Honestly, if you haven’t screamed the chorus of "Power" at the top of your lungs while stuck in traffic, have you even lived? It’s been years since Little Mix dropped this gem as the fourth single from Glory Days back in 2017, and it still hits like a freight train. But there’s a lot more to the little mix power lyrics than just a catchy hook about motorcycles and "who got the power."
People often dismiss it as just another "girl power" anthem. You know the type—the kind of song that gets played at corporate empowerment seminars. But "Power" is grittier than that. It’s actually kinda revolutionary in how it handles gender roles, and if you look closely at the writing credits, you’ll see the fingerprints of pop heavyweights like Camille Purcell (now known as Kamille), James Abrahart, and Dan Omelio.
The Lyrics That Flipped the Script
Let's talk about that opening. Perrie Edwards kicks things off with a literal roar. When she sings, "You're the man, but I got the, I got the power," she’s not saying men don't have a place. She's saying that the traditional hierarchy where "man" equals "boss" is basically a myth.
The song uses some pretty interesting metaphors. Take the line "I'm a machine when I do it." Usually, "machine" is a term associated with masculine strength or cold, industrial grit. By claiming that word, the girls are basically saying they can be just as relentless and "un-delicate" as any guy. It’s about agency. It’s about not needing permission to take up space.
Then you’ve got the more... suggestive bits.
"Motorbike, motorbike, motorbike, motorbike / Bike, bike, bike, bike / Whoop, girl, look at me go."
It sounds like fun pop filler, right? But the "motorbike" imagery is all about control. It’s a high-octane, fast-moving symbol of independence. They aren't on the back of the bike; they’re the ones with their hands on the handlebars.
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The Stormzy Controversy
Okay, we have to talk about the remix. When Little Mix announced that Stormzy was going to be on the track, the "Mixers" (the fans) were... divided. Some people were genuinely annoyed. The logic was: Why do we need a man to tell us women have power on a song specifically about female empowerment?
I get that. Truly. But if you actually listen to Stormzy’s verse, he does something pretty rare for a male feature. He doesn't try to take over. He raps, "You can be a woman and a boss and wear the trousers." He’s playing the role of the ally, acknowledging that he’s there to support the message, not dominate it. It turned the song into a conversation rather than just a monologue. Plus, his deep tone against those high harmonies? Chef's kiss.
A Cultural Reset for the Fans
The little mix power lyrics didn't just stay on the radio. They became a legitimate political statement. The music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, took the lyrics and turned them into a visual protest.
- Jade Thirlwall filmed her segments with legendary drag queens Courtney Act, Alaska, and Willam.
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock led a high-fashion "street crew" that looked like they stepped out of a 90s New York rebellion.
- Jesy Nelson took the "biker" lyrics literally, leading a gang of leather-clad women.
- Perrie went full "flower power" hippie, throwing it back to the feminist movements of the 60s and 70s.
The most iconic part? The ending where they march with their actual mothers. It took the lyrics from being about "me" to being about "us"—a multi-generational line of women standing their ground.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
Even now, years after the group went on hiatus, "Power" is a staple. Why? Because it’s one of the few pop songs that manages to be "pro-woman" without being "anti-man." It’s about a redistribution of energy. It’s about the fact that you can be "the man" (the traditional authority) while I simultaneously hold the "power" (the actual influence and skill).
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It’s also surprisingly complex musically. It’s got these industrial, almost "clanging" beats that make it feel heavy. It’s not "bubblegum." It’s heavy metal pop.
The Technical Bits You Might Not Know
If you're a nerd for song structure, "Power" is a masterclass in tension and release. The verses are relatively stripped back, focusing on the rhythmic delivery of the lyrics. Then the pre-chorus builds up that "whoop whoop!" sound, which feels like a siren. By the time the chorus hits, it’s an explosion.
- Release Date: May 26, 2017 (for the Stormzy remix).
- Chart Success: It hit number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for ages.
- WWE Connection: In 2018, it was the official theme for the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble. That’s a huge deal for a pop song.
How to Actually Apply the "Power" Mindset
If you’re looking for a takeaway from the little mix power lyrics, it’s not just about acting tough. It’s about recognizing where your specific "power" comes from. For Jade in the video, it was the LGBTQ+ community. For Perrie, it was peace and history.
Don't just listen to the song; use it as a blueprint for those days when you feel small. When the lyrics say, "You're the man, but I got the power," think of it as a reminder that titles don't equal talent, and authority doesn't equal influence.
To really get the most out of this anthem, try these steps:
- Analyze the "Machine" metaphor: Identify one area of your life where you feel most efficient and "unstoppable." Own that identity.
- Watch the 2017 BRIT Awards performance: It’s arguably one of their best live versions and shows the "marching" choreography that brought the lyrics to life.
- Check the songwriting credits: Look up Kamille’s other work. She’s the secret weapon behind most of Little Mix’s best tracks, and her perspective on female autonomy is woven through all of them.
The song is a legacy piece. It’s not just about four girls from a talent show; it’s about a shift in how pop music handles the concept of strength. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s completely unapologetic.