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Controlla Lyrics

by Drake

Lyricist: Drake, Noah “40” Harkey, Jeff Brown, Oliver Elphick

36 views • Published on Sep 25, 2026

Controlla Lyrics

Right, my yiy just changed You just buzzed the front gate I thank God you came How many more days could I wait? I made plans with you And I won't let em fall through I, I, I, I, I I think I'd lie for you I think I'd die for you Jodeci "Cry For You" Do things when you want me to Like controlla, controlla Yeah, like controlla, controlla Yeah, okay, you like it When I get, aggressive, tell you to Go slower, go faster Like controlla, controlla Yeah, like controlla, controlla And I'm never on a waste ting shorty I do it how you say you want it Them girls, they just wanna take my money They don't want me to give you nothing They don't want you to have nothing They don't wanna see me find your lovin' They don't wanna see me Smiling back when they pree Knowing I'd lie for you Thinking I'd die for you Jodeci "Cry For You" Do things when you want me to Like controlla, controlla Yeah, like controlla, controlla Gyal a tear off mi garments And a bawl fi come inna mi apartment (Woi!) Di gyal dem want di length and strength Action speak louder than argument well But you can't just diss and come tell man sorry You can't listen to me talk and go tell my story Nah, it don't work like that when you love somebody My old flex is my new flex now and we're workin' on it And that's why I need all the energy that you bring to me My last girl would tear me apart, but she'd never wanna split a ting with me But when it comes to you, you I think I'd lie for you I think I'd die for you Do things when you want me too Like controlla, controlla Yeah, like controlla, controlla And I'm never on a waste ting shorty I do it how you say you want it Them girls, they just wanna take my money They don't want me to give you nothing They don't want you to have nothing They don't wanna see me find your lovin' They don't wanna see me Smiling back when they pree Jheeze! Music a drop Gyal a whine up dem bumpa Dis is di summa summa controlla Drake from Canada, Beenie Man from Jamaica Dah one yah a murda! Zagga

Meaning of Controlla

“Controlla” is a dizzying exploration of possessive desire and the intoxicating power dynamics within a romantic relationship, fueled by a potent blend of Toronto rap and Jamaican dancehall influences. Drake doesn’t simply express attraction; he meticulously constructs an image of absolute control, layering it with vulnerability and a surprising degree of self-awareness. The song opens with frantic, almost paranoid details – a changed girlfriend, a buzzing gate, the anxiety of waiting – immediately establishing a sense of urgency and potential instability. He’s not just wanting to impress; he's actively shaping her behavior, dictating pace ("go slower, go faster") and demanding obedience (“do things when you want me to”). The repeated mantra “controlla, controlla” isn’t merely a catchy hook but a declaration of dominance, mirroring the Jodeci sample that underscores his commitment. The lyrics reveal a complex interplay between adoration and manipulation. He's willing to lie and even die for her, suggesting a profound devotion, yet simultaneously dismisses other women as transactional opportunists solely interested in his wealth. This contrast highlights the core of the song’s tension: he craves complete control not just over her actions but also over her perception of him – shielding her from any potential jealousy or competition. The inclusion of Beenie Man and Zagga samples further amplifies this feeling, grounding Drake's anxieties within a broader cultural landscape of Caribbean desire and swagger. Ultimately, “Controlla” isn’t simply about romantic love; it’s a portrait of an ego desperately seeking validation and the unsettling lengths to which someone will go to maintain absolute sway in their most intimate connection.

Tags:

drakecontrollaseductionhip hopjodeci

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