Rolling in the Deep is more than a Billboard Top single, Grammy Song of the Year and Adele's number one hit. It is an Old English term used to reference an event that is terribly "un-romantic."
So what exactly does it mean?
Adele made the phrase famous with her 2011 Grammy winning album, 21. Due to it's popularity, many people have asked and wondered what the hell is this strange term? Well, Adele tried to shed light on its origin in an interview with Rolling Stone, saying: "It is an adaptation of a kind of slang, slur phrase in the UK called 'roll deep,' which means to have someone, always have someone that has your back, and you're never on your own, if you're ever in trouble you've always got someone who's going to come and help you fight it or whatever like that. And that's how I felt in the relationship that the record's about, especially 'Rolling in the Deep.' That's how I felt, you know, I thought that's what I was always going to have, and um, it ended up not being the case."
I disagree.
If you listen carefully to the lyrics, she says things like: "Go ahead and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare." and "Think of me in the depths of your despair." or "Make a home down there, as mine sure won't be shared."
Sounds like she's alluding to something oceanic, right? And indeed she is. You see, Rolling in the Deep is used to delicately state the death of sea-faring folk who have gone overboard or were dragged down with their ship. In the context of the song, it denotes the heartbreaker wallowing (Rolling) in sorrow and regret (the Deep).
It's interesting because this rather obscure term is fast becoming an urban slang. Why, just yesterday I broke up with my girlfriend and she had the gall to tell me, "Roll in the Deep you fucking loser!"
Thank you Adele. Now girls can dump me with a fancy metaphor. --_--
22 comments:
Oh my gosh, freakin' hilarious! I'll never hear that song the same way again.
Oh, and ps, thanks for what you said over at Miss Snark's on my entry. Ya, it totally made my day! (and not just because I watch the CW religiously, lol)
Oh geez. I never knew this. I LOVE Adele and love that song. I was so pumped when I got to sing it in a band I guess sung for :)
Sorry about your girlfriend...
I was going to say, I'm English and have never heard the phrase "Roll Deep," but that isn't strictly true, it's just not big down in the countryside where I live!
Cassie Mae: That was YOUR entry! 0_0
Dude, it was fucking amazing! The voice, the character--everything! YOU ARE A SUPERB WRITER, I HAD NO IDEA!
Congrats Cassie, I REALLY HOPE YOU GET A BOOK DEAL AND TELEVISION DEAL!
Kelley: I don't know which is better: the fact that you're hot or that you can sing. ^_^
Kyra: I've heard a lot of people comment on the phrase by saying: "WTF is Rolling in the Deep?" My friend actually thought the guy in the song was rolling in Hell, but I corrected him and said she's comparing the dude's despair to a sinking ship out at sea.
I give Adele props for using this title, it added to the hype and intrigue of the song.
And she's my age! So kudos for being a MEGASTAR so young! ^_^
I also want to say, I am so happy to have you guys to talk to on Sunday. It's a very nice feeling.
Adele is pretty amazing, but her music is so emotionally perfect that it makes me miserable lol. She has a magic way of touching on feelings, and it taps right into memories I'd rather forget!
Oh and btw, i hope it totally didn't sound like i was laughing at your expense. I was just sayin' that your girlfriend actually sounds pretty daft when she says it like that. Like total lame comeback! Almost as bad as the 'It's not you, it's me.'
Lol.
Kyra: I had heard of Adele but never really paid attention to her until my EX started playing her every god damn day leading up to the Grammy. While she was out I decided to forfeit my masculinity for a bit and give the lady a shot.
Adele played with my heart in her hand. Her voice is amazing! I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
Cassie; You can laugh if you want. She's an ex. I only stayed with her 'cause she was hot. But she sucked in the sheets so...ya it had to be done. I hope you ladies aren't offended by my frank nature.
LOL, you can be frank, it's your blog, as long as you don't mind your - mostly female - followers being frank in response! :p
Thanks for pointing this out, T.D. My brother is obsessed with this song. I think that it is "okay", and I agree that Adele is a very talented singer...but I'm just not THAT into the blues. He loves the blues so I've been listening to Adele pretty much non-stop since the album came out whenever I'm around him.
Getting a wee bit tired of it at this point...but...
I now have new perspective. I may ask him if he knows what Rolling in the Deep comes from. He may be surprised when I tell him or he may already know (haha it shall be fun).
Kyra: I don't mind one bit! I encourage women to speak their minds, so many choose to be passive aggressive and that is the worst way to communicate with a guy. Why? Because he'll always feel like he's done something wrong and he will begin to question the relationship--your feelings toward him, etc.--and then comes phase two: finding love else where. Guys need love too, ya know. (Gosh I always stray off topic don't I? Gesh!)
Michael: I'm glad I could help, no matter how small. And I don't love Blues music either. But this song is so much more than that, it's gospel, a little jazz, a touch of soul and a spoonful of dark techno. That is a lethal brought my friend.
I'm pretty sure your brother probably figured it out since he loves blues so much.
This is interesting stuff! A lot of my freelance work in the past was about dating, so it's a topic I enjoy. :D
Love the song, like Adele, knew the term.
Being dumped with a classy metaphor is better than no metaphor at all, and sucking in the sheets sounds like one of those things that could go either way. Ha!
Not offended here, so no worries.
I love Adele, that entire album is awesome.
Although I actually had no idea what Rollin in the Deep meant I kinda figured it had something to do with the ocean.
Yet now that you post that bit from the Rolling Stone article I feel like I remember some english people saying that when I was over there...they had so much odd slang I couldn't keep up.
p.s. My favorite part of that video is the ninja dancing in the snow. (I'm almost 100% sure that's not what that is, but I've decided it is)
Totally changes the meaning of the song. I remember when "loosing my religion" was the new, old term being recycled. It was all controversial for fundamentalists who took it literally.
I do love that Adele song, partly because the video is brilliant. I can't hear the song without picturing the water glasses shaking with the beat.
Sorry about your girlfriend. At least she was poetic about it and didn't pull the "it's not you, it's me" crap.
Kyra: Really? Maybe I'll post a topic on dating one day and you and I can compare opinions?
Farawayeyes: Do mind my frankness, but it was, indeed, one way. I know how to "GO DOWN" on a girl and my "STROKE GAME" is spot on! She couldn't give head to save her life--kept biting and she had no rhythm--and she just lay there during sex while I did everything. Even when she was on top I had to do all the hip movements. She needs training ASAP! Maybe the next guy will teach her a thing or two (which I doubt!).
That was a bit more info than I would've liked to give, but you started it. ^_^
Sara: The Brits have a vast vocabulary. I love their accent and their raunchy way of speaking sometimes. Did you know a "fag" is also a cigarette in their vernacular?
And I totally thought it was a ninja too! Birds of a feather... :D
Erin: Adele has won the hearts of millions! Her music speaks to us because it comes from a real place--her real trials and tribulations. That's what music is supposed to be about: experiences through song.
Nice to meet you. Didn't realise all that stuff about that song, though I knew "the deep" was a term for the ocean. Love the punchline at the end of your post.
Thanks Nick!
So very good to see you. How was Disney World?
I hadn't read her interview response to the question, so I assumed it was using the 'sea death' definition.
Sorry about the break up, those things are never easy.
You're right TMI - my bad.
Sabrina: Thanks for the love! :D
Farawayeyes: You don't need to apologize. A few years a go I would've been mortified to talk about these things but everyone does it so it's nothing new.
Actually, airing these things out helps in many ways. Off the top of my head, it opens communication in a relationship.
Ask Kyra Lennon, she's the expert. HaHa!
Ha, I'm not that much of an expert!
But I would enjoy comparing opinions with you sometime! :D
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