Drake’s “One Dance,” featuring Wizkid and Kyla, became a global sensation, dominating charts worldwide. Its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics made it an instant classic. Let’s explore the lyrics that captivated millions and cemented “One Dance” as a summer anthem.
Verse 1: Setting the Scene
“Baby, I like your style
Grips on your waist
Front way, back way
You know that I don’t play
Streets not safe
But I never run away
Even when I’m away
Oti, oti, there’s never much love when we go OT
I pray to make it back in one piece
I pray, I pray”
The opening verse of “One Dance” immediately establishes an intimate and slightly edgy atmosphere. Drake expresses his attraction and physical connection (“grips on your waist”) while acknowledging a sense of danger (“streets not safe”). This contrast creates a compelling tension right from the start, hinting at a desire for escape and connection amidst a potentially chaotic environment. The lines “Oti, oti, there’s never much love when we go OT” and “I pray to make it back in one piece” add a layer of vulnerability, suggesting the high stakes and risks associated with his lifestyle.
Chorus: The Anthem of Escape
“That’s why I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time ‘fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time ‘fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me”
The chorus is the core of “One Dance”‘s appeal. It’s a direct and relatable expression of wanting to escape from pressures and responsibilities, even if just for a moment. “One dance” becomes a metaphor for release, a temporary haven from “higher powers taking a hold.” The mention of “Hennessy in my hand” further emphasizes the desire to unwind and lose oneself in the moment. The repetition of “one more time ‘fore I go” suggests a fleeting opportunity for this escape, making it all the more precious and urgent.
Verse 2: Loyalty and Urgency
“Baby, I like your style
Strength and guidance
All that I’m wishing for my friends
Nobody makes it from my ends
I had to bust up the silence
You know you gotta stick by me
Soon as you see the text, reply me
I don’t wanna spend time fighting
We’ve got no time”
Verse 2 shifts slightly to touch upon themes of loyalty and the value of genuine connections. “Strength and guidance” are qualities he appreciates, especially within his close circle (“my friends”). The line “Nobody makes it from my ends” hints at the challenges and struggles faced by people from his background, underscoring the importance of mutual support. The urgency is palpable in “Soon as you see the text, reply me” and “We’ve got no time,” reflecting a fast-paced life where time and loyalty are paramount.
Bridge: Dancehall Infusion
“Got a pretty girl and she love me long time
Wine it, wine it, very long time
Oh yeah, very long time
Back up, back up, back up and wine it
Back up, back up and wine it, girl
Back up, back up, back up and wine it
Oh yeah, very long time
Back up, back up and wine it, girl”
The bridge injects a strong dancehall flavor into “One Dance.” “Wine it” is a direct reference to a popular dance move in Caribbean music, emphasizing the sensual and rhythmic nature of the song. This section, largely delivered by Wizkid, adds a vibrant and energetic dimension, making the desire for “one dance” even more compelling and physically grounded. The repetition and infectious rhythm of the bridge contribute significantly to the song’s overall catchiness and danceability.
Outro: Lingering Invitation
“Tell me, I need to know, where do you wanna go?
‘Cause if you’re down, I’ll take it slow
Make you lose control
Where, where, where…”
The outro fades out with a question and a promise. “Tell me, I need to know, where do you wanna go?” suggests an openness and willingness to deepen the connection established through the dance. “Cause if you’re down, I’ll take it slow, make you lose control” is an enticing invitation, hinting at a desire to prolong the moment of escape and intimacy. The repetition of “Where, where, where…” creates a sense of lingering possibility and unresolved desire, leaving the listener wanting more.
“One Dance” is more than just a catchy tune; its lyrics skillfully blend themes of desire, escape, loyalty, and connection. Drake, alongside Wizkid and Kyla, crafted a song that resonated deeply with a global audience, making “One Dance” a defining track of its era and a testament to the power of rhythm and relatable lyrics.
