Hey there! This is TOP episode 190. Learn English with Rema, Selena Gomez ‘Calm Down’
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Hello! Thank you for joining me today. The song we’re going to talk about today is another banger. If you don’t know what a banger is, don’t worry just keep on listening, we’re going to explain it. I’m excited because it turns out I really like Afro beats! How about you? Let me know! It’s going to be different today since we are not going to repeat the lyrics line after line because, well, for a number of reasons. I’m not into repeating lolololo and wowowowwo here with you, so that’s number one. Two, the vocalist is Nigerian and the language he uses is a blend of English and Nigerian, the pronunciation is so different from standard English. That’s why I said on Instagram this song was going to be a challenge and it was. What I did, is I picked a few lines from the song and built this episode on them. Stay with me, you’ll also get the meaning of the song. But before we jump in…
Please let me tell you about another English Live Class with ‘Grace and Frankie’ available on Netflix. Materials are waiting for you at teacherola.com/liveclass. It’s a list of phrases and a list of questions were talking about during the live class. English Live Class is your opportunity to test yourself, to expose yourself to speaking English. Remember, if you want to speak you need to actually start speaking. Don’t miss the next opportunity. We hold these classes regularly, so stay tuned. You can buy acces to all previous ELC in my shop at teacherola.com. And now, let’s get back to our episode.
‘Calm Down’, which was released by the Nigerian rapper Rema in February 2022, is one of the most popular songs of the year. The song went viral again in September after a new version featuring Selena Gomez was released. Calm Down has become a popular tune on TikTok, with users creating dance choreography and pranks based on the song. Many people searched for the lyrics “baby calm down,” which we will explore in this podcast..
The song is about Rema’s struggle to confess his love to a girl he met at a party. He describes his feelings for her and how he tried to talk to her about it. In the chorus, Rema tells the girl to calm down, as he assumes she is as shy as he is. He wants to express how sweet she is and how she has stolen his heart.
In the first verse, Rema explains how he approached the girl, but she refused to follow him. She felt insecure, so Rema tells her to calm down and reassures her that he is serious about his feelings.
Rema then tries to forget about the girl but finds he can’t. He wakes up the next morning with her still on his mind, and she stays there for days. He eventually opens up his heart and confesses his love, even though he knows how risky it is. Rema hopes the girl understands his feelings and takes them seriously.
The song ends with Rema repeating “baby, calm down,” hoping that his confession worked and that the girl feels the same way. The real meaning behind Calm Down is that Rema is expressing his love for someone despite the risk involved, hoping they understand the sincerity of his feelings.
Here you have the meaning behind the weird lyrics, and now I’d like to pick a few lines or phrases and explain them further, ok? Let’s do it. Wait till the end of the show because there’s a practical part in which I’d like you to repeat some sentences out loud.
Vibez – The word “vibes” is a slang term that refers to the emotional or atmospheric feeling or impression that a person, place, or thing gives off. It is often used to describe the overall feeling or mood of a situation, environment, or person, and can be either positive or negative. For example, a person may say that a party has good vibes if they feel happy and positive there, or that a person has bad vibes if they feel uncomfortable or uneasy around them. For instance:
The concert had great vibes; everyone was dancing and having a good time.
I get bad vibes from that house; it gives me the creeps.
Another banger – The word “banger” has several meanings depending on the context. It can be a sausage, an old car, an exciting event or a banger can refer to a popular or successful song, especially one that is upbeat and energetic. This usage is most common in the UK and may also be used to describe a hit album. And this is the meaning we have in here. For instance:
Did you hear the new banger by Dua Lipa? It’s been on repeat all day!
The DJ played a banger and the crowd went wild on the dance floor.
Girl, this your body e put in my heart for lockdown, for lockdown. Let’s translate it into: ‘Girl, your body puts my heart on lockdown’. My heart is not functioning properly because of how you look. Your body is dangerous, right? Like a pandemic, so my heart is put on lockdown. “To put someone on lockdown” can be used to describe a situation in which someone is restricted or confined to a specific location or situation. All of us were put on lockdown by authorities during the pandemic. One sentence:
The restaurant had to shut down during the lockdown and switch to takeout and delivery only.
Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love – The word “shawty” is a slang term that is commonly used in hip-hop and rap music, as well as in informal or casual conversation. It is typically used to refer to a young woman, particularly one who is attractive or appealing to the speaker. It can be either positive or negative depending on the context and tone of the speaker. The spelling and pronunciation of the word may vary depending on the dialect and region of the speaker.
Every other girl they dey do too much, but this girl mellow – This can be translated into: Every other girl was all over the place, but this girl was calm. The word “mellow” is an adjective that describes a feeling or atmosphere that is calm, relaxed, and free from stress or tension. It can also refer to a person who is easy-going, gentle, and pleasant to be around. Here are a few examples of how the word “mellow” might be used in context:
After a long day at work, I like to listen to mellow music to help me unwind and relax.
He’s a mellow guy who doesn’t get too worked up about things.
‘Cause her friends go dey gum her like chewing gum – her friends surround her all the time, they are like chewing gum, sticky. She cannot fully express herself because she feels watched.
Yeah, I know I look shy but for you, I get down – “Get down” is a phrasal verb that can have several meanings depending on the context. Here are some possible definitions. To lower oneself to a sitting or lying position, to descend from a higher position, to become sad or depressed, to start working on a task, to be reprimanded but none of these meanings applies here. She says she will get down for him, she will start dancing. There was a song by Backstreet Boys titled ‘Get Down’ but who remembers that? Get down, get down, and move it all around. For instance:
The party really got going when the DJ started playing some hip-hop and everyone got down on the dance floor.
Dance with me and take the lead now – “Take the lead” is a common phrase that means to assume a position of leadership, control, or responsibility in a particular situation. It can also refer to being the first to do something or to take the initiative in a project or activity.
For example, in a business meeting, someone might say “I’ll take the lead on this project” to say that they will be responsible for organizing and managing the project. Similarly, in a dance performance, a dancer might “take the lead” to guide their partner through the steps and movements. Here are more examples:
Sarah took the lead in organizing the school fundraiser.
The dance instructor told me to take the lead and guide my partner.
Don’t you ask, you know you’re allowed – “To be allowed” means that you have permission or are given the freedom to do something. It indicates that you have been given the right or the opportunity to do something without any restrictions or limitations. Here are some short and simple example sentences to help you understand the meaning of “to be allowed”:
You’re not allowed to bring food into the library.
Is he allowed to drive your car?
They’re allowed to wear casual clothes on Fridays.
Here you have it! I hope you learned something new today. Now, let’s get you speaking. Listen to the sentences and repeat them out loud:
I get bad vibes from that house; it gives me the creeps.
Did you hear the new banger by Dua Lipa?
The restaurant had to shut down during the lockdown and switch to takeout and delivery only.
He’s a mellow guy who doesn’t get too worked up about things.
The DJ started playing some hip-hop and everyone got down on the dance floor.
Sarah took the lead in organizing the school fundraiser.
The dance instructor told me to take the lead and guide my partner.
You’re not allowed to bring food into the library.
Is he allowed to drive your car?
They’re allowed to wear casual clothes on Fridays.
Well done! Now, go to your inbox and get the worksheet to test yourself. If you aren’t a member of TOPeople download the worksheet from teacherola.com/190.
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