Training Season

Album: Radical Optimism (2024)
Charted: 4 27
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Training Season" is an empowering anthem inspired by mediocre dates. Dua Lipa conveys a message to men that she will no longer tolerate subpar treatment.

    "Training season's over. You're done teaching people how to do things right," said Lipa. "That's the vibe."
  • Lipa wrote the song with songwriters Caroline Ailin and Tobias Jesso Jr., along with producers Danny L Harle and Kevin Parker. The same five also penned her "Houdini" single.
  • Lipa describes the song's inspiration as a culmination of frustrating dates, stating, "The last one was the final straw."

    The next morning, she arrived at the studio to Ailin and Tobias Jesso asking her how her date went. "I immediately declared 'TRAINING SEASON IS OVER,' and like the best 'day after' debriefs with your mates, we had a lot of laughs and it all quickly came together from there," Lipa said.
  • While the song addresses setting boundaries and demanding respectful treatment, it also delves deeper into Duo Lipa's personal journey.

    "I have never felt more confident, clear, or empowered," she said. "And while it may be that training season is never over for any of us, you start to see the beauty in finding that person to experience it with. You stop looking for the trainees and become more interested in having someone where you are and someone to grow with."
  • Dua Lipa debuted the song on February 4, 2024, at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Kicking off the main ceremony, she performed a medley that comprised "Training Season," "Houdini," and "Dance The Night."
  • While speculation swirls about who inspired the lyrics, some fans point to Lipa's ex-boyfriend Anwar Hadid, whom she dated for over two years. Several of her 2020 Future Nostalgia tracks, including "Break My Heart," are believed to be inspired by him.

    Other guys she's dated include model/chef Isaac Carew, Lany singer and guitarist Paul Klein, TV host Trevor Noah, and director Romain Garvas.
  • Vincent Haycock (Calvin Harris, Florence + The Machine, Sam Fender) directed the music video. It opens with Lipa getting bombarded by a wave of desperate voicemails from exes, their apologies washing over her in a cacophony of regret.

    Later, a throng of men engulfs Lipa, vying for her attention with hungry gazes and reaching hands. This whirlwind becomes a physical manifestation of her own contemplation, a visual representation of the question burning within her:

    Are you somebody who can go there?
    'Cause I don't wanna have to show ya
    If that ain't you, then let me know
    'Cause training season's over
  • "Training Season" samples elements from "Tokyo Nights" by Digital Farm Animals, Shaun Frank & Dragonette. Both songs use a very similar melodic structure, particularly in their choruses. The writers of "Tokyo Nights," Digital Farm Animals, Martina Sorbara, Shaun Frank, Yaakov Gruzman and Steve Mastroianni are also credited on "Training Season."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.