Dua Lipa returned last night with “Training Season,” another disco-pop delight from her forthcoming third studio album. The follow-up to lead single “Houdini” debuted inside the Top 10 of the Genius Top Songs chart.
The title stems from something Lipa told co-writers Caroline Allin and Tobias Jesso Jr. after she got back from her umteenth bad date in a row: “Training season is over.” (Producers Danny L. Harle and Kevin Parker—he of Tame Impala fame—also share writing credit.) The lyrics are all about how you can’t teach people how to be good partners, though there’s also a self-reflective element to the song.
“And while it is obviously about that feeling when you are just absolutely done telling people…men specifically in this case, how to date you right; it is also about my training season being over and me growing with every experience,” Lipa said in a statement. “I have never felt more confident, clear or empowered. And while it may be that training season is never over for any of us, you start to see the beauty in finding that person to experience it with. You stop looking for the trainees and become more interested in having someone where you are and someone to grow with.”
The song opens with Lipa addressing a potential suitor and wondering whether he’s a decent guy or just another F-boy.
Are you (Are you)
Someone that I can give my heart to? (Heart to)
Or just the poison that I’m drawn to? (Drawn to)
It can be hard to tell the difference late at night
In the chorus, Lipa explains what she’s looking for in a man. He’s got to keep things exciting and occasionally take charge, so she’s not doing everything herself.
Need someone to hold me close
Deeper than I’ve ever known
Whose love feels like a rodeo
Knows just how to take control
He should also be a good listener who’ll help her get through rough moments.
When I’m vulnerable
He’s straight talking to my soul
Conversation overload
Got me feeling vertigo
In the second verse, Lipa lays down the song’s premise. She’s done trying to mold people into quality companions. It’s just not worth the effort.
I tried (I tried)
To see my lovers in a good light (Good light)
Don’t wanna do it just to be nice (Be nice)
Don’t wanna have to teach you how to love me right
Lipa fills the bridge with sports metaphors as she tries to weed out those who aren’t ready for the big game.
Can you compete? Now is your time
Run when you hear that whistle blow
Are you on my team or stuck on the sidelines
Waiting for someone to tell you to go?
For someone to tell you to go
In the “Training Season” music video, Lipa sips tea while a bunch of blokes vie for her attention and eventually start a circle pit around her table.
You can read all the lyrics to “Training Season” on Genius now.
