“One Dance” by Drake is a delicate blend of affectionate pursuit and an exploration of life’s uncertainties, all set against the backdrop of Drake’s complex relationship with fame. The track is a rhythmical Afrobeat-infused number, layered with dancehall elements, offering a cocktail of sounds that transport the listener into Drake’s multifaceted world.
Drake opens with “Baby, I like your style,” a simple yet powerful testament to his attraction. The lyrics “Grips on your waist. Front way, back way” further illustrate his physical enthrallment, using the slang terminology of dancehall culture to describe intimate moments. The line “You know that I don’t play. Streets not safe” hints at his hardened exterior, a product of navigating the volatile music industry and societal dangers.
The lyrics “Oti, oti, there’s never much love when we go OT”, Drake plays with the Nigerian Yoruba term ‘Oti’ which means ‘no’ or ‘never’, while ‘OT’ is slang for ‘out of town’. So, the line talks about the lack of love in unfamiliar territories. When he prays “to make it back in one piece”, it captures his awareness of the risks and the transient nature of success. The higher powers “taking a hold” on him could be a reference to the pressures and expectations that come with stardom.
When he raps “Strength and guidance, All that I’m wishing for my friends”, it reflects his role as a pillar of support. “Nobody makes it from my ends” touches on the struggles experienced in his hometown of Toronto, emphasizing the rarity of his success. “I had to bust up the silence” might suggest his need to encourage dialogue about these struggles.
The recurring “One dance, Got a Hennessy in my hand” signals for a fleeting moment of escape, a ‘one dance’ representing a brief respite from his chaotic reality. The Hennessy in his hand is both a symbol of celebration and a tool for numbing the stress. It’s clear that as much as he enjoys his success, Drake feels the pull of higher powers taking a hold of him.
The latter verse “Got a pretty girl and she love me long time, Fine like a wine…” introduces a woman who offers him solace. “Back up, back up, back up and whine it” accentuates the dancehall vibe, as ‘whine’ is a Caribbean dance move characterized by gyrating the waist. “Make you lose control” implies letting go within their intimate relationship, yet also mirrors his own fight for control in his life.
Drake’s “One Dance” works on multiple levels, maintaining a dance-worthy rhythm while exploring themes of fame, vulnerability, and desire. His ability to lace dancefloor-ready tracks with depth and introspection is a testament to his lyrical prowess and illustrates why he’s a standout in the hip hop realm.
