Debelle's debut album, Speech Therapy, was released in the United Kingdom on 31 May 2009. The album has had three singles released, "Searching", "The Key", and "Go Then, Bye". It won the Barclay Mercury music prize in 2009. The Mercury judges said she was a "remarkable new voice in British hip-hop, tough, warm and reflective". One judge, the broadcaster and conductor Charles Hazlewood added: "She's just quietly telling her stories in the most beguiling way."
Speech began writing poetry aged nine and started rapping lyrics in the schoolyard aged 13. Back then, initial inspiration came courtesy of Michael Jackson, which quickly turned to Blackstreet, Mary J Blige, TLC and reggae.
The first thing about Speech Debelle that strikes the ear is a contrast. Her voice is warm, youthful and listenable, and if you heard her in the background you might assume that her lyrics were the same. You’d be better placed tuning into them. In common with her new label-mate Roots Manuva, she’s astoundingly honest in her music, detailing and exorcising some very personal demons. That isn’t to say she’s another run of the mill rapper with more complaints than insights. Quite the opposite. Like all musicians worth listening to, she draws you into her universe and makes you glad you visited. There’s always a thaw to the chillier moments.
‘Searching’ is her debut single, and a perfect example of the offbeat, folky production that will litter the forthcoming album, as well as the whisper-in-the-ear quality of her vocals. One thing is certain, hip-hop has never been done in quite this way before. ‘Searching’ makes you wonder why not.
Spinnin'
Speech Debelle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is for the s in my lisp this is for my beating heart in my chest on the life yes
Life aint for the swift but for those who can endure it so i hold it with two hands im moorish
And I answer every time it is calling and you can see it in my aura
You can tell I'm a soldier you can see the strength in my eyes and I hope
You can feel the strength in my vibe cause sometimes I get tired
Cause its hard out here yo,
See it all boils down to the have and the have not's the things that you have or you aint got
You can act like you don't know or don't wanna know what's past Pluto
But if you heads in the pillow and your buts in the air, they gonna put it right there yo.
CHORUS
The world keeps spinning changing the lives or people in it
Nobody knows where it will take us
But if hope it gets better better better
Everyday read the metro soaring bills and high petrol
House prices and inflation and I'm not too sure what's happening
Cause they say these are tough times and I say you aint gotta tell me
Cause I'm tired of opening the papers I don't even watch the TV
But no matter what happens I'm still an artist
Attached so close mosses cant part this
Hercules aint got the strength to make me let go of these beats
Cause a long time now I been doing this
Writing songs since way back school kids
And the only thing that's changed is the weather I'm still holding it together hey
You can act like you don't know or you don't wanna know what's past Pluto
But if you heads in the pillow and you buts in the air they gonna put it right there yo
BRIDGE
One day I know that it
It will get better music is healing
I love the feeling
One day all people will be all equal
Until that day comes i'll just be singing my song
The song "Spinnin'" by Speech Debelle is a powerful statement about the struggles of life and the importance of endurance. The first verse of the song discusses the individual experiences of the artist, including the tattoo on her wrist, the strength of her fist, and her lisp. These elements serve as a representation of who she is and what she has overcome. She speaks to the importance of enduring life's challenges, and how necessary it is to hold onto it with both hands. In addition, the idea of answering every time life calls is powerful because we don't always recognize when opportunity is knocking. The reference to her aura suggests an inner strength and confidence that help her to persevere.
The second verse deals more generally with the troubles of society, from high prices to inflation, to hunger and poverty. She says that regardless of what's happening, she's still an artist and holds onto her passion. The mention of Hercules suggests that no amount of difficulty can stop her and her dedication to her musical creations. She talks about holding it together and staying strong, being a soldier and a symbol of strength for others. The chorus is a repetition of the idea that the world keeps spinning and life is always changing but we still need to hope for a better tomorrow. The bridge reflects a positivity and hopefulness for the future, that one day we will reach a point where people are all equal and music can be a healing force.
Line by Line Meaning
This is for the tat on my wrist this is for the black of my fist
I am proud of my identity and roots, represented by the tattoo on my wrist and my blackness.
This is for the s in my lisp this is for my beating heart in my chest on the life yes
I embrace and celebrate the unique traits that make me who I am, including my speech impediment and my passion for life.
Life aint for the swift but for those who can endure it so i hold it with two hands im moorish
Life is challenging, but I keep pushing forward and never give up because of my resilience and determination.
And I answer every time it is calling and you can see it in my aura
I always rise to the occasion and my energy and spirit are evident to those around me.
You can tell I'm a soldier you can see the strength in my eyes and I hope
I have faced challenges and battles in my life and my strength and courage can be seen in my eyes.
You can feel the strength in my vibe cause sometimes I get tired
My energy and enthusiasm are contagious, but even I get tired and need a break sometimes.
Cause its hard out here yo,
Life is tough and full of obstacles.
See it all boils down to the have and the have not's the things that you have or you aint got
Society is divided into those who have privilege and those who do not, which affects what opportunities and resources are available to them.
Some people are overweight some people aint got no food on the plate
There are people who suffer from food insecurity and lack of access to healthy food, while others have more than enough to eat.
But if you heads in the pillow and your buts in the air, they gonna put it right there yo.
If you are not paying attention or taking action, society will continue to perpetuate inequality and injustice.
The world keeps spinning changing the lives or people in it
The world is in a constant state of change and transformation, affecting people's lives.
Nobody knows where it will take us
The future is uncertain and unpredictable.
But if hope it gets better better better
Despite the challenges, I hold onto hope that things will improve.
Everyday read the metro soaring bills and high petrol
Every day, I am reminded of the economic struggles and financial burden that many people face due to rising costs.
House prices and inflation and I'm not too sure what's happening
The current economic climate can be confusing and overwhelming for some people to understand.
Cause they say these are tough times and I say you aint gotta tell me
I am aware of the difficult times we are living in, and I don't need anyone to tell me that.
But no matter what happens I'm still an artist
Regardless of external circumstances, my passion and identity as an artist remain unchanged.
Attached so close mosses cant part this
My connection and commitment to my art is unbreakable and unwavering.
Hercules aint got the strength to make me let go of these beats
No amount of pressure or difficulty can make me give up my art.
Writing songs since way back school kids
I have been writing music since I was young.
And the only thing that's changed is the weather I'm still holding it together hey
Despite the passing of time and life changes, my passion and dedication to my art remain consistent and unwavering.
One day I know that it
I hold onto the belief that one day things will improve.
It will get better music is healing
Music has the power to heal and provide comfort in difficult times.
I love the feeling
I cherish the way that music makes me feel.
One day all people will be all equal
I hold onto hope for a future where everyone is treated equally and with respect.
Until that day comes i'll just be singing my song
Until that future arrives, I will continue to use my art to express myself and bring hope to others.
Writer(s): DWAYNE JASON RICHARDS, PATRICK MARKS, MICHAEL LEWIS LINDSAY, CORYNNE JUSTINE ELLIOTT
Contributed by Emma Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Luke Roth
Awesome song... Seriously, returning to the roots of rap. It's not about Lambos, booty, money, or shooting people!
A.L. Aldous
this girl is a rockstar. cant wait to see what is to come...
Dej
2021 and I just discovered this. LYRICALLY FIRE in the thick of the verses. <3
Ansu'
YES! Speech is therapy :-)
jblood23
speech teraphy is really one of the best album ever. A masterpiece
TRebeccaDawn
I love you Speech DeBelle, you are amazing. Cool band!
Ojberretta Berretta
i just love her voice
steffi moore
I Love This Song! She doesn't get the recognition she deserves. While mindless generic acts who are all style and no substance claim all the glory its a real shame! xx
Paul A
Still listening to this Album in the car on the reg.. and I don’t give a shhhhhhiiii... who protests. I just crank up the volume and make them eat it!
Becca Fowler
this song makes me feel like i should get up and actually do something :)