“Lotus Flower Bomb” by Wale (ft. Miguel)
The title of this song (“Lotus Flower Bomb”) serves as a creatively-loving appellation which the vocalist(s) has concocted to refer to the apple of his eye. That individual would be the addressee. And based on the bridge primarily, we know that the two of them are now just becoming associated.
Thus the purpose of these lyrics are to grant him a medium by which he can express his feelings and in the process convince her that the two of them should become an item. So this is one of those rapper-kicking-it-to-a-lady type of songs. Simply put, the rapper is coming up with the cleverest pickup lines possible to achieve his romantic goal while simultaneously, of course, engaging in a bit of braggadocio.
Details of “Lotus Flower Bomb”
And if you want some of the details, this is how it goes. The first thing Wale really expresses appreciation for is the addressee’s looks, i.e. his desire to sleep with her, even if in a metaphorically-shrouded way.
Apparently the two of them are set to go on a date, and she ‘takes forever getting dressed’. But rather than being cheesed off, the vocalist ‘acknowledges the effort’ she put into looking good and upon admiring the results even gives her a round of applause.
He then drops a couple of metaphors alluding to the notion that she’s celibate but at the same time has heard about his own notable sexual prowess. But the rapper asserts that whereas he definitely wants to sleep with her, that is not his only goal. Rather he desires to edify her mind as well as her body.
The second verse reaffirms that whereas the addressee may be someone Wale appreciates holistically, his primary goal really is to sleep with her. And at certain junctures it appears that they actually did so. In fact at one point, he seemingly compares the “lotus flower” to her lady part, thus perhaps explaining the unorthodox title.
But more lyrics support the notion that he had not done so yet and is instead in the process of seducing her, if you will. Indeed during the early goings, Wale does a better job of coming off as being genuinely interested in the addressee. But by the time his lyrics are said and done, it sounds more as if he’s infatuated with her looks and sex appeal.
But the chorus would imply otherwise. Therein, Miguel floats the innuendo that that is someone he’s rather perceiving as a potential spouse. But more importantly is the vocalist entreating her to take his hand in the first place. And if she does, as indicated in the bridge, he intends to “teach (her) all the sounds of love”, which honesty reads like yet another reference to sex.
And while we’re speaking honestly, ultimately the main vocalist of “Lotus Flower Bomb” is behaving like someone who, to some degree, may be confusing lust with love.
“Lotus Flower Bomb” Facts
Primary Artist(s): Wale
Featured Artist(s): Miguel
Album/EP: “Ambition”
Was “Lotus Flower Bomb” a single release?
The song was Wale’s debut single from his 2nd studio album, “Ambition”. It’s release officially took place on October 11 of 2011.
Credits
Wale and Miguel penned “Lotus Flower Bomb” alongside Sam Dew.
The song was produced by Jerrin Howard
Genre(s)
- Pop rap
- R&B
Awards/Honors
“Lotus Flower Bomb” was nominated for Best Rap Song at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. It lost the award to “Ni**as in Paris” by Jay-Z and Kanye West. The following were also nominated in that category:
- “Daughters” (Nas)
- “Mercy” (Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz)
- “The Motto” (Drake featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga)
- “Young, Wild & Free” (Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars)
“Lotus Flower Bomb” won “Best Collaboration” and “Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice Award” at the BET Awards in 2012.
Chart Performance
- US – 38
Covers
- SoMo (2012)
- Mimoza Duot (2012)
- VedoTheSinger (2012)
