How Ya Doin'? (feat. Missy Elliott)
Little Mix
Empowerment Through Disconnection: Little Mix's 'How Ya Doin'?'
Little Mix's song 'How Ya Doin'?' featuring Missy Elliott is a powerful anthem of self-respect and empowerment. The lyrics revolve around the theme of cutting ties with a past lover who has failed to treat the protagonist with the respect and love they deserve. The repeated refrain, 'Hey, how ya doin'? Sorry you can't get through,' serves as a metaphorical voicemail message, symbolizing the emotional and physical distance the protagonist has created to protect themselves from further hurt.
The song's narrative is clear: the protagonist has had enough of the mistreatment and is no longer willing to entertain the idea of reconciliation. Lines like 'Ain't got no time for what you think can be described as love' and 'Too much history, now it comes down to one thing' emphasize the finality of their decision. The use of a voicemail message as a recurring motif underscores the idea of moving on and not looking back, as the protagonist is 'never gonna get back' to the person who wronged them.
Missy Elliott's verse adds an extra layer of assertiveness and independence. Her lines, 'Now listen boy, you can never play Miss, got my mind twisted' and 'I’ma change my digits, I’ma keep distant,' reinforce the message of self-empowerment and the importance of setting boundaries. The collaboration between Little Mix and Missy Elliott creates a dynamic and empowering message for anyone who has ever felt undervalued in a relationship. The song encourages listeners to prioritize their self-worth and not to settle for anything less than they deserve.