Just weeks away from the release of "This Is What I Mean," British grime artist Stormzy has given us hit after hit with "Mel Made Me Do It" and "Hide & Seek." The third single "Firebabe", previewing his upcoming album, has landed, featuring Sampha, Jacob Collier and Debbie. A tender ballad, "Firebabe" is a bit of a departure from Stormzy's usual gritty raps, but there's a warmth to his voice that's paired with an Edem Wornoo-directed music video that features the artist lounging in a glass while wearing a cream sweater - The walled house honestly gives off a cozy autumn vibe. But who is “Firebabe” about? What do the lyrics mean?
The song, which opens with a violin and focuses on Stormzy's admiration for women, is a love song at its core. Stormzy told iD , "This song is about that first spark and how it feels when you meet your partner. The first time, when you really look at them."
The rapper shared in a statement: "Debbie, George [Moore] and I got into the studio together and it was the most beautiful moment. It was a session I will never forget in my life. It was very special, Everyone in the room understood that. We were creating something that God intended would last forever, and it came from a very pure place and we made some art out of it.”
While the woman the song is about is not named in the song, many suspect Stormzy is referring to his ex-girlfriend Maya Jama. The pair split in 2019, just before this record was created. Themes of fire and flame are apparently prevalent in Firebabe, and fans were quick to point out that Jama is a Leo, a fire sign.
Yes, this inference may be a bit far-fetched, but the truth may not be far off. Stormzy has opened up about another song on his album, "Fire + Water," which is about Jama. "It's a song about my ex-girlfriend, and she was the most pressing thing on my mind when I was writing the song. That's what I was thinking when I touched the mic," he told iD .
Read the full lyrics to “Firebabe” below.
[Introduction: Debbie Ehim]
Stealed all their hearts, yeah
Stealed all their hearts, yeah
Stealed all their hearts, yeah
Stealed all their hearts, yeah
[Verse 1: Stormzy]
she is standing in a skirt
she looks like an angel
Her eyes took my breath away
From then on I knew she was mine 'til the end
[Pre-Chorus: Stormzy]
my miracle
my happy place
my heart and soul
Belong to you forever
[Chorus: Stormzy & Debbie Ehirim]
Because of me, I can't explain it
Even on the road, you love me with your fire (Flame)
My fire baby (wow-wow-wow-wow-wow)
you keep burning bright
Touch me with your name and I will be with your fire
my fire baby
[Section 2: Stormzy, Debbie Ehirim and both]
She made (well) everybody laugh (everybody laughed)
Then she started dancing on the table (oh-oh-oh)
She can't stop stealing all their hearts (stealing all their--, oh oh oh)
How she lights up a room is worth seeing (oh-oh-oh)
[Pre-Chorus: Stormzy & Debbie Ehirim]
my miracle
my happy place
my heart and soul
Belong to you forever
[Chorus: Stormzy & Debbie Ehirim]
Because of me, I can't explain (I can't explain)
Even on the road (Even on the road)
You love me with your fire (Love me with your fire)
My fire baby (wow-wow-wow-wow-wow)
you keep burning bright
Touch me with your name (Touch me with your name)
I'll be with your flame (your flame, your flame)
my fire baby
[Ending: Debbie Eshim]
Oh oh oh)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (oh, um)
