Released: 2024
When Brains Dance by Lou Val is a smooth track that blends elements of romance, life’s journey, and the inevitability of change, all while laying it on a bed of chill, vibey beats. The song seems to reflect on the complexities of relationships and the passage of time, painting vivid pictures with its lyrics.
Lou Val opens up with imagery of closing chapters in life, symbolized by “watching pages finally close” and choosing to “paint it all in indigo,” which suggests deep reflection and perhaps a bit of melancholy, as indigo can represent both wisdom and sadness. The repetition of “in the city” hints at the setting being not just a place, but a character in this narrative, where the hustle and the endless opportunities make and break connections. The phrase “in between me” followed by “there’s gold” could signify that amidst the chaos and the complexity of city life, there lies something precious within the protagonist.
The complexity of trying to control life’s uncertain moments is captured with “These are things you can’t control.” The struggle and acceptance of life’s unpredictability are echoed in the refusal to “close your eyes for the ride,” embracing the journey with its ups and downs.
The chorus brings in a more personal dimension, highlighting a romantic encounter with a “pretty fine ting,” a term used here to describe someone highly attractive and desirable. The seductive dance, “way she dancing, sexy mami,” suggests a strong physical and emotional attraction, underscoring the theme of desire and connection.
However, there’s a touch of melancholy in “I don’t wanna leave you alone” and the acknowledgment that “someone’s gonna come,” indicating the transient nature of the encounter and perhaps relationships in general, in the protagonist’s life.
The use of “Abiola, abiola” introduces a personal element, maybe referring to a specific person or an archetype of a lover, reinforced by the playful yet earnest “Shabi say I be wahalla,” which is a Yoruba phrase meaning acknowledgment of being trouble but in an endearing way. The verses, “Say you want me, you not fronting” and “No be gas, you just deh pumpin'” bring in elements of assurance and sincerity in affection, stripping down pretenses. This authentic connection contrasts with the ephemeral encounters depicted earlier.
The repeated references to “In my Rover, the Navigator” and “Calculate, oh, my time is money” speak to the grind and the hustle, the constant movement, and the valuation of time in this swift-paced life. Yet, even with this acknowledgment of time’s worth, the protagonist is willing to pause, “Let’s lay here, enjoy the safe array,” highlighting a moment of tranquility and connection amidst the chaos.
In essence, When Brains Dance by Lou Val weaves together the themes of change, connection, and the value of moments amidst life’s inevitable flux. Through its lyrics, it captures the highs of romantic connection and the introspective moments of solitude, all while inviting listeners into a narrative that’s both reflective and forward-looking.
