Rock My Boat
Dntel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thought I finally understood
How to be free, free, free, free
Like the birds, like the bees
Like the wind in the trees
So I went out on a limb
Thinking maybe we could swim
Into the river of light
Into the ocean of pain
Where angels get their wings
Where babies get their names
I wonder if you were aware
How much
You rock my boat
I wonder if you were aware
How much
You rock my boat
I wonder if you were aware
How much
You rock my boat
You rock my boat
The lyrics of Dntel's song "Rock My Boat" portray the singer's elation and newfound understanding of how to be "free, free, free" like nature, "the birds, like the bees, like the wind in the trees." The singer takes a chance and suggests taking a leap of faith, diving into the unknown river of light or the ocean of pain, where the unexpected happens, and there is either retribution or reward. The imagery of "where angels get their wings, where babies get their names" highlights the importance and significance that this journey could have. The singer then confesses their feelings for the person they are addressing, asking if they were aware of how much they had "rocked their boat." The repetition of this phrase reinforces the idea of being shaken up or stirred emotionally, demonstrating how the other person has had a tremendous impact on the singer. The song could be interpreted as a letter to a lover, conveying the excitement and joy of taking a chance, wanting to share this journey with the other person, and expressing how much they mean to them.
Line by Line Meaning
I was feeling pretty good
At this moment, I had positive emotions and feelings about life.
Thought I finally understood
I believed I had a full understanding of something that has eluded me before.
How to be free, free, free, free
I had clarity about how to experience freedom.
Like the birds, like the bees
The feeling of freedom is similar to how birds and bees move and behave.
Like the wind in the trees
The feeling of freedom is similar to the way the wind moves through trees.
So I went out on a limb
I took a risk and ventured into the unknown.
Thinking maybe we could swim
I was considering the idea that we could dive into the experience together.
Into the river of light
We could immerse ourselves in the luminous energy of life.
Into the ocean of pain
We could navigate the treacherous and challenging parts of existence.
Where angels get their wings
We could explore the magical and sublime aspects of life.
Where babies get their names
We could participate in the creation and naming of new life.
I wonder if you were aware
I am curious if you realize or know.
How much
You rock my boat
Your actions and presence have a powerful and positive effect on me.
You rock my boat
Your actions and presence have a powerful and positive effect on me.
Contributed by Olivia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@qarcon3247
It seems like most of us here are 25+ years old. I guess we all listened to this when we were confused teenagers. Now we're back experiencing this song once again. Some of us are probably still confused but at least we can find comfort in this song like we did when we were teens.
@alexisc6136
I was obsessed with this song for so long, and then it somehow faded away from me, and now here I am back in heaven
@tymo9288
Same here! Back in 2023 💚
@alexisc6136
@tymo9288 it always pulls you back when it's time
@carmenishere
Sitting in my room around 3 am on a school night..at 15..takes me back!
@takimashuda
I hear that fella
@Gardenbrains
simpler times
@lachutequimarche8074
I was 20 in college super stressed out. Randomly came across it and forgot about the world for four minutes, eight seconds.
@tymo9288
2023, still holds up! 💚
@EonarOWNS
Wow, listened to this in High School... now I'm 26. Timeless memories :) This song aged wonderfully...