Across three solo albums, DAWN has honed a style of music that she describes as “genderless and genreless”.
DAWN’s 2019 album New Breed was her most successful to date. Showcasing her home city New Orleans and the Carnival Indian culture makes her latest album a one of a kind masterpiece. Her vocal and dance ability are matched with her production and songwriting skills making her one of most extraordinary talents of our time. New Breed was named as one of the year’s best albums by Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Vogue, FACT, LA Times, Spin, Rap Up and many more. DAWN continues to push the boundaries of music and visual technology with her videos and live show, becoming the first artist to perform live in 360 on YouTube. She has also released a VR album debuted by WIRED as well as collaborated with her long time partners Adult Swim making her the first black female singer to do so. What makes DAWN a unique pop sensation and a phenomenon is that she does this all DIY. Being completely Independent with no label or team she has broken ceilings for women, POC, LGBTQ, and so many others. DAWN is more than just her music, she is a movement.
Tug of War
Dawn Richard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh huh uuu uuhh
Uh huh uuu uuhh
Uh huh uuu uuhh
Uh huh uuu uuhh
Uh huh uuu uuhh
Uh huh uuu uuhh
I don't know but it's the right time baby
I don't know who's gonna win
On top of me but baby I'll be fighting
I don't care if it takes all night yeah
Baby I'm gonna be the champion
Keep it right there when I'm doing this
Telling me give up, when you want this
I don't give a fuck now, I'ma be on top now
Show you what I'm there for
Oh we're playing tug of war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
Baby, this love is war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
You don't know what's coming to you
You don't know I'll put it on you
Babe I'm on a mission,
I see a spot and you left it right open
I don't care if it means you're losing
That's the point, I want you to feel it
I don't know who's gonna win
On top of me but baby I'll be fighting
I don't care if it means you're losing
Baby I'm gonna be the champion
Keep it right there when I'm doing this
Telling me give up, when you wanting this
I don't give a fuck now, I'ma be on top now
Show you what I'm made for
Oh we're playing tug of war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
Baby, this love is war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
Keep it right there when I'm doing this
Telling me give up, when you wanting this
I don't give a fuck now, I'ma be on top now
Show you what I'm made for
Oh we're playing tug of war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
Baby, this love is war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
Dawn Richard's song Tug of War represents a relationship in which the power dynamics are shifting. The chorus of the song highlights how they are playing tug of war, specifically in the realm of love. The opening lyrics suggest a sense of confusion and uncertainty, with the singer claiming not to know what is happening. Still, she expresses that it is the right time, indicating a readiness for whatever is to come.
The verses reveal the singer's determination to come out on top, to be the champion in this game. Though it is unclear who will win, she states that she will be fighting, and she will not give up, even if it takes all night. The lyrics suggest that she is willing to do whatever it takes to prove herself worthy of love, even if it means exploiting her partner's weaknesses. She describes being on a mission, seeing a spot left open by her lover, and taking advantage of it to assert herself. The repeated lines, "I'm gonna be the champion" and "Baby, this love is war," emphasize the competitive nature of the relationship and the singer's determination to win.
Overall, Tug of War explores the complexity of power dynamics in relationships and the desire to prove oneself worthy of love. The lyrics reflect a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability in the face of shifting power, but also a fierce determination to come out on top.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh huh uuu uuhh
Repetitive vocalization for emphasis
I don't know what's going on now baby
I'm unsure of the current situation
I don't know but it's the right time baby
Even though I'm unsure, it feels like the right time
I don't know who's gonna win
I'm uncertain about the outcome
On top of me but baby I'll be fighting
You may have an advantage, but I won't give up
I don't care if it takes all night yeah
I'm willing to fight for as long as it takes
Baby I'm gonna be the champion
I'm determined to win
Keep it right there when I'm doing this
Don't move, I need to concentrate
Telling me give up, when you want this
You're trying to make me quit, but I won't
I don't give a fuck now, I'ma be on top now
I don't care anymore, I'll come out on top
Show you what I'm there for
I'll prove my worth
Oh we're playing tug of war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
We're in a struggle for power
Baby, this love is war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
Our relationship is competitive and challenging
You don't know what's coming to you
You're not prepared for what I'll do
You don't know I'll put it on you
You're not aware of my abilities
Babe I'm on a mission
I have a goal to achieve
I see a spot and you left it right open
I noticed a weakness in your defense
I don't care if it means you're losing
I'm willing to make you lose to win
That's the point, I want you to feel it
I want you to feel my strength and dominance
Keep it right there when I'm doing this
Don't move, I need to focus
Telling me give up, when you wanting this
You're trying to make me surrender, but I won't
Show you what I'm made for
I'll demonstrate my abilities
Oh we're playing tug of war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
We're in a struggle for power
Baby, this love is war (we're playin', we're playin', we're playin')
Our relationship is competitive and challenging
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind