Meaning of "Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest

The lyrics of "Electric Relaxation" delve into the sexual desires and fantasies of the narrator. The opening lines, "Relax yourself girl, please settle down," set the tone for a seductive encounter. The narrator is mesmerized by the woman's physical attributes, particularly her black hair and "fat-ass thighs." The mention of "street poetry" as an everyday occurrence highlights the natural allure of the woman.

The lyrics also emphasize the narrator's sexual preferences, stating they like women of various ethnicities, such as brown, yellow, Puerto Rican, or Haitian. This diversity reflects the cultural and ethnic mix that the Zulu Nation, to which Phife Dawg belongs, embraces.

The song hints at the narrator's frustration with trying to initiate a sexual encounter. He describes driving the woman to a heightened state of arousal but being unable to fully act on his desires due to her disinterest or lack of understanding. He expresses his sexual frustration by saying, "sex was on my mind for the whole damn route," but he couldn't "drop dimes" (slang for paying for sexual services) because she couldn't relate.

The lyrics also address the narrator's desire for a romantic connection. He wants the woman to be his partner, describing her as his "mama" while he assumes the role of the "boy." He wants a genuine emotional connection, not just a physical one. However, the woman rejects his advances, calling him a "ho" based on her friends' opinion. The narrator refutes this characterization, expressing his disappointment at being labeled in such a way.

Throughout the song, the lyrics have a playful, flirtatious tone, with references to sexual acts and bodily functions. The song portrays the narrator as confident and self-assured, despite facing rejection. The lyrics aim to convey the attraction and sexual tension between the narrator and the woman, highlighting the complexities of desire and the challenges of navigating romantic relationships.