What Does Dua Lipa's Song Physical Really Mean?

Every time Dua Lipa releases new music, the world listens. The singer only really started impacting the charts a few years ago, but she’s amassed quite the success in that time. Long gone are the days that she was a relatively unknown name trying to make it as a singer as Dua Lip has since become an international sensation.

With Dua Lipa’s songs being the hits they are, fans want to know absolutely everything about them. That’s why some have been wondering exactly what does Dua Lipa’s song ‘Physical’ really mean? It turns out there might be more to the song than what many believe.

Dua Lipa’s rise to stardom

Dua Lipa might enjoy the most success in the UK, but she’s made quite a splash with her first two albums. Her sophomore release, ‘Future Nostalgia,’ has been a particular hit, reentering the top 10 of the Billboard 200 multiple times and peaking at number three. Many publications featured the album in their lists of 2020’s best releases, with the likes of NME and Rolling Stone featuring it at three and five, respectively. What’s more, it’s gone on to pick up some notable awards, including the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. This wasn’t her first nomination at the esteemed music awards, nor was it her first win, with Lipa having picked up two gongs back in 2019.

The success of Future Nostalgia’s singles

The singles from ‘Future Nostalgia’ have had varying success in the United States, with ‘Don’t Start Now’ and ‘Levitating’ being particular hits. Both narrowly missed out on topping the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at two, and have achieved 4x platinum and 2x platinum certifications, respectively. As for ‘Physical,’ it appeared lower down - but still impacted the Hot 100 chart - at 60. However, the song is still a favorite with fans for being what one publication described as “an adrenalized 80s-hued banger.” The song won critical acclaim and has stuck around in people’s heads for being ridiculously catchy. It’s not just the audio that captures the attention, though. The lyrics also have quite an impact.

What does Dua Lipa’s Physical mean?

One of the most notable lines in the song is “Let’s get physical.” Although it wasn’t intended at the time of writing, this acts as a reference to a hit by Olivia Newton John, also named ‘Physical.’ The fact that this track alludes to being intimate with a partner ought to give you an idea of what Lipa’s song of the same name is about. It certainly seems like there are hints of such naughtiness with lines like “Who needs to sleep when I got you next to me?” However, Dua Lipa’s ‘Physical’ isn’t just about getting down and dirty. Lyrically, it’s more romantic in places, especially when she sings, “you got me feeling diamond-rich.” Essentially, the track is about the excitement of falling in love and everything that comes with it. That includes the joy of falling head over heels for someone, the fun of being in the bedroom together, and everything in between.

A song about love and intimacy is hardly anything new in the pop music industry. However, the singer’s take on the lyrics, combined with the infectious sound, makes Dua Lipa’s ‘Physical’ a standout hit regardless.