Low
by SZA

Album: SOS (2022)
Charted: 17
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On this moody trap-influenced cut, SZA keeps things low. She's over romantic partnerships, so after sex with a dude, she orders him out of her space. SZA wants to keep their carnal meetings clandestine; she whispers in the pre-chorus:

    In the bedroom, I be screamin'
    But outside, I keep it quiet

  • The brisk and ominous trap tune starts with a feel of one that Travis Scott would perform. Then, lo-and-behold the Texan rapper appears with some ad-libs. Scott also features on another SOS track, "Open Arms."
  • SZA wrote the lyrics with singer-songwriter Jocelyn "Jozzy" Donald. Jozzy's other credits include:

    Nicky Jam's 2022 Official 2022 World Cup Song "Live It Up"

    The Billy Ray Cyrus remix of Lil Nas X's mammoth hit single "Old Town Road."

    The original version of Internet Money's "Lemonade" single.

    Beyonce's Renaissance track, "Virgo's Groove."
  • Alessandro Buccellati, Aire Atlantica and SZA's go-to producer Rob Bisel created the dark instrumental. Los Angeles-based songwriter Alessandro Buccellati also worked on Arlo Parks' Mercury Prize-winning Collapsed in Sunbeams album. His brother, Gianluca Buccellati, co-wrote every song on that record. "Low" is New York City producer and engineer Aire Atlantica's first major credit.
  • Alessandro Buccellati played the accordion on the track plus keys with Rob Bisel. Aire Atlantica handled the drums.
  • Asked by Wild 94.9's Angelina what was the hardest song on SOS to write emotionally, SZA replied, "'Low' because I just trying to find that pocket of a certain type of aggression and that was confusing."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.