"Handlebars" by Dua Lipa and Jennie: A Song About Reckless Love

 "Handlebars" by Dua Lipa and Jennie is a captivating song about the exhilarating, yet often painful, experience of falling head over heels in love. The lyrics paint a picture of a passionate, impulsive individual who dives into relationships without hesitation, even knowing the potential for heartbreak.

 

The Metaphor of "Handlebars":

 

The recurring image of "over the handlebars" symbolizes the reckless abandon with which the singer approaches love. It's a metaphor for losing control, going all-in, and risking a hard fall. Just like someone riding a bike without handlebars, the singer is willing to take a chance, even if it means crashing and getting hurt.

 

The Cycle of Love and Pain:

 

The lyrics reveal a pattern of falling hard, getting hurt, and repeating the cycle. The singer acknowledges that love isn't always kind, but they can't resist the allure of a new connection. The lines "It burns me time and time again / So why am I still fixing for this frying pan?" express the frustration of knowing the outcome but still seeking out the same kind of love.

 

A Tuesday Drunk:

 

The comparison to a "Tuesday drunk" emphasizes the impulsive nature of the singer's love. It's not a calculated, deliberate decision; it's a spontaneous, almost intoxicated feeling that takes over. The "Tuesday" adds a sense of ordinariness to the experience, suggesting that this pattern of falling in love is a recurring theme in the singer's life.

 

The Power of Attraction:

 

Despite the pain, the singer is drawn to the intensity of love. The lines "My lips and your lips, we could press them together / I don't ever think twice" highlight the irresistible pull of physical and emotional connection. The singer is willing to surrender to the moment without considering the consequences.

 

The Unresolved Tension:

 

The song ends with a sense of unresolved tension. The repeated refrain "We ain't gotta talk about it" suggests that the singer is avoiding confronting the pain and complexities of their relationships. They're choosing to ignore the hurt and keep chasing the fleeting high of falling in love.

 

"Handlebars" is a raw and relatable exploration of love's complexities. It captures the intoxicating rush of new love, the inevitability of heartbreak, and the struggle to break free from a cycle of self-destructive behavior. The song reminds us that love can be a beautiful, yet unpredictable force, and sometimes, the only way to learn is by falling over the handlebars.