Love Galore (feat. Travis Scott)

"Love Galore" is a nuanced exploration of a toxic relationship characterized by emotional turmoil, regret, and lingering desire. SZA has stated that the song is about being "played by a dude" who is non-committal. The lyrics depict a woman who is caught between her frustration with a man who won't fully commit and her undeniable attraction to him. She presents a front of indifference and empowerment, claiming to be "done with these n****s," but simultaneously reveals her vulnerability and longing for genuine connection. The song delves into the complexities of modern dating, where physical intimacy can be mistaken for or used as a substitute for love. Travis Scott's verse provides the male perspective, acknowledging his role in the emotional mess but framing their connection primarily in physical terms. The outro, featuring SZA's grandmother, serves as a piece of advice, encouraging self-advocacy and breaking the cycle of being taken advantage of.

The song delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional, on-again, off-again relationship. The narrator, SZA, begins by declaring her frustration and decision to be done with men who play games, suggesting she engages with them merely for amusement. She expresses surprise that a particular man continues to contact her, especially after the harsh things she has said. She adopts a dismissive attitude, acting as if their connection was nothing more than a casual summer fling and that she is unaffected by their parting. However, this facade crumbles as she admits to wanting more time with him, revealing her lingering attachment and vulnerability beneath the surface of indifference.

The central conflict of the song is highlighted in the pre-chorus, where SZA questions why he bothers her when he is already in a relationship with someone else and knows his actions are wrong. Despite this, she finds herself anticipating their secret weekend encounters. This section reveals a dynamic where both parties are aware of the impropriety of their situation, yet are drawn to each other. The chorus is a simple, repetitive chant of "love," emphasizing that as long as they have this intense connection, the complications don't seem to matter in the moment.

In the second verse, SZA reflects on her regrets, wishing she had never given him her number or become physically intimate with him. She acknowledges his 'fetish' or problematic behavior, which has now become a shared problem. She mirrors her earlier dismissive stance, this time directing it towards other women, but it feels like a defense mechanism. Travis Scott's verse offers the male perspective. He admits his fault in leaving her in an emotional mess and acknowledges her current success. He reminisces about their physical intimacy and expresses a desire to reconnect, suggesting he is still drawn to her despite being with someone else. His verse underscores the transactional and purely physical nature of their connection from his point of view.

The song concludes with a spoken-word outro from SZA's grandmother, who advises her to speak up for herself. This provides a moment of clarity and a potential path forward from the toxic cycle depicted in the song, suggesting that finding her voice is the key to breaking free. The recurring theme is the battle between the desire for genuine love and the pull of a passionate but ultimately unfulfilling physical connection.

"Love Galore" was released on April 28, 2017, as the second single from SZA's critically acclaimed debut studio album, Ctrl. The song was written by SZA (Solána Rowe), Travis Scott (Jacques Webster II), and the producers ThankGod4Cody (Cody Fayne), Carter Lang, and Scum (Tyran Donaldson), with an additional writing credit for Terrence "Punch" Henderson. The track was recorded in November 2016. The creation process was a collaborative effort that took place at Carter Lang's mother's house in Michigan. ThankGod4Cody initiated the beat, and Carter Lang contributed to it. Cody then developed the drum pattern, and they presented the beat to SZA, who wrote to it the following day. SZA has expressed her admiration for Travis Scott's ability to blend melody and syncopation, calling him "perfect" for the track. The song was first teased on SZA's Instagram in November 2016 and debuted live at a show in New York in January 2017 before its official release.

"Love Galore" employs a fluid and modern approach to rhyme and rhythm, characteristic of contemporary R&B and hip-hop. The song does not adhere to a strict, traditional rhyme scheme, instead favoring a more conversational and free-flowing structure with instances of internal and slant rhymes. For example, in the first verse, SZA rhymes "fun" with "personal" and "surprised you" with "I said." This loose rhyme scheme contributes to the track's intimate and diary-like feel. The rhythm of the song is built around a mid-tempo, trap-influenced beat with a prominent bassline and crisp hi-hats. The tempo is approximately 135 BPM. SZA's vocal delivery often plays with the rhythm, sometimes flowing with the beat and at other times lagging slightly behind it, creating a relaxed and syncopated feel. This rhythmic interplay between the vocals and the instrumentation enhances the song's hazy and introspective mood.

"Love Galore" showcases a blend of literary and musical techniques that contribute to its distinctive sound and emotional depth:

• Vocal Delivery: SZA's vocal performance is characterized by its ethereal and raw quality, conveying a sense of vulnerability and emotional honesty. Her delivery shifts between a conversational tone and melodic runs, reflecting the song's fluctuating emotions. Travis Scott's contrasting monotone rap style adds another layer to the narrative, representing a more detached and nonchalant perspective.
• Production: The production, handled by ThankGod4Cody, Carter Lang, and Scum, features a blend of alternative R&B and hip-hop. The use of lush synths, a steady, infectious beat, and atmospheric soundscapes creates a smooth, "tropical" vibe that SZA herself has commented on. This production style creates a juxtaposition with the song's more somber lyrical themes.
• Repetition: The repetition of the word "love" in the chorus is a key stylistic choice. Instead of being monotonous, SZA's delivery infuses the word with different shades of meaning—longing, desperation, and resignation—making it a powerful emotional anchor for the song.
• Spoken-Word Outro: The inclusion of a spoken-word outro from SZA's grandmother is an unconventional and impactful technique. It provides a grounding, matriarchal voice of reason that contrasts with the emotional chaos of the song, offering a sense of closure and advice.

"Love Galore" became a breakout hit for SZA, significantly boosting her career and solidifying her status as a prominent voice in contemporary R&B. The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking SZA's first top 40 hit. It was certified multi-platinum by the RIAA. The song received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The music video, directed by Nabil, also contributed to the song's popularity with its striking and dark visuals. An alternate version of the song, without Travis Scott's verse, was included on the deluxe edition of Ctrl, released on the album's fifth anniversary. "Love Galore" is considered a standout track on Ctrl and has had a lasting impact, with its themes of love, betrayal, and self-worth resonating with a wide audience.

The lyrics of "Love Galore" employ several instances of symbolism and metaphor to deepen the song's meaning:

• "Spilled milk": SZA's line, "Promise I won't cry over spilled milk," is a direct use of the idiom, suggesting she won't lament a past situation that cannot be changed. However, her immediate request for a "paper towel" and "another Valium" signifies that she is, in fact, deeply affected and struggling to cope with the emotional fallout.
• "Skrrt": The use of the ad-lib "skrrt" is a hip-hop slang term for leaving or moving on quickly. SZA uses it to portray her feigned indifference and her attempt to quickly dismiss the men who have disappointed her.
• The Music Video: The accompanying music video, directed by Nabil, uses visual symbolism to enhance the song's themes. The presence of monarch butterflies can symbolize transformation and the delicate nature of the relationship. The video's dark and violent ending, inspired by the film Misery, serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of the toxic relationship and SZA's ultimate, albeit brutal, act of taking back control.

The most prominent recurring motif in "Love Galore" is the word "love" itself, chanted repeatedly in the chorus. This repetition serves as the song's central hook and underscores the narrator's primary, albeit complicated, desire. The phrase "Why you bother me when you know you don't want me?" is another significant recurring line that encapsulates the core conflict of the song: the push and pull of a relationship where one person's intentions are unclear and inconsistent. The ad-lib "skrrt" also functions as a recurring motif, symbolizing a quick escape or dismissal, which SZA uses to project an image of being unbothered. Musically, the song is built on a recurring, spacey synth riff and a steady beat that create a consistent and recognizable sonic landscape.