Introduction
Doja Cat and SZA’s collaboration, “Kiss Me More,” took the music industry by storm upon its release on April 9, 2021. The song has since climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and has become a fan favorite as a result of its catchy melody, sultry beat, and playful lyrics. However, beneath the surface lies a story that’s just as fascinating: the meaning behind the song. In this article, we’ll dive into the lyrics and explore what the songwriters and performers were trying to convey.
The Message
On first listen, “Kiss Me More” may seem like a harmless love song about two people falling for each other. In reality, it’s much more nuanced than that. The song is about the intensity and vulnerability that come with forming a connection, whether it be romantic or not. “It’s just about being open to someone”, Doja has stated in an interview. “I’m not trying to make anything deeper than what it is. That’s really all it is.”
The chorus, in particular, captures this sentiment:
“Oh, say, say, say, Hey, hey now, baby
You gon’ make me hit you with that lay down, baby
(Oh) I ain’t never need a man to take care of me
(Yeah)Ay, and that’s facts
(Oh) I’m a boss-ass bitch, huh, who up like Trump, ass
(Oh) And you can tell by the way I walk, huh, that I got ’em
(Oh) Tat-tat on my bеat, huh, that’s right
Cardi ain’t poppin’ but they copyin’, huh? Skate, slide on a pimp gang, ride, nigga, whoop-whoop
Attempted to try, never said they snatched my weave
Weave, I’m still on the rise
I’m still tryna learn balance”
The lyrics represent the modern day woman – independent, confident, and unapologetic. “I ain’t never need a man to take care of me” implies that women are fully capable of taking care of themselves and don’t need anyone to complete them. The line “Tat-tat on my beat” refers to Doja’s own beat-making on the track. She then adds a reference to the song “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B in the next line, “Cardi ain’t poppin’ but they copyin’, huh?” The songwriters note that there is a fine line between paying homage and stealing within the rap game.
The Video
The music video for “Kiss Me More” added another layer of complexity to the song’s message. The video takes place on a different planet, where Doja Cat plays a humanoid alien who falls in love with an astronaut (played by model Alex Landi). While the video does have a playful, whimsical feel, it still manages to convey the message of the song. The video is directed by Warren Fu, who is known for his cinematic visuals, says in an interview, “Doja was very clear that she wanted the space to feel sensual and fun and kind of flirtatious. We wanted to give it a different spin.”
The opening shot of the video shows a UFO landing on an unknown planet. That’s when Doja makes her grand entrance. Her outfit, which is reminiscent of an astronaut suit coupled with pastel-colored pigtails accentuates her childish but sexy nature. Later on, Landi, the astronaut hero who lands on this planet, discovers Doja and they share a flirtatious moment before falling into a bed of roses. The video describes what we all have felt. The excitement of meeting someone new, the curiosity and a sense of adventure that comes along with starting something new while invoking the butterfly feeling that leaves us on the edge of our seats.
The Collaborators
Doja Cat and SZA’s collaboration on “Kiss Me More” is significant for several reasons. It marks a pivotal point in Doja’s career as she continues to rise in popularity and gather recognition as a rapper and artist. For SZA, “Kiss Me More” is her first notable collab in over two years, following her release “The Weekend”. The two artists gel seamlessly in the song, producing a catchy tune that’s unique and enjoyable to listen to.
Speaking of working with SZA, Doja mentioned in an interview that “she’s been one of my biggest inspirations as far as writing goes and singing goes…working with her has always been something I’ve always wanted to do.” SZA’s unique voice adds a dreamy and soothing quality to the song, while Doja’s rap verse freshens up and complements the melody.
Conclusion
“Kiss Me More” is a catchy and flirtatious song that’s instantly recognizable. The lyrics and the music video convey a deeper message about finding love and discovering vulnerability that strikes a chord with listeners and viewers alike. The collaboration between Doja Cat and SZA solidifies their place as an essential part of the modern-day music landscape. As we continue to experience a box office that is gradually beginning to open up, let us enjoy more of these lyric and music collaborations. As with “Kiss Me More,” that encases complex messages wrapped up in accessible tunes.
