Girls Like You – Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B (Volume 2)

Released on May 30, 2018, Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” featuring Cardi B became an instant hit, captivating audiences with its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful music video. The song, a standout track from Maroon 5’s sixth studio album Red Pill Blues, was later re-released with a guest verse by Cardi B, adding a fresh and dynamic layer to the track. The accompanying music video, directed by David Dobkin, further amplified the song’s impact, featuring a diverse group of influential women from various fields, thereby transforming “Girls Like You” into more than just a pop song—it became an anthem of female empowerment and unity.

Musical Composition and Lyrics
“Girls Like You” is a pop-rock track that leans heavily on an acoustic guitar-driven melody, which is both uplifting and soothing. The simplicity of the instrumental arrangement allows Adam Levine’s vocals to shine, delivering the song’s sincere and affectionate lyrics. The song is built around a repetitive chord progression that creates a comforting and familiar sound, making it easily accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.

The lyrics of “Girls Like You” express admiration and gratitude toward a significant other, celebrating the love and companionship that she brings into the protagonist’s life. The chorus, “‘Cause girls like you run ’round with guys like me / ‘Til sundown when I come through / I need a girl like you, yeah yeah,” reflects the sentiment of needing someone special who complements and completes the singer. It’s a straightforward, yet effective, expression of love and appreciation that resonates with listeners.

Cardi B’s verse adds a contrasting, yet complementary, perspective to the song. Her rap segment is confident and playful, injecting energy and assertiveness into the track. Cardi B’s verse tells a story of a strong, independent woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself. Lines like, “Not too long ago, I was dancing for dollars / Know it’s really real if I let you meet my mama,” bring a sense of authenticity and empowerment, as Cardi B reflects on her journey and success.

The Music Video: A Visual Tribute to Women
The music video for “Girls Like You” is perhaps one of the most significant elements of the song’s success. Directed by David Dobkin, the video is a celebration of women from all walks of life. It features an array of female celebrities, activists, athletes, and influencers, each of whom has made a significant impact in their respective fields.

The video begins with Adam Levine standing alone in a circular room, singing the opening lines. As the camera rotates around him, various women appear one by one, dancing and singing along to the song. The minimalist setting of the video places the focus entirely on the women, allowing their presence and personalities to take center stage.

The lineup of women featured in the video is both impressive and diverse. It includes figures such as comedian Tiffany Haddish, Olympian Aly Raisman, actress Gal Gadot, activist and author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar. Also appearing are musicians like Camila Cabello and Jennifer Lopez, as well as athletes like Danica Patrick and soccer star Alex Morgan. Each woman represents a different aspect of female strength, resilience, and empowerment.

One of the most touching moments in the video comes toward the end when Levine’s wife, Behati Prinsloo, and their daughter, Dusty Rose, join him on screen. This personal touch adds a layer of intimacy to the video, emphasizing the song’s themes of love and family.

Cultural Impact and Reception
“Girls Like You” was not only a commercial success, topping charts around the world, but it also became a cultural phenomenon. The song spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as one of Maroon 5’s most successful singles. The music video quickly went viral, amassing billions of views on YouTube and sparking conversations about the representation of women in media.

The video’s celebration of women and its inclusion of a wide range of female role models resonated deeply with viewers. It was praised for its positive portrayal of women and its message of empowerment. The timing of the release, during a period of heightened awareness and activism around issues such as gender equality and women’s rights, further amplified its impact.

Critics and fans alike applauded the collaboration between Maroon 5 and Cardi B. Cardi B’s verse was particularly well-received for its energetic delivery and its contrast to the more mellow tone of Levine’s vocals. The collaboration between a pop-rock band and a rap artist also showcased the blending of genres that has become increasingly popular in contemporary music.

Conclusion
“Girls Like You” by Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B is more than just a catchy pop song; it’s a celebration of love, diversity, and female empowerment. The song’s infectious melody, combined with its heartfelt lyrics and dynamic collaboration, made it a standout hit in 2018. The music video, with its powerful visual tribute to women, further elevated the song’s message and ensured its place in popular culture.

Through “Girls Like You,” Maroon 5 and Cardi B not only created a chart-topping hit but also contributed to the ongoing conversation about the importance of representation and the celebration of women’s achievements. The song and its video continue to inspire and resonate with audiences, making it a timeless anthem of love and empowerment.

Spent 24 hours, I need more hours with you
You spent the weekend getting even, ooh
We spent the late nights making things right between us

But now it’s all good, babe
Roll that backwood, babe
And play me close

‘Cause girls like you run ’round with guys like me
Till sundown when I come through
I need a girl like you, yeah yeah
Girls like you love fun, and yeah, me too
What I want when I come through
I need a girl like you, yeah yeah

Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I need a girl like you, yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I need a girl like you

I spent last night on the last flight to you
Took a whole day up tryna get way up, ooh
We spent the daylight tryna make things right between us

But now it’s all good, babe
Roll that backwood, babe
And play me close

Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I need a girl like you, yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I need a girl like you, yeah yeah
I need a girl like you, yeah yeah
I need a girl like you

Maybe it’s six forty-five
Maybe I’m barely alive
Maybe you’ve taken my shit for the last time, yeah
Maybe I know that I’m drunk
Maybe I know you’re the one
Maybe I’m thinking it’s better if you drive
‘Cause girls like you run ’round with guys like me
‘Till sundown when i come through
I need a girl like you yeah yeah

Not too long ago, I was dancing for dollars (eeoow)
Know it’s really real if I let you meet my mama (eeoow)
You don’t want a girl like me, I’m too crazy
But every other girl you meet is fugazi (okurrrt)
I’m sure them other girls were nice enough
But you need someone to spice it up
So who you gonna call? Cardi, Cardi
Come and rev it up like a Harley, Harley
Why is the best fruit always forbidden?
I’m coming to you now doin’ 20 over the limit
The red light, red light stop, stop (skrrt)
I don’t play when it comes to my heart, let’s get it though
I don’t really want a white horse and a carriage
I’m thinkin’ more a white Porsches and carats
I need you right here ’cause every time you’re far
I play with this kitty like you play wit’ your guitar (ah)

Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I need a girl like you, yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I need a girl like you

Cardi B Maroon 5