Dua Lipa’s “Swan Song” Lyrics Meaning

“Swan Song” is a track in which Dua Lipa is challenging her companion to have the courage to enter a new life. This is based on aspects of their current reality that seem to warrant some form of protesting from Dua. It is unclear if the issues stem from something material or are due to matters in their relationship. But whatever it is, it is in a state of deterioration, thus prompting action from Dua. Indeed she is able to perceive the high value of what is being fought for.

There is a sense of urgency in Dua calling for the reform, because what she is fighting for is on the brink of being terminated. However, she refuses to sing a “swan song”. In other words, she is not acknowledging failure, and this is not a track about giving in to defeat. Rather it is exclaiming that with the right level of initiative, the unignorable adversity can be overcome.

Lyrics of “Swan Song” pay Tribute to an HIV Activist Group

Having said all the above, it’s vital that we mention that certain lyrics in the song pay tribute to ACT UP. ACT UP (whose full name is AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) is a renowned AIDS advocacy group. Lipa herself disclosed this on Twitter.

According to her, a number of the song’s lyrics make “reference to the brilliant minds from” the aforementioned international HIV activist group. Here are Lipa’s exact Twitter words regarding the tribute:

The lyrics in question can be found in the lines below:

Facts about “Swan Song”

• Dua Lipa composed this song with five other renowned songwriters. These writers are: Kennedi Lykken, Mattias Larsson, Junkie XL, Robin Fredriksson and Justin Tranter.
• The noted Swedish songwriting/production duo Mattman & Robin handled the production of “Swan Song”. The duo did this in collaboration with fellow producer Lorna Blackwood. FYI, Mattman & Robin also co-wrote this track.
• English songwriter and producer MNEK also contributed some production to this song. He took charge of the song’s vocal production.
• January 24, 2019 was the release date of “Swan Song”. However, it was first teased by Lipa on social media on January 3, 2019.
• This song is featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 action film Alita: Battle Angel. The film in question stars American actress Rosa Salazar.
• This became Lipa’s first release of 2019. Prior to this, she released “Electricity” with Silk City. And prior to that, she had collaborated with Calvin Harris on the number 1 hit “One Kiss“.

Does Dua Lipa appear in Alita: Battle Angel?

No, she doesn’t.

Who directed the music video for “Swan Song”?

It was directed by world-noted Italian-Canadian director and photographer Floria Sigismondi.