
Lizzo About Damn Time – Lyrics Release Date Chords and Video
When Lizzo released “About Damn Time” in April 2022, the song quickly became more than just a single – it turned into a cultural reset. The track blends disco grooves with self‑empowerment lyrics, and within weeks it climbed to the top of charts worldwide. For anyone looking to understand the song’s meaning, its release history, or how to play it, this guide covers all the verified facts.
What Are the Lyrics to Lizzo’s “About Damn Time”?
The lyrics of “About Damn Time” revolve around emerging from a difficult period with renewed confidence. Lizzo sings about dancing through stress, feeling sexy, and taking a moment to celebrate survival. One of the most quoted lines is: “I’m not the girl I was or used to be / Bitch, I might be better.” The song includes an expletive in the chorus that is censored in the clean version.
| Song Title | About Damn Time |
| Artist | Lizzo |
| Release Date | April 14, 2022 |
| Album | Special (2022) |
- “About Damn Time” served as the lead single for Lizzo’s fourth studio album, Special.
- The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Lizzo’s second chart‑topper.
- The music video features Lizzo in various campy, feel‑good scenes and was directed by Christian Breslauer.
- A clean version of the song replaces the expletive “bitch” with a bleep, making it radio‑friendly.
- The track was the final song completed for the album Special.
- It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 2022 and also topped the Global 200.
- Lizzo performed the song at the 2022 BET Awards, the MTV VMAs, and on The Tonight Show.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release info | Released April 14, 2022, as a digital single and on streaming platforms. |
| Chart peak | Billboard Hot 100: #1 (June 2022); UK Singles Chart: #3; Global 200: #1. |
| Certifications | RIAA: 2× Platinum; ARIA: 3× Platinum; BPI: Platinum. |
| Key performances | BET Awards, MTV VMAs, The Tonight Show. |
| Remixes | Purple Disco Machine Remix and other official remixes released in 2022. |
| Genre | Pop‑disco / funk‑pop / dance‑pop. |
| Length | 3 minutes 11 seconds. |
| Writers | Lizzo, Blake Slatkin, Eric Frederic, Theron Thomas. |
| Label | Nice Life Recordings / Atlantic Records. |
| Grammy nominations | Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance. |
When Was “About Damn Time” Released and What Album Is It On?
Lizzo released “About Damn Time” as a single on April 14, 2022. It is the lead track from her fourth studio album, Special, which came out on July 15, 2022, via Nice Life Recordings and Atlantic Records. The song was the last one finished for the album, according to interviews with the singer.
The Album “Special”
Special is Lizzo’s fourth studio album and includes other hits such as “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready).” The album continued the confident, funk‑infused sound that had already made “Juice” a viral sensation.
Why It Was the Final Song for the Album
In interviews following the release, Lizzo explained that “About Damn Time” was the last track completed for Special. The song’s upbeat, celebratory tone was intended to capture the feeling of emerging from the pandemic and personal struggles.
The chorus of “About Damn Time” includes an interpolation of the 1984 track “Hey DJ” by The World’s Famous Supreme Team. This disco‑era sample helps give the song its throwback feel.
Where Can I Stream “About Damn Time” on Spotify and Other Platforms?
The song is available on all major streaming services. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Tidal. The official audio is also posted on YouTube.
Official Audio on YouTube
The official audio track, which has accumulated hundreds of millions of streams, can be found on Lizzo’s YouTube channel. The song was also released as part of the Special album on all platforms.
Clean Version and Radio Edit
A clean version is widely available. It censors the word “bitch” in the chorus, making the song suitable for radio and family‑friendly playlists. On streaming platforms the clean edit is often labeled simply as “About Damn Time (Clean)” or included as a separate track.
How to Play “About Damn Time” on Guitar (Chords and Tab)
The song was built around four piano chords and later enriched with a bassline. Although the exact sheet‑music arrangement varies by source, the general chord progression is in the key of E major. Many guitar and piano tutorials simplify the progression for quick learning.
Chord Progression
According to public summaries, the song uses a disco‑inspired groove with bright, uplifting chord movement. The chorus repeats a four‑chord pattern that is relatively easy to play on guitar or keyboard. Because the song is in E major, common shapes include E, A, B, and C#m, though the official arrangement may differ slightly.
Where to Find Reliable Tabs
No dedicated page for guitar chords or tabs appears among the top search results, but several tutorial channels on YouTube offer play‑along videos. The official sheet music can be purchased through Lizzo’s online store.
Start with the four main piano chords in E major, then add the bassline once you have the groove. The song’s tempo is around 109 BPM.
What Is the Music Video and Visual Content for “About Damn Time”?
The official music video, directed by Christian Breslauer, was released on April 14, 2022. The concept shows Lizzo leaving a “Stressed & Sexy” support group before breaking into a series of dance‑centered visual sequences.
Key Visual Moments
- School hallway dance scenes with backup dancers.
- Outfit transformation from casual wear to a sequined performance look.
- A flute‑playing scene on a diving board.
- Swimming‑pool / water‑walking imagery.
The video is playful, glamorous, and self‑affirming. It currently has over 200 million views on YouTube.
GIFs and Memes
Many short clips from the video, such as Lizzo walking on water and her flute performance, have been turned into GIFs. These are widely available on GIF platforms (e.g., GIPHY) and are often used in social‑media conversations about celebration or confidence.
Timeline of Key Events for “About Damn Time”
- April 14, 2022 – Single and music video released.
- May 2022 – Song enters the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 21.
- June 25, 2022 – Reaches No. 1 on the Hot 100.
- July 15, 2022 – Album Special released, featuring “About Damn Time.”
- August 2022 – Purple Disco Machine Remix released.
- November 2022 – Nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About “About Damn Time”?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Release date: April 14, 2022. | Any upcoming live performances or re‑releases beyond 2023 are not publicly confirmed. |
| Lyrics (explicit and clean versions). | Future chart performance beyond 2023 cannot be predicted. |
| Music video directed by Christian Breslauer. | No significant rumors have been associated with the song; speculation about a hidden meaning in the lyrics is unsubstantiated. |
| Chart positions: #1 Billboard Hot 100, #3 UK Singles. | |
| Certifications: 2× Platinum (RIAA), 3× Platinum (ARIA). | |
| Official remixes exist, including the Purple Disco Machine Remix. |
What Is the Musical Style and Cultural Impact of “About Damn Time”?
The song draws from 1970s funk and disco, with a prominent bassline and handclaps. Critics have described it as a logical follow‑up to Lizzo’s earlier hit “Juice,” though with a more polished production. Lyrically, “About Damn Time” is an anthem of self‑empowerment, confidence, and resilience after a difficult period. The phrase “about damn time” signals a celebratory turnaround.
Culturally, the song became an anthem for TikTok challenges and viral dance videos. It extended Lizzo’s mainstream reach and was praised by publications such as Rolling Stone for its infectious groove and positive message.
What Do Critics and Lizzo Say About “About Damn Time”?
“It’s bad bitch o’clock, yeah, it’s thick‑thirty / I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still flirty.” You can find the full lyrics for Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” at canadaviewpoint.com. canadaviewpoint.com
— Lyrics as published on Genius
“The song is about getting back up after you’ve been down, and that’s a universal feeling.”
— Lizzo, interview with Rolling Stone (April 2022)
“‘About Damn Time’ is Lizzo at her most confident and carefree.”
— Wikipedia summary of critical reception
What’s Next for “About Damn Time”?
After a successful chart run and Grammy nominations, “About Damn Time” remains one of Lizzo’s signature songs. Fans can watch for possible new remixes or live versions released by the artist or Atlantic Records. The track may also appear in films, TV shows, or advertisements that could renew interest. For more context, see this Lizzo album ‘Special’ review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “About Damn Time” about a specific person or relationship?
Lizzo has stated the song is about self‑empowerment and having fun, not a specific person.
Who produced “About Damn Time”?
The song was produced by Blake Slatkin and Eric Frederic, with additional production by Theron Thomas.
What key is “About Damn Time” in?
The song is in the key of E major.
How long is “About Damn Time”?
The track length is 3 minutes and 11 seconds.
Who directed the music video?
The official video was directed by Christian Breslauer.
Did “About Damn Time” win any Grammy Awards?
The song was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance but did not win.
Where can I buy the official sheet music?
Official sheet music and digital downloads are available through Lizzo’s Atlantic Records store.
Does “About Damn Time” sample another song?
The chorus includes an interpolation of “Hey DJ” by The World’s Famous Supreme Team (1984).
Was there any official remix?
Yes, the Purple Disco Machine Remix was released in August 2022.
Is there a clean version available?
Yes, a clean version exists that censors the expletive in the chorus.