Control Freak

"**Control Freak**" is the first track from FLO's EP, "3 of Us," released on **July 3, 2023**. The song, produced by Jamal Woon, holds a significant place in the British girl group's discography. Despite initial speculation that it might be part of their upcoming debut album, the band clarified during an Instagram live session that it is unrelated to that project.

### Background

The track made its live debut at FLO's first headline show in London on **March 30, 2023**, where it left a lasting impression on the audience. The element of surprise came into play when, two months later, FLO pleasantly surprised fans by dropping "**Control Freak**" along with two other songs on their "3 of Us" EP.

### Lyrics

"**Control Freak**" by FLO explores the dynamics of a relationship where one party exhibits controlling behavior. The lyrics depict a scenario where the speaker encounters someone at a party who initially appears reserved, but later reveals a controlling nature. The first verse sets the scene, highlighting the unexpected nature of the person's behavior and their attempt to exert control over the speaker's life.

In the pre-chorus, the lyrics convey the speaker's discomfort with the intrusive actions of the other person. There's a sense of tension as the speaker describes receiving numerous calls and messages, indicating an unwelcome level of attention. The lines suggest a quick progression in the relationship, with the person asserting authority despite the limited time they've known each other.

The chorus becomes a powerful declaration of the speaker's independence and resistance to being controlled. The repetition of the phrase "*I might let you hold me*" is juxtaposed with a firm rejection of being with a control freak. The lyrics emphasize the speaker's agency and make it clear that they won't tolerate possessive behavior. The use of playful language like "*Bro, please*" adds a touch of defiance and dismissiveness.

In the second verse, the lyrics continue to challenge the person's perceived authority. The speaker questions the individual's self-perceived importance, suggesting that they are not the "*king of anything*." The rejection intensifies as the speaker urges the person to "*get a grip*," emphasizing the need for them to reconsider their controlling tendencies.

The bridge brings a shift in tone, with a more assertive stance. The speaker directly addresses the controlling person, stating that they cannot be controlled and will not succumb to loneliness. The repetition of the phrase "*Stop being a control freak*" serves as a clear and direct message to the individual to change their behavior.

* Lyrics

[Intro: Renée]

Uh, oh-oh, oh

[Verse 1: Stella & *Renée*]

When I met you at the party

No, you didn't seem the type (*Yeah*)

To overstep the boundaries

And try control my life (*Life*)

[Pre-Chorus: Renée]

And I could be out with my girls

You be blowin' up my number

Pick up the phone

Now you say you're comin' over

Too comfortable

We only just met each other

Just 'cause

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

I might let you hold me (*Ah*)

But I ain't tryna be with no control freak (*Ah*)

How'd you get to thinkin' that you own me?

Bro, please, must've bumped your head

Baby, don't forget, ***only***

Only you be tryna cuff me like the police (*Cuff, cuff, cuff*; *ooh*)

**Whеn you talkin' to me, watch your tone, G** (*Ooh*)

*Take it slowly*, ***you control frеak***

[Interlude: Renée]

Uh, oh-oh, oh, tell 'em, tell 'em

[Verse 2: Jorja, *Renée & Stella*]

Bet you think you're kinging somethin' (*Yeah, yeah*)

Well, boy, you ain't the king of nothin' (*Yeah, yeah*)

You're reachin' if you call this lovin'

Ple-Ple-Ple-Please, won't you get a grip?

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

I could be out with my girls

***You be blowin' up my number*** (***Ah-ooh***)

*Pick up the phone*

***Now you say you're comin' over*** (***Ah-ooh***)

**Too comfortable**

***We only just met each other*** (***Ah-ooh***)

Just because

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

I might let you ***hold me*** (*Hold me*)

But I ain't tryna be with no ***control freak*** (*Control freak*)

How'd you get to thinkin' that you ***own me?*** (**No, no, no**)

***Bro, please***, must've bumped your head

Baby, don't forget (**Don't forget**), ***only*** (**Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah**)

You be tryna cuff me like the police (*Cuff, cuff, cuff*)

*When you talkin' to me, watch your tone, G*

**Take it slowly**, ***you control freak***

[Bridge: MNEK, *Renée*, **Stella**, ***Jorja*** & (All)]

You can't control me (*Oh no*)

I'ma leave you lonely (I'ma leave you lonely, boy)

Boy, you don't own me (**Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah**)

Stop bein' a control freak (**You need to stop**)

You can't control me (***Can't control me***)

I'ma leave you lonely (***I'ma leave you lonely, yeah***)

Boy, you don't own me (*Such a control freak*)

Stop bein' a control freak

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

I might let you hold me

But I ain't tryna be with no control freak (*You're a control freak*)

How'd you get to thinkin' that you own me? (**Oh-ooh**)

Bro, please, must've bumped your head (*Must've bumped your head*)

Baby, don't forget (***Don't forget, only***)

***You be tryna cuff me like the police***

*When you talkin' to me, watch your tone, G*

**Take it slowly**, you control freak (***Ah***)

[Post-Chorus: MNEK, *Jorja*, **Stella** & ***Renée***]

You can't control me (*Ah, ah*)

I'ma leave you lonely (**Lonely, I'ma leave you lonely, yeah**)

Boy, you don't own me (***Oh***)

Stop bein' a control freak (***You need to stop***)

[Outro: All]

Oh, woah, woah, woah

Oh, woah, woah, woah

Ah

Stop bein' a control freak