In true Brooklyn custom, the two artists met while attending a party one night at a spot they refer to as the “The Clubhouse,” an old Victorian home serving as a residence, community space, and recording studio for a collective of local artists. Sene, a rapper, was looking for someone to sing hooks on his new album, and Denitia, a singer-songwriter, welcomed the challenge. He gave her the scratch vocals; she nailed it and then some; and suddenly, they were part of the New York fairytale so many artists call a dream. It’s Brooklyn at its finest – it’s serendipity. It’s Denitia and Sene.
After their initial collaboration went better than expected, Denitia and Sene decided to take it one step further and form a twosome, allowing Sene, a Brooklyn native, to tap into his musical skills beyond hip hop, and denitia to explore a more sultry, theatrical side of her character. Both were inspired by a variety of artists and backgrounds, listing Sade, The Fugees, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Beatles, and Janet Jackson as a few of their shared favorites. Such diversity is reflected in the dynamism of their own sound, from smooth bass lines and reverberating vocals to synth-laden blues and abbreviated narratives. It’s kind of like nothing else out there, and that is the intention.
Denitia and Sene’s first EP, Blah Blah Blah was released in August 2012, and presented by OkayPlayer.com, a three-track assortment blending definitive soul with electronic bebop. Their track "Casanova", won the attention of many music tastemasters, with Fader magazine calling it “an effortless, snuggly gem primed for late Saturday mornings tangled in rumpled covers.” Because their partnership has been effortless and magical from the get, they intend to continue down the same track, aiming to create authentic and intuitive music that is accessible to a wide variety of people. No fronts and no concessions – it follows only the rules they set for themselves, compromising nothing that might contradict their signature sweet panache.
Olive
Denitia and Sene Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Floating through your drink
Such a dangerous mix to get involved with
But we can solve it
Problem: one too many drinks
Growing us together
I can't even help it
And they all give you things that I can see
But they ain't this oh oh oh oh
Olive, such a pretty color
When it's you that's on the cover, baby
I wish I had found you back in college
Ooh but I dropped it
Awkward: things that you decided
That you think will make you happy
I hope that you realize it's just shopping
It's just shopping
Never gonna give it up
When it comes to your love
Never gonna bring enough
You're too beautiful
Oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Yo, never do bite your nails
You never had messy hair
You'd never go back to white
There's just too much color here aha ha ha ha ha
I like 'em all golden tan
You like pomade in hair
But you don't like olive skin
But you do like yours, no fair
And you taste like olives, girl, i love olive
Kind of like Asher Roth likes college
I'll just be honest I can make loving
Not just make love but make you a mama
I'll be your father, I'll be they father
If you want kids and if you're not bothered
I'm a New Yorker, I'm a smooth talker
But I'll give your ass all that I promised
Never gonna give it up
When it comes to your love
Never gonna bring enough
You're too beautiful
Oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Never gonna give it up
When it comes to your love
Never gonna bring enough
You're too beautiful
Oh oh oh, oh oh oh
The song Olive by Denitia and Sene has simple yet beautiful lyrics that seem to describe a person's obsession with a significant other's physical appearance. In the chorus, the word 'olive' is used to describe the partner's skin and color, which the singer seems to find incredibly alluring. The first verse talks about how the partner's skin seems to blend in with the drink they're having, which the singer sees as a dangerous mix, but they still want to be involved with it. The second verse talks about the partner's physical beauty and how the singer wishes they had found them earlier, perhaps indicating that they regret not being with their partner for longer.
However, amidst the imagery of physical beauty, there is an undercurrent of doubt and insecurity. The singer questions if they are "growing together" because of alcohol or something deeper. In the bridge, the lyrics take on a reflective tone, with the singer dismissing other things that people offer the partner as not being as valuable as what they can offer. The third verse then uses playful banter between the two partners to highlight the differences between them, with the partner not liking olive skin but liking their own skin color. The final chorus reiterates the singer's devotion to their partner and their belief that their love will never be enough.
Overall, the song Olive is a beautiful tribute to the physical beauty that someone can possess and the insecurities that come with being in a relationship. The lyrics are simple yet impactful, with an underlying vulnerability that makes the song all the more relatable.
Line by Line Meaning
Olive, soaking in your skin
The connection between us is deep and difficult to shake off
Floating through your drink
Our relationship is complicated and destabilizing
Such a dangerous mix to get involved with
The risks of being together are high, but we're willing to take that chance
But we can solve it
Our love is strong enough to overcome the challenges we face
Growing us together
Our bond is growing stronger with time
I can't even help it
I'm falling deeper in love with you, even though it's not always easy
Can we stop it? Can we squash it?
We're aware of the dangers and difficulties of our relationship, and we're trying to find a way to overcome them
And they all give you things that I can see
Others may provide you with material possessions, but they don't understand our connection
But they ain't this oh oh oh oh
Our love is unique and special, and is not something that can be bought
Olive, such a pretty color
Your uniqueness and beauty are captivating
When it's you that's on the cover, baby
You are the center of attention in my life
I wish I had found you back in college
I regret not meeting you earlier in life
Ooh but I dropped it
I missed an opportunity to be with you in the past
Awkward: things that you decided
The things that you think will make you happy can sometimes be awkward or difficult
That you think will make you happy
You pursue things that you believe will bring you joy
I hope that you realize it's just shopping
Material possessions can only provide temporary happiness, and true fulfillment comes from our relationship
Never gonna give it up
We are committed to our love and will not give up on it
When it comes to your love
Our love is the most important thing in our lives
Never gonna bring enough
Our desire and passion for one another can never be fully satisfied
You're too beautiful
Our love is so strong because we are both beautiful people
Yo, never do bite your nails
You have certain habits and characteristics that I find endearing
You never had messy hair
You always present yourself in a way that is elegant and refined
You'd never go back to white
You are a person of color and are proud of your heritage
There's just too much color here aha ha ha ha ha
Our relationship is filled with diversity, excitement, and vibrancy
I like 'em all golden tan
I appreciate all skin colors and find them beautiful
You like pomade in hair
You have certain preferences and tastes that are unique and interesting
But you don't like olive skin
Despite your preferences, you still find me attractive and lovable
But you do like yours, no fair
You have a certain confidence and self-love that makes you even more attractive to me
And you taste like olives, girl, i love olive
Your unique flavor and personality are a source of joy and pleasure for me
Kind of like Asher Roth likes college
Our love is like a passion that cannot be explained or understood by others
I'll just be honest I can make loving
I am capable of providing you with love, care, and support in all aspects of life
Not just make love but make you a mama
Our love is strong enough to build a family together
I'll be your father, I'll be they father
I am committed to being a good parent and partner for you
If you want kids and if you're not bothered
We will build our family in the way that works best for us
I'm a New Yorker, I'm a smooth talker
I am a confident and capable person, and will always be there for you
But I'll give your ass all that I promised
I will be true to my word and always provide you with love, support, and honesty
Writer(s): Brian Marc
Contributed by Lauren S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.