Houdini, the Man Behind Dua Lipa’s New Song: «Catch Me or I Go»

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Dua Lipa has recently entered a new phase in her music career, as she had previously hinted at, promising a psychedelic phase. The «Dance The Night» singer bid a final farewell to her Future Nostalgia era by cleaning up her Instagram, echoing a similar move she made when she transitioned from her initial musical phase under her own name, DUA LIPA. Shortly after this fresh start, Dua surprised her fans by dyeing her hair red. Following this change, she provided a sneak peek of her upcoming song, «Houdini.»

Houdini

On November 9, the British-Albanian singer unveiled both the song and the music video for «Houdini,» and neither of them have disappointed.  The song, although subtly different from her previous work, retains her signature essence and reaffirms her role as the one in control in her relationships.

Over time, after her debut album, Dua Lipa has shown her evolution, not only musically but also personally, a transformation that is reflected in each of her songs. Now, with the release of «Houdini,» it’s clear that she’s not easily caught. Even though the music video doesn’t reference Houdini or the 70s aesthetic, it is still a visually impressive piece of work. 

dua lipa is back! pic.twitter.com/it2X4jkhfv

— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) November 9, 2023

Of course, Dua mentions ‘Houdini’ several times in her song, clearly referring to the famous magician Harry Houdini. The most obvious reference comes in the lyrics, “I come and I go […] I’m not here for long, Catch me or I go Houdini,” making it clear that, just like Houdini, she can easily escape or disappear. 

Houdini: The Master Escape Artist & Illusionist

Harry Houdini was born in Budapest on March 24, 1874, with the name Erich Weiss, his given name. According to National Geographic, his journey into the world of magic began when he was just a child. His father took him to see a show performed by Dr. Lynn, a magician who traveled around showcasing his tricks. Erich was so captivated by the performance that, at the age of nine, he and some friends from his neighborhood decided to create a small circus act. Naturally, in his spare time, he immersed himself in the study of magic.

His Magical Journey to Success 

As for the name ‘Houdini,’ he took it from the book titled ‘The Memoirs of Robert-Houdin, Ambassador, Author, and Conjuror, Written by Himself.’ This book told the life story of a magician named Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, who became Harry Houdini’s hero. Houdini’s early days in magic involved doing card tricks and acts where he’d escape from various restraints, and one of his first tricks was called ‘metamorphosis.’

“Catch Me Or I Go” 

Houdini became famous when he returned to the United States in 1904 after touring Europe, earning the nickname ‘The Handcuff King.’

Houdini was famous for his incredible talent for escaping from what seemed like impossible situations. He became well-known for his escapes from straitjackets, underwater feats, and his iconic Chinese Water Torture Cell act, where he dangled upside-down in a tank filled with water. Houdini’s determination, physical abilities, and careful planning allowed him to break free from locks, chains, and restraints that left audiences amazed. He often dared local police departments to restrain him, only to effortlessly escape from their handcuffs and jail cells.

According to official records, Houdini passed away on October 31, 1926, at the age of 52 due to complications from a ruptured appendix. However, in the years that followed, an unconfirmed story started circulating, suggesting that the famous magician might have met his end while attempting one of his riskiest tricks. What’s certain is that his death marked the end of an era in magic and entertainment. Nevertheless, his legacy lives on, especially among magicians and performers today, and even Dua Lipa pays tribute to him now.