Released: 2018
“Whatchamacallit” by Ella Mai featuring Chris Brown is a playful yet edgy exploration of a forbidden relationship. The song highlights the thrilling allure of an illicit romance that feels exciting because it’s against societal norms. The narrative speaks to the concept of stepping outside a committed relationship for a secret, fleeting affair. Both artists use a conversational tone to underline the conflicting emotions that arise when desire and duty clash.
The hook, which repeatedly refers to the relationship as a “whatchamacallit,” serves to downplay the gravity of their actions. By using a vague term, Ella Mai and Chris Brown minimize the severity of their transgressions. It’s a linguistic device to deflect the reality of cheating, presenting it as something abstract and therefore, more acceptable.
In the opening lines, Ella Mai acknowledges that both parties are in relationships with others. The straightforward acknowledgment of their situation immediately sets a tone of candor. The playful acknowledgment that they “could wait until [they’re] single” implies a sense of urgency and excitement. The intrigue of the “wrong” feeling right encapsulates the temptation of infidelity.
Ella Mai’s verse continues to build on this notion of wrong yet thrilling behavior. She points out the ephemeral nature of their nighttime escapade. There’s an almost careless disregard for the moral implications of their actions, exacerbated by the inebriating effects of alcohol, as suggested by the mention of Hennessy.
Chris Brown joins in, emphasizing his allure over the woman’s current partner. He frames himself as the more exciting option, further appealing to the notion that their relationship can remain a “little secret.” By referring to the act as “white lies,” the song suggests an innocence to their betrayal, almost as if it’s justified because the partners are unaware.
In the next lines, Ella Mai continues with the carefree attitude, affirming that they don’t need to define the relationship for it to be significant. Her flirtatious proposition of spending time in bed implies that their connection is rooted in physical chemistry, though wrapped in layers of playful ambiguity with “whatchamacallit.”
As the chorus repeats, the secretive element becomes more pronounced. There’s an enticing pull to maintain the thrill of secrecy, presenting the situation as an enticing puzzle or mystery rather than a straightforward wrongdoing. This builds a narrative tension, asking the listener to weigh in on the morality of the characters’ choices.
Chris Brown further complicates the dynamic, acknowledging the risk involved. Yet, he speaks to the mutual need between them, underlining a possible depth beyond mere physical attraction. His invitation to love each other better, rather than remaining “friends,” nudges the relationship towards an emotional depth masked under the guise of simplicity.
In the climax of the song, Ella Mai leans into the temptation, expressing the human nature of succumbing to passion. The back-and-forth between wanting to dismiss the current partners highlights a latent tension that makes the narrative more compelling.
In conclusion, “Whatchamacallit” navigates the blurry lines of fidelity with an irresistible rhythm and lyrical coyness. It’s a musical illustration of modern love’s complexities, where lines blur, and definitions waver, allowing room for the unexpected and, perhaps, morally ambiguous choices. The song invites listeners to ponder their interpretations, offering a lens into the tantalizing yet ethically challenging scenarios we might find ourselves rationalizing.
