Levitating – Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Hot 100 (#2 77 weeks); UK Singles Chart (#5); Released in 2020
Story Behind The Song By Wyatt Ralff
“Levitating” is pure pop escapism, fun, flirty, and floating through space. Dua Lipa described it as the moment she fully committed to the Future Nostalgia vision: upbeat, cosmic, and unapologetically joyful. It’s about catching the perfect romantic vibe at the perfect time, and just running with it. “I want you, baby / My sugarboo, I’m levitating” isn’t meant to be deep, it’s meant to be euphoric. Musically, the track blends Daft Punk-style funk with disco glitter and Madonna-inspired gloss, thanks in part to producer Stuart Price. The song became a pandemic-era anthem, powered by a TikTok video contest, an animated music video, and a DaBaby remix that dominated radio before controversy hit. After DaBaby’s homophobic comments at Rolling Loud 2021, Dua distanced herself from the rapper, saying she was “horrified” by his words. Many radio stations replaced the remix with the solo version, but the song’s momentum never wavered. Despite multiple lawsuits over alleged copyright infringement, “Levitating” floated above the drama to become one of the defining pop hits of the decade.
This Song Meaning article was created and written by Top 40 Weekly Associate Editor Wyatt Ralff.
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Produced by:
Koz, Stuart Price
Written by:
Dua Lipa, Clarence Coffee Jr., Sarah Hudson, Stephen “Koz” Kozmeniuk, DaBaby (remix verse)
Music Video:
🎬 Dua Lipa – Levitating (Official Video) ft. DaBaby
Levitating – Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby ( Music Video)
Wyatt Ralff
This piece was written by Wyatt Ralff – an associate editor at Top 40 Weekly, where he combines his passion for music with his keen interest in cultural commentary. A 20-year-old college student from New Jersey, Wyatt is currently pursuing a degree in Politics and International Affairs at Wake Forest University. While his academic focus is rooted in political science, his love for music—especially hip-hop and, more recently, country—drives his editorial work at Top 40 Weekly. Wyatt believes that music is more than entertainment; it is a dynamic form of storytelling and social commentary that reflects the voices of diverse communities and captures pivotal moments in history. His work bridges his dual passions for politics and music, offering readers a unique perspective on how art and ideas intersect to influence society and inspire change.