Meaning of “Teenage Fever” by Drake
“Teenage Fever” by Drake delves into themes of nostalgia, trust, vulnerability, and the complexities of relationships.
Regret and Blame
The song opens with an expression of regret and a sense of what could have been in a relationship. Drake points out how the relationship couldn’t thrive because of the other person’s actions and attitudes: “You’re to blame for what we could have been.” There’s a hint that the person he’s singing about may be oblivious to their own actions, with friends hesitant to point out their mistakes.
New Beginnings but Lingering Thoughts
Drake mentions meeting someone new, but it’s clear that his thoughts still linger on a past relationship. The phrase “Going back there tonight” suggests a revisitation of old memories or feelings.
Questions of Trust and Vulnerability
The chorus, which interpolates Jennifer Lopez’s “If You Had My Love,” brings up questions of trust and commitment in a relationship. Would the person stand by him if he gave them his trust? If they knew they were going to be unfaithful or dishonest, would they still deceive him? These questions underscore the vulnerabilities and uncertainties inherent in romantic relationships.
Nostalgia and Longing
The lines “This shit feels like teenage fever” evoke a sense of nostalgia, likening his feelings to the intense, often tumultuous emotions experienced during teenage years. It’s a throwback to times when emotions were raw and relationships were fraught with drama.
Uncertainty and Decision
“Why second guess? I should have stayed” indicates a moment of reflection, where Drake contemplates his decisions, suggesting that maybe he should have persisted in the relationship despite the challenges.
Closing Thoughts
The ending of the song offers a more raw, unfiltered insight into Drake’s mental state. It’s almost as if he’s speaking directly to the listener, acknowledging the direction the song took and hinting at his exhaustion (“man is tired”).
Overall, “Teenage Fever” presents a layered narrative of past relationships, the challenges of trust and vulnerability, and the haunting pull of nostalgia. The song captures the push and pull of revisiting past relationships and the emotions tied to them.
When was “Teenage Fever” released?
“Teenage Fever” was released on 18th March, 2017. This track is from sixth commercial mixtape, “More Life”.
Jennifer Lopez Sample
The song samples Jennifer Lopez’s 1999 hit “If You Had My Love.” The chorus in “Teenage Fever” directly borrows from the chorus of Lopez’s song.
Did Drake and J.Lo date?
At the time of the song’s release, there were rumors and speculations about a possible romantic relationship between Drake and Jennifer Lopez, further fueled by the sample of her song. They were seen together at events, and both posted photos with each other on social media.
