Released: 2023
Drake’s “Virginia Beach” is a reflective piece, weaving through the complexities of a past relationship, deeply personal and evocative. Drake uses his signature blend of suave introspection and sharp wit to navigate the emotions surrounding what could have been better, love’s realities, and the bittersweet aftermath of a relationship that’s run its course. This song, much like its setting, explores the rough yet beautiful, the complicated spaces where love and regret coexist.
At the opening, there’s a conversation about whether Drake could have treated his partner better. But quickly, he flips it, subtly suggesting that despite any perceived shortcomings, he feels his efforts in the relationship were solid. The lyrics “I coulda treated you better, that’s crazy” speaks volumes of his self-assurance and perhaps, a hint of denial. Drake then transitions into talking about compromise in a relationship, using “Lean in, lean in soda, Fanta, fantasizing” to paint a picture of delusion versus reality. Through these lines, he infers that what the other person perceives as love is actually a settling for less – a compromise rather than genuine affection. The recurring theme of ‘leaning in’ underscores support and reliance, set against the backdrop of his metaphorical moving mountains, signaling his willingness to go to great lengths while criticizing the superficiality of “social climbing.”
The hook element “Lean in, lean into me” acts as a call for genuine connection amidst the complexities of their relationship. However, Drake doesn’t shy away from flexing a bit, shifting the vibe with lines like “Pussy ain’t makin’ me tweak, ended up stayin’ a week.” This lyric cleverly deals with his resistance to being overly influenced by sexual allure with the irony of falling for someone’s rough edges, encapsulated in the comparison to Virginia Beach – pretty but gritty. This dynamic speaks to the allure of authenticity over facade, a recurring theme in Drake’s narrative of love.
In contrast, the second verse delves into the tension and communication breakdowns within the relationship, described metaphorically as a “fencin’ match.” Here, the slang “Your temper shorter and I’m sensin’ that” speaks to the frustrations and heated exchanges between the partners. Drake also uses clever wordplay around the partner’s demand for respect (“Period”) and his own feeling of being unjustly treated (“But where you ’bout to end the sentence at?”). The cultural reference to “making amends” in the kitchen deals with traditional roles with contemporary relationship dynamics, critiquing the partner’s inability to blend with his world while highlighting her culinary talents as her saving grace.
The closing lines of the song return to the theme of protectiveness and possession, “Any nigga try and trouble you / He gon’ find out that it’s on-site like W-W-W.” This is a clever twist on internet terminology to suggest immediate confrontation, showcasing Drake’s protective side. The defiant stance, “ask me if I coulda treated you better, but no,” reiterates his belief in his actions within the relationship, closing the song on a note of unresolved tension and lingering attachment.
Throughout “Virginia Beach,” Drake offers a nuanced exploration of modern love, highlighting personal growth, the complexities of intimacy, and the inevitable reflections on what might have been done differently. His lyrics are a tapestry of vulnerability, bravado, and introspection, delivered with the lyrical dexterity and emotional honesty that are quintessentially Drake.
