Finesse

"Finesse" is a song that delves into the complexities of a modern, and possibly clandestine, romantic relationship. The central theme revolves around the delicate balance—the 'finesse'—required to navigate a connection fraught with vulnerability, emotional distance, and external pressures. Drake explores a deep sense of longing for a woman who constantly occupies his thoughts, even confessing his desire to have a child with her. This vulnerability is contrasted with his discomfort in her world, exemplified by his aversion to Fashion Week, symbolizing a clash between his private desires and his public life. The word "finesse" itself refers to the intricate skill and subtlety needed to manage their interactions, especially given the presence of another man alluded to in the lyric, "He can't know finesse." This suggests a secret affair where the woman is adept at handling the situation with a grace that Drake is still trying to comprehend. The song captures the paradox of modern love: a deep yearning for intimacy and connection that coexists with emotional walls and the fear of vulnerability.

The narrator begins with a profound and intimate admission, expressing a desire for his future child to inherit the eyes of the woman he is addressing. This immediately sets a tone of deep admiration and a yearning for a future that feels uncertain. He acknowledges that he is acting against his better judgment, caught in a dilemma about whether to join her in New York for an event like Fashion Week, which he admits is more her scene than his. He would much rather stay indoors with her, away from the obligations of public appearances like wearing a suit and tie. The feeling of being in the same room but emotionally distant is unbearable to him, highlighting a significant emotional chasm between them. He feels the need to take things one step at a time, learning to conceal his true, intense emotions which are currently running high. Her constant presence in his thoughts is a recurring theme, as she is always "hitting his line" and occupying his mind.

The central concept of "finesse" is introduced in the chorus. He observes her skillful ability to navigate their complicated dynamic, a delicate art he recognizes is necessary for their situation. There's a hint of secrecy and perhaps a forbidden aspect to their connection, as he mentions that a certain "he"—presumably another man in her life—cannot know about this finesse, this subtle management of their relationship. Despite the complexities, she remains constantly on his mind.

He then mentions her and her sister, describing them as "too hot to handle," suggesting their lifestyle or personalities are intense and perhaps overwhelming. Yet, he insists he would prioritize her, canceling other commitments to make time for her. He confesses his inexperience with this level of commitment and the idea of "going the distance," framing himself as a novice in the world of genuine, deep relationships. This vulnerability contrasts with his public persona. The song concludes by reiterating the chorus, cementing the idea that their connection requires a masterful, delicate touch—a finesse that she possesses and that he is still learning, all while she continues to dominate his thoughts.

"Finesse" was released on June 29, 2018, as a track on Drake's fifth studio album, Scorpion. The song was produced by Drake's longtime engineer, Noel Cadastre, who also handled production for other tracks on the album like "Jaded" and "That's How You Feel". The songwriting credits belong to Drake (Aubrey Graham), Noel Cadastre, and James Fauntleroy. Fauntleroy, a celebrated songwriter who has worked with artists like Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, also contributed background vocals to the track. Upon the song's release, there was widespread speculation that the lyrics were directed at model Bella Hadid, with whom Drake was rumored to have had a relationship in 2017. Lyrical references to Fashion Week and the subject's sister (presumed to be Gigi Hadid) fueled these rumors. However, Bella Hadid publicly denied that the song was about her, calling the insinuation disrespectful.

The rhythmic structure of "Finesse" is relaxed and deliberate, characteristic of contemporary R&B. The tempo is slow, creating a contemplative and intimate mood that allows the lyrics to resonate. Drake's vocal delivery plays with the beat, sometimes flowing directly with it and at other times lagging slightly behind, creating a conversational and laid-back feel. The rhyme scheme is generally simple and often employs couplets (e.g., "I'm going against my own advice / Should I do New York? I can't decide"). However, Drake also uses internal rhymes and slant rhymes to maintain a fluid and natural-sounding lyrical flow rather than a rigid, predictable structure. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the minimalist beat is crucial; the space in the production allows Drake's cadence and emotional inflections to become a primary rhythmic element. The chorus has a more structured, repetitive rhythm, which makes it a memorable hook that contrasts with the more free-flowing verses.

"Finesse" showcases Drake's signature blend of hip-hop and R&B, characterized by a minimalist and atmospheric production. Musically, the song is built on a smooth, understated beat crafted by Noel Cadastre, allowing Drake's vocal delivery and confessional lyrics to take center stage. The vocal style shifts between melodic rapping and smooth R&B singing, a hallmark of Drake's versatility. This dual approach allows him to convey both a conversational intimacy in the verses and a more emotive, melodic longing in the chorus and ad-libs. The inclusion of James Fauntleroy's background vocals adds a layer of harmonic depth and texture to the track. Lyrically, the song employs a direct, narrative voice, making the listener feel like a confidant to Drake's inner thoughts. The use of specific, vivid imagery like "suit and tie" and "Fashion Week" grounds the abstract emotions in concrete scenarios. The lyrical structure is built around a confessional narrative that explores themes of vulnerability and the complexities of a modern relationship, a common trope in Drake's discography.

As a track on the highly successful 2018 album Scorpion, "Finesse" contributed to Drake's continued dominance in the music industry. While not released as a single, the song was a fan favorite and garnered significant attention for its lyrical content, particularly the speculation about its connection to Bella Hadid. This media buzz amplified the song's reach and cemented its place in pop culture discussions surrounding the album. The song is a prime example of Drake's influential R&B style, which blends vulnerability and introspection with hip-hop sensibilities—a style that has shaped much of the contemporary R&B and rap landscape. The term "finesse" itself, while already in popular use, was further popularized in the context of romantic and social maneuvering by the song. Several artists have released covers of the track, including Bryson Tiller and Lights, indicating its resonance within the music community. The song is often cited as a standout example of Drake's ability to craft emotionally complex and relatable narratives about modern love and relationships.

The song uses several key symbols and metaphors to convey its themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and complex relationships.

• Fashion Week: This event symbolizes a world of glamour and public appearances that the woman navigates with ease, but in which Drake feels out of place. It represents the external pressures and lifestyle differences that create a divide between them. His desire to "stay inside" with her instead is a metaphor for his craving for private, genuine connection over public persona.
• "I want my baby to have your eyes": This is the song's most powerful and direct line, symbolizing a deep longing for a lasting, familial connection that transcends a casual fling. It's a metaphor for legacy and the ultimate form of intimacy, expressing a desire to merge their lives in a profound way.
• Finesse: The title itself is the central metaphor. It represents the delicate skill, subtlety, and careful maneuvering required to manage their relationship. It's portrayed as an art form that the woman has mastered, particularly in the context of a potentially secret or forbidden romance. It speaks to the intricate dance of modern love, balancing desire with discretion.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the word "finesse" itself, which forms the core of the chorus: "It takes some finesse / I seen you finesse / He can't know finesse." Its repetition emphasizes the central theme—the delicate skill required to navigate their complex relationship. It serves as both an observation of the woman's abilities and a reflection on the secrecy and subtlety their connection demands. Another key recurring motif is the line, "You stay on my mind." This phrase, repeated multiple times, underscores the obsessive nature of his feelings and his inability to escape his thoughts of her. It highlights the emotional weight of the relationship and its constant presence in his life, reinforcing the song's themes of longing and preoccupation. The repetition of "all the time" further amplifies this sense of constant thought, creating a hypnotic and immersive emotional atmosphere.