The song at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 is a perfect example of how TikTok has reshaped the pop music landscape.
Singer-songwriter Dominic Fike first released the 98-second track ‘Babydoll’ on a 2018 EP he recorded while on house arrest for assaulting a police officer.
Eight years later, the song became a viral hit thanks to TikTok and Instagram videos. The sudden success prompted his label to release it as a single, fortuitous timing given his plan for an October album release.
I’m sure somewhere there is a corporate machine pushing songs to TikTok creators in an effort to make them go viral, but usually it’s something random like this that bubbles up because it struck a nerve with a few people, then a few more, until — BAM! — it’s a top ten hit.
What the Kids are Listening To
Check out the archive of a middle aged man trying to stay relevant.
I can’t move on, babydoll
Waitin’ on calls, flippin’ through stations
I’m outclassed and it’s outrageous (Ooh)
And I’ll take it all, babydoll
Whatever’s been weighin’ you down (Eeh)
[Verse]
Find me on Miami concrete
Lookin’ for somebody different ’cause my daddy was a pimp (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
My mama had her issues but I miss her anyway
Oh, babydoll (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
Please don’t call me for the wrong reasons
We both know exactly what I’m thinkin’
Weeks pass and I never grow tired
‘Cause I never said never and I barely ever lie
I’m on the road to an original place in outer space
I didn’t make it up, but you can’t find it on a phone or a globe
And I can take you with me if you really wanna go
Oh, babydoll, I can’t move on
[Chorus]
And I can’t move on, babydoll
Waitin’ on calls, flippin’ through stations
I’m outclassed and it’s outrageous (Ooh)
And I’ll take it all, babydoll
Whatever’s been weighin’ you down
