La La Latch
Pentatonix
The Duality of Love and Resistance in 'La La Latch'
Pentatonix's 'La La Latch' is a fascinating blend of two distinct emotional landscapes, seamlessly woven together through their signature a cappella style. The song is a mashup of Disclosure's 'Latch' and Naughty Boy's 'La La La,' creating a narrative that oscillates between the euphoria of love and the need to shield oneself from emotional harm. The repetitive 'La la, la la la' serves as a unifying thread, symbolizing both the joy and the noise that love can bring into one's life.
The first part of the song, derived from 'Latch,' speaks to the intoxicating nature of love. Lyrics like 'You lift my heart up when the rest of me is down' and 'I’m latching on, babe, now I know what I have found' capture the overwhelming sense of attachment and admiration one feels when deeply in love. The imagery of being 'wrapped up in your touch' and 'shackled in my embrace' suggests a love so powerful that it feels almost inescapable, yet blissfully so.
In stark contrast, the sections borrowed from 'La La La' introduce a defensive stance against emotional toxicity. Lines such as 'When you spit your venom, keep it shut I hate it' and 'I'm covering my ears like a kid' depict a person who is actively trying to protect themselves from harmful words and negative influences. The act of going 'la la la' to block out the noise is a metaphor for self-preservation, a way to maintain one's emotional well-being amidst chaos.
Together, these contrasting themes create a rich tapestry that explores the complexities of human relationships. The song captures the duality of love—its ability to elevate and enchant, as well as its potential to hurt and overwhelm. Pentatonix masterfully navigates these emotional highs and lows, offering a nuanced portrayal of the human heart's resilience and vulnerability.