm, which make it impossible to listen to without wanting to move and dance.
In an era where many pop songs focus on heartbreak and emotional turmoil, “Levitating” stands out as a joyful and carefree anthem that encourages listeners to celebrate the good times. It’s a reminder that love and happiness can be lighthearted, fun, and even a little bit magical.
The Music Video: A Visual Explosion
The official music video for “Levitating,” directed by Warren Fu, is as vibrant and lively as the song itself. Set in a futuristic, neon-lit world, the video features Dua Lipa and DaBaby dancing through various otherworldly environments. The video’s aesthetic is a mix of retro-futurism and disco glamour, with sparkling outfits, glossy visuals, and plenty of space-themed imagery.
The choreography in the video is another highlight, with Dua Lipa leading a group of dancers in synchronized routines that emphasize the song’s infectious rhythm. The visuals are a perfect complement to the track, reinforcing its themes of joy, love, and freedom. The video is a visual celebration of all the things that “Levitating” represents—fun, excitement, and the thrill of being in love.
Chart Success and Cultural Impact
“Levitating” became one of the biggest hits of 2020 and 2021, topping charts around the world and becoming a fan favorite from Future Nostalgia. Its success was bolstered by its viral popularity on TikTok, where users created dance routines to the song. The track’s irresistible beat and catchy lyrics made it a perfect fit for the platform, helping it to reach even wider audiences.
The collaboration with DaBaby also added to the song’s mainstream appeal, bridging the gap between pop and rap fans. Despite some controversy surrounding DaBaby in later years, “Levitating” remains a standout hit in Dua Lipa’s career, solidifying her status as one of the leading pop stars of her generation.
Conclusion
Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” featuring DaBaby is a perfect example of modern pop music at its finest. With its infectious beat, imaginative lyrics, and stellar production, the song captures the joy and excitement of being in love, while also offering a sense of escapism and fun. Whether you’re a fan of pop, disco, or hip-hop, “Levitating” is a track that transcends genres and leaves listeners feeling uplifted and energized.
If you wanna run away with me, I know a galaxy
And I can take you for a ride
I had a premonition that we fell into a rhythm
Where the music don’t stop for life
Glitter in the sky, glitter in my eyes
Shining just the way I like
If you’re feeling like you need a little bit of company
You met me at the perfect time
You want me, I want you, baby
My sugarboo, I’m levitating
The Milky Way, we’re renegading
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight
I need you all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating
You, moonlight, you’re my starlight (you’re the moonlight)
I need you all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating
I believe that you’re for me, I feel it in our energy
I see us written in the stars
We can go wherever, so let’s do it now or never, baby
Nothing’s ever, ever too far
Glitter in the sky, glitter in our eyes
Shining just the way we are
I feel like we’re forever, every time we get together
But whatever, let’s get lost on Mars
You want me, I want you, baby
My sugarboo, I’m levitating
The Milky Way, we’re renegading
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight
I need you all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating
You, moonlight, you’re my starlight (you’re the moonlight)
I need you all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating (whoo)
You can fly away with me tonight
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I’m levitating (whoo)
You can fly away with me tonight
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoo)
My love is like a rocket, watch it blast off
And I’m feeling so electric, dance my arse off
And even if I wanted to, I can’t stop
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
My love is like a rocket, watch it blast off
And I’m feeling so electric, dance my arse off
And even if I wanted to, I can’t stop
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
You want me, I want you, baby
My sugarboo, I’m levitating
The Milky Way, we’re renegading
I got you (yeah), moonlight, you’re my starlight
I need you all night (all night), come on, dance with me
I’m levitating (whoo)
You can fly away with me tonight (tonight)
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (take you for a ride)
I’m levitating (whoo)
You can fly away with me tonight (tonight)
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (let me take you for a ride)
I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight (you are my starlight)
I need you all night, come on, dance with me (come on, dance with me, baby)
I’m levitating
You, moonlight, you’re my starlight (you’re the moonlight)
I need you all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating