From 2016 to 2018, she released three EPs on the label, including Time, Change, and Ready. Her self-titled debut studio album was released in October 2018 and featured the singles "Boo'd Up" and "Trip", which charted in the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 5 and 11, respectively. In 2019, "Boo'd Up" was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Song of the Year and Best R&B Song, winning for the latter, as well as Mai herself being nominated for British Breakthrough Act at the 2019 Brit Awards. At the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, she won three awards, including the award for Top R&B Artist.
Boo'd Up
Ella Mai Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No, this ain't really like me
Can't control my anxiety
Feeling, like I'm touching the ceiling
When I'm with you I can't breathe
Boy, you do something to me
Ooh, no I'll never get over you until I find something new
Ooh, no I'll never get over you until I find something new
That get me high like you do
Listen my to heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, boo'd up
Hear my heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum it just won't stop, it go
Ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, boo'd up
Hear my heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, it just won't stop, it go
How many ways can I say that I need you? Baby, it's true
I think I might die without you
Feeling all over my body
You know how I like it
Ain't gotta tell you what to do, yeah yeah
Ooh, no I'll never get over you until I find something new
That get me high like you do, yeah yeah
Ooh, no I'll never get over you until I find something new
That get me high like you do
Listen my to heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, boo'd up
Hear my heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum it just won't stop, it go
Ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, boo'd up
Hear my heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, it just won't stop, it go
Head over heels in love
Right in front of you, ain't gotta look no more baby (hah)
I wanna build this love
And everything you want, you ain't gotta ask for
You got me boo'd up, boo'd up
Told you from the jump I'd only choose ya
Got me boo'd up, boo'd up
Grab me by the waist baby, pull me closer
Ooh, no I'll never get over you until I find something new
That get me high like you do, yeah yeah
Ooh, no I'll never get over you until I find something new
That get me high like you do
Listen my to heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, boo'd up
Hear my heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum it just won't stop, it go
Ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, boo'd up
Hear my heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
Biddy-da-dum, it just won't stop, it go
This is such a crazy feeling, like
I don't want to get too attached, but
I feel like I already am
My mind's telling me one thing, but
I guess I should listen to my heart
Right?
The lyrics to Ella Mai's song Boo'd Up expresses the depth of emotions felt in a new relationship. The singer is experiencing feelings that are deeper than she is used to, causing her anxiety to spiral out of control. However, when she is with her partner, she feels like she's on cloud nine and can't help but lose her breath. She is so enamored with him that she can't imagine moving on or finding someone else who makes her feel as high as he does. The beat of her heart is a constant reminder of her infatuation and love for him. She's head over heels, and it shows.
The chorus of the song is a catchy rhythm that follows the beat of her heart as it races with feelings for her partner. She repeats that she will never get over him until she finds something new that makes her feel as high as he does. The bridge of the song shows her internal struggle. Her mind is telling her not to become too attached to this person, but her heart is telling her the opposite. She wonders which voice to listen to.
Overall, the song is an ode to a new and exciting romantic relationship. The lyrics capture the range of emotions that come with new love, from anxiety to euphoria. The catchy rhythm and melody make it a certified hit that will undoubtedly have listeners singing along.
Line by Line Meaning
Feelings, so deep in my feelings
I'm really emotional and have strong feelings for you
No, this ain't really like me
Normally, I don't get attached to someone like this
Can't control my anxiety
My anxiety is high because of how much I like you
Feeling, like I'm touching the ceiling
When I'm with you, I feel incredible and on top of the world
When I'm with you I can't breathe
Being with you takes my breath away in the best way
Boy, you do something to me
You have an effect on me that I can't explain
Ooh, no I'll never get over you until I find something new
Until I find something that makes me feel the same way you do, I won't move on
That get me high like you do, yeah yeah
Whatever I find has to make me feel the same emotional high that I do with you
Listen my to heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
My heart beats loudly and happily when I'm with you
Biddy-da-dum, boo'd up
My heartbeat continues non-stop when I'm with you
Hear my heart go ba-dum, boo'd up
You make my heart race in a good way
It just won't stop, it go
My heart won't stop beating whenever I think about you
How many ways can I say that I need you? Baby, it's true
I can't express enough how much I need and desire you
I think I might die without you
You're so important to me, I feel like I couldn't survive without you
Feeling all over my body
The emotions I feel for you are physically affecting me
You know how I like it
You understand me and how to make me happy
Ain't gotta tell you what to do, yeah yeah
I trust you to do the right thing without me having to tell you
Head over heels in love
I'm completely and deeply in love with you
Right in front of you, ain't gotta look no more baby (hah)
You're the one I want and I don't need to look anywhere else
I wanna build this love
I want to grow and strengthen our relationship
And everything you want, you ain't gotta ask for
I want to give you everything you need without you having to ask
You got me boo'd up, boo'd up
You have me completely and happily under your spell
Told you from the jump I'd only choose ya
From the beginning, I've promised that I'll only choose and be with you
Grab me by the waist baby, pull me closer
I want to be close to you physically and emotionally
This is such a crazy feeling, like
This kind of intense emotional connection with you is new and exciting
I don't want to get too attached, but
I'm trying to caution myself not to get too emotionally invested too quickly
I feel like I already am
But deep down, I know I'm already attached to you
My mind's telling me one thing, but
I'm trying to be logical and cautious about my feelings
I guess I should listen to my heart
But my heart is telling me to take a chance on this love with you
Right?
Don't you think so too?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Dijon Isaiah McFarlane, Ella Mai Howell, Joelle Marie James, Larrance Levar Dopson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind