Cardboard Box

### Lyricist(s):

Uzoechi Emenike · Jorja Douglas · Renée Downer · Savannah Jada · Stella Quaresma

### Producer(s):

MNEK

"****Cardboard Box****" is the first song by the British girl group FLO, part of their debut EP called "*The Lead*" released in 2022. The group worked together with Savannah Jada and MNEK, who also produced the song. It became available for digital download and streaming on March 24, 2022, as the EP's main single. The track, a mix of **pop** and **R&B**, showcases the group's blended vocals set to a dancehall-style beat with a touch of 2000s music. The lyrics tell a story of moving on from a dishonest romantic partner. After its launch, the song gained popularity on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

### Background

After forming in 2019, FLO spent two years working on music with producers, including MNEK. One of the first songs they worked on was "**Cardboard Box**," which was released on March 24, 2022. The **music video** came out on April 1, 2022, and quickly gained over 900 thousand views on YouTube. A **Twitter** clip from the video also got over 2 million views and 100 thousand likes.

The single received praise on social media from artists like **SZA**, **Missy Elliott**, **JoJo**, and **Victoria Monét**. "Cardboard Box" became the lead single for their first EP, "**The Lead**" (2022). They released an acoustic version on May 27, 2022, and performed it on Vevo DSCVR along with the second single, "**Immature**." The group made their TV debut on October 7, 2022, performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

In August 2022, "Cardboard Box" gained popularity on **TikTok** after an afrobeats version sparked a new trend. The group officially released **DJ Happi**'s remix as a single and premiered a lyric video on October 6, 2022.

### Lyrics

The lyrics of "**Cardboard Box**" delve into the complexities of a failing romantic relationship, where dissatisfaction and a sense of finality become prominent themes. The first verse reveals the speaker's admission of no longer wanting their partner, hinting at potential trust issues with the discovery of someone else's undergarments on the bathroom floor.

During the **Genius Verified interview**, FLO members Renée, Stella, and Jorja share insights into the song's universal theme of relationship fatigue. Although not personally experiencing the exact scenario in the lyrics, they metaphorically express reaching a breaking point. The group stresses the importance of leaving when faced with such situations, blending humor and seriousness in discussing relationships and self-respect.

The pre-chorus captures the prolonged endurance of a challenging relationship. It acknowledges the unlikelihood of change in the addressed person and questions the purpose of persisting. The decisive phrase "*We're done for real*" emphasizes the speaker's resolute decision to end the relationship, a sentiment echoed by Jorja and Renée, who highlight the futility of pretending otherwise.

In the chorus, the lyrics portray a decisive end to the relationship, involving packing belongings in a cardboard box, changing phone numbers, and changing locks. The group emphasizes the relatability and emotional depth of the lyrics, with Jorja noting the resonance of the specific line expressing finality.

The second verse delves into stress and frustration within the relationship, suggesting that leaving and finding solace elsewhere might be the best course of action. During the interview, Jorja and Renée share how creating "**Cardboard Box**" was a stressful experience, but the unexpected viral attention turned it into a blessing. This unpredictability of success highlights the positive impact on their journey.

The bridge reflects a moment of post-relationship frustration and retaliation. Symbolic actions, described as a form of "violence" by Stella, underscore deep emotional turmoil. Jorja notes being thoroughly fed up, and Renée introduces creative hypothetical actions as a karmic consequence. The mention of reaching out to the partner's friends adds an element of uncertainty and defiance, emphasizing the emotional complexity of the situation.

* Explicit
* Clean

[Verse 1: Stella]

I got a confession

I don't think I want you anymore

There's no room for questions

I saw her panties on the bathroom floor

[Pre-Chorus: Stella]

Been putting up with this for far too long

You ain't gonna change, boy

What's the point in stringing me along?

We're done for real

[Chorus: All]

So I'ma put your shit in a cardboard box

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks

When you can't get in, know your heart gon' stop

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not

I'ma put your shit in a cardboard box

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks

Never liked your mama, so I guess she's blocked

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not

[Verse 2: Jorja, *Stella*, **All**]

Stressin' (*Stressin'*)

Do you hear a stutter in my words?

I see it as a blessing (*See it as a blessing*)

Come take your shit 'cause you can go stay at **hers, I**

[Pre-Chorus: Jorja]

Hope that she was worth my wastеd time

But could she do it like I do?

You need somеone to put you back in line

So you gon' see what I'll do

[Chorus: All, *Stella*, **Renée** & ***Jorja***]

I'ma put your shit in a cardboard box

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks

When you can't get in, know your heart gon' stop

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not (*Boy, you may be crying, but I'm not*)

I'ma put your shit in a cardboard box (**I'ma put your shit in a cardboard box**)

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks (*Changing all the locks now*)

Never liked your mama, so I guess she's blocked (**Oh, woah**)

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not (***Boy, I'm not***)

[Bridge: Renée & *Jorja*]

(*Yeah, yeah*)

So I'ma put your jeans next to the dreams that you sold me

Believe karma is a B and she gon' teach

Said I'ma put your gold chains down the drain and your Rolly

Might just drop a text to your homies

[Chorus: All, *Renée*, **Stella** & ***Jorja***]

I'ma put your shit in a cardboard box (*Oh, ah*)

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks (**Changing the locks, yeah**)

When you can't get in, know your heart gon' stop

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not (*No, no*)

I'ma put your shit in a cardboard box (***Oh***)

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks (*Locks*)

Never liked your mama, so I guess she's blocked (*She's blocked*)

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not (***Ah***)

[Outro: Renée & *All*]

(So I'ma put your jeans next to the dreams that you sold me)

(Mi-mi-mi-might just drop a text to your homie)

*You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not*

[Verse 1: Stella]

I got a confession

I don't think I want you anymore

There's no room for questions

I saw her savage on the bathroom floor

[Pre-Chorus: Stella]

Been putting up with this for far too long

You ain't gonna change, boy

What's the point in stringing me along?

We're done for real

[Chorus: All]

So I'ma put your stuff in a cardboard box

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks

When you can't get in, know your heart gon' stop

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not

I'ma put your stuff in a cardboard box

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks

Never liked your mama, so I guess she's blocked

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not

[Verse 2: Jorja, *Stella*, **All**]

Stressin' (*Stressin'*)

Do you hear a stutter in my words?

I see it as a blessing (*See it as a blessing*)

Come take your stuff 'cause you can go stay at **hers, I**

[Pre-Chorus: Jorja]

Hope that she was worth my wastеd time

But could she do it like I do?

You need somеone to put you back in line

So you gon' see what I'll do

[Chorus: All, *Stella*, **Renée** & ***Jorja***]

I'ma put your stuff in a cardboard box

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks

When you can't get in, know your heart gon' stop

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not (*Boy, you may be crying, but I'm not*)

I'ma put your stuff in a cardboard box (**I'ma put your stuff in a cardboard box**)

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks (*Changing all the locks now*)

Never liked your mama, so I guess she's blocked (**Oh, woah**)

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not (***Boy, I'm not***)

[Bridge: Renée & *Jorja*]

(*Yeah, yeah*)

So I'ma put your jeans next to the dreams that you sold me

Believe karma is a B and she gon' teach

Said I'ma put your gold chains down the drain and your Rolly

Might just drop a text to your homies

[Chorus: All, *Renée*, **Stella** & ***Jorja***]

I'ma put your stuff in a cardboard box (*Oh, ah*)

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks (**Changing the locks, yeah**)

When you can't get in, know your heart gon' stop

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not (*No, no*)

I'ma put your stuff in a cardboard box (***Oh***)

Changing my number and I'm changing the locks (*Locks*)

Never liked your mama, so I guess she's blocked (*She's blocked*)

You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not (***Ah***)

[Outro: Renée & *All*]

(So I'ma put your jeans next to the dreams that you sold me)

(Mi-mi-mi-might just drop a text to your homie)

*You may be crying, but, boy, I'm not*

### Music Video

Released on April 1, 2022, **LOOSE** brings forth the **Y2K** vibes in FLO's debut video, "**Cardboard Box**". The video serves as a vibrant showcase of the girls' personalities and playful energy, with FLO taking on dual roles as both artists and directors in the conceptualization.

Set against a bright white cyc background, the video seamlessly weaves together performances, choreography, and behind-the-scenes shots, evoking a dynamic and nostalgic energy. Viewers may appreciate the parallels drawn between FLO's debut and an early *Noughties* video for the **Sugababes**. The video captures the essence of the era while allowing FLO to infuse their own modern twist.

#### Other Videos

FLO - Cardboard Box (Behind The Scenes)FLO - Cardboard Box (Acoustic Visualiser)FLO, Happi - Cardboard Box (Happi Remix - Lyric Video)
### Track listings

* **Streaming/digital download – remix**

1. "Cardboard Box" (Happi Remix) – 2:30
2. "Cardboard Box" – 2:41

* **Streaming/digital download – versions**

1. "Cardboard Box" (Sped Up) – 2:18
2. "Cardboard Box" (Acoustic) – 2:53
3. "Cardboard Box" (Studio Vocals) – 2:41
4. "Cardboard Box" (Instrumental) – 2:41

### Audio

Discover FLO's debut track, "**Cardboard Box**," across various platforms including Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, YouTube, Shazam, and Spotify.

### Gallery

#### Live Performances

##### 2023

FLO - Cardboard Box (Wireless 2023)Flo - Cardboard Box (Live at Capital's Summertime Ball 2023) - Capital
FLO - Cardboard Box (BRITs 2023 Rising Star Session)Flo - Cardboard Box (Sound Of 2023) on Radio 1FLO - Cardboard Box (Glastonbury 2023)
##### 2022

FLO Slays The Stage With Their Performance Of "Cardboard Box" - Soul Train Awards '22FLO "Cardboard Box" live on Jimmy Kimmel
FLO - Cardboard Box (Live Acoustic)FLO - Cardboard Box (Live) - Vevo DSCVRFLO “Cardboard Box” (Live Performance) - Open Mic