Electrical

"Electrical" is a vivid exploration of a relationship or lifestyle that is defined by its extreme intensity and volatility. The central metaphor of the song—electricity—represents a power that is both enlivening and dangerous. On one hand, it provides a "special" feeling that mimics the adrenaline rush of speeding or performing heavy metal music. On the other hand, it implies a risk of burnout, shock, or being overpowered.

The lyrics reveal a struggle for autonomy against external judgment. The repetitive refrain regarding what "they told me" and "they think they know me" highlights Bali Baby's persona as a non-conformist who refuses to be boxed in by societal or industry standards. The song suggests that this "electrical" life attracts people who become "reliant" on her energy, creating a dynamic that is flattering but also draining ("worn me down").

Ultimately, the song captures the duality of living fast. The protagonist is caught between the thrill of the "pedal" and the exhaustion of the "drought." It serves as a declaration of resilience, where despite the confusion ("never knew, never meant") and the external noise, she remains the power source, channeling her frustrations and experiences back into her art.

The song opens with an admission of unintended consequences, where the narrator confesses that she never planned for this specific connection to happen. She describes a sensation that is overpowering and "electrical," suggesting a shock to the system that she wasn't prepared for. This force draws someone to her, even though she initially didn't intend for them to find her or become so reliant on her energy.

As the track progresses, the lyrics describe the sheer intensity of being near this person. The feeling is characterized as "special" but volatile, driving the narrator to accelerate—metaphorically putting her "foot down hard up on the pedal." This rush is compared to the chaotic energy of "rocking out like heavy metal," indicating a loss of control and a surrender to the speed of the moment.

A central conflict emerges between the narrator's actions and external expectations. She chants about defying what "they told me," challenging others to show her the truth rather than assuming they "know me." There is a sense of debt and demand, with the narrator feeling that others "owe" her for what she endures. Despite the criticism and the feeling that she is being "worn down" by the drama, she remains locked in this electrical current.

In the final verses, the toll of this high-energy connection becomes apparent. She mentions being put in the "lost and found" and dealing with financial or emotional "droughts" while others just "run their mouth." Yet, despite the unfairness and the hair-pulling frustration, she acknowledges a loyalty—she would "never do you wrong"—and decides to channel all this chaotic energy into the song itself, immortalizing the electrical feeling.

"Electrical" was released on May 8, 2018, as a track on Bali Baby's pivotal mixtape, Baylor Swift. This project marked a significant stylistic evolution for the artist, moving away from pure trap sounds to incorporate heavy influences of pop-rock and pop-punk, a subgenre often referred to as "bubblegum trap" or "rock-trap."

The song was produced by Chicken, a frequent collaborator who played a key role in shaping the unique soundscape of the Baylor Swift album. The project was released under True Panther Records. During this era, Bali Baby was actively experimenting with her "rockstar" image, citing influences that diverged from her peers in the Atlanta rap scene. The creation of "Electrical" aligns with her desire to blend the attitude of rap with the high-energy, mosh-pit friendly vibes of rock music.

The song features a simple but effective AAAA or AABB rhyme scheme in the hook, relying on identical rhymes and perfect rhymes to build momentum.
Example: "Told me / Show me / Know me / Owe me."

Rhythmically, the track operates at a high tempo (approximately 135-136 BPM), which is faster than standard trap but fits the "rock" influence. The vocal rhythm is punchy and syncopated, often landing hard on the downbeat to emphasize the commands ("Do what", "Show me"). The interplay between the fast-paced, driving beat and her melodic delivery mimics the surging "electrical" current described in the lyrics.

Bali Baby employs a variety of techniques that define her unique sound in this track:

• Ad-libs: Her signature ad-lib "Muah!" and other vocal exclamations are scattered throughout, adding a playful, bratty, and energetic texture to the track.
• Genre Blending: The production mixes trap hi-hats with melodies and structural elements reminiscent of pop-punk, creating a hybrid aesthetic.
• Vocal Delivery: She alternates between a melodic, auto-tuned singing style and a more rhythmic, staccato rap flow. This shifts the energy from dreamy to aggressive.
• Repetition: The song utilizes high levels of repetition (e.g., "told me, told me," "show me, show me") to create a hypnotic, chant-like effect that makes the lyrics catchy and anthem-like.

While not a mainstream chart-topper, "Electrical" and the parent album Baylor Swift are significant in the context of the 2017-2018 underground rap scene. Bali Baby was at the forefront of the wave of female rappers experimenting with rock aesthetics, paving the way for the normalization of the "rockstar" archetype in modern female rap. The song has maintained a cult following, evident in its usage in fan edits and sped-up versions on platforms like TikTok, where its high energy fits the fast-paced visual trends.

The song relies heavily on kinetic and sensory metaphors to convey emotion:

• Electricity: Represents the spark of attraction, the shock of the unexpected, and a dangerous amount of power. It symbolizes a connection that is physical and undeniable but potentially unstable.
• The Pedal / Heavy Metal: These images symbolize acceleration and a lack of inhibition. Pressing the "foot down hard" suggests a decision to go all-in, regardless of the consequences, while "heavy metal" conjures images of aggression, noise, and rebellion.
• Lost and Found: Used to describe the emotional displacement the narrator feels. It suggests being discarded or misplaced by the chaotic nature of the relationship.
• Drought vs. Running Mouth: A contrast between lack (empty pockets/drought) and excess (talking too much). It highlights the hollowness of her critics or partners who speak without having the substance to back it up.

"Electrical": The title word is repeated as a mantra, grounding the song's theme. It serves as the primary hook.

"Never meant": This phrase recurs in the verses, establishing a motif of accidental or regretful circumstances. It emphasizes that the intensity of the situation was not premeditated.

"Me / You" Dichotomy: The lyrics constantly toggle between "they told me" and "you gotta show me," creating a constant back-and-forth tension between the self and the external world.