Calm Down

Lyrics

Album: Rave & Roses

[Intro: Rema & Selena Gomez] Vibez Oh, no Another banger
[Chorus: Rema] Baby, calm down, calm down Girl, this your body e put my heart for lockdown, for lockdown, oh, lockdown Girl, you sweet like Fanta, ooh, Fanta, ooh If I tell you say, "I love you," you no dey form yanga, oh, oh, yanga, oh No tell me no, no, no, no, woah, woah, woah, woah Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Baby, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah You got me like, "Woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah" Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah, mm-hm
[Verse: Rema & Selena Gomez] I see this fine girl for my party, she wear yellow Every other girl, they dey do too much but this girl mellow Na'im I dey find situation I go use take tell am, "Hello" Finally, I find way to talk to the girl, but she no wan follow Who you come dey form for-woah? (Mm-hm) Why you no wan conform-woah? (Mm-hm) Then I start to feel her bum-bum, warm (Mm-hm) But she dey gimme small, small-woah I know say she sabi pass that one-onе (Mm-hm) But she feeling insecure-woah 'Causе her friends go dey gum her like chewing gum-woah (Mm-hm) Go dey gum her like chewing gum-woah, woah-woah
[Verse: Selena Gomez] Yeah, I know I look shy but for you I get down, oh-woah And my hips make you cry when I'm movin' around you (Yeah) Do it once, do it twice (Do it twice) I push back, you hold me tight Get a taste for a night
[Chorus: Selena Gomez & Rema] Baby, show me you can calm down, calm down Dance with me and take the lead now, lead now (Lead now) Got you so high that you can't come down, come down Don't you ask, you know you're allowed, allowed (Oh, no) When it's you, I can't say no-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh Baby, give me your lo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o, o-o-o-o-ove You got me like, "Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-woah" Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah, mm-hmm
[Verse: Rema & Selena Gomez] As I reach my house, I say make I rest small-woah (Make I rest small-woah) As me I wake up, na she dey my mind, oh-woah (Na she dey my mind, oh-woah) Day one, day two-wo, I no fit focus (I no fit focus) Na so me I call am, say, "Make we link up" (I say make we link up) Got my hand on your heart, now, I can feel it race If I leave, then you say you can never love again Wanna give you it all but can't promise that I'll stay And that's the risk you take (You take)
[Chorus: Rema & Selena Gomez] Baby, calm down, calm down Girl, this your body e put my heart for lockdown, for lockdown, oh, lockdown Girl, you sweet like Fanta, ooh, Fanta, ooh If I tell you say, "I love you," you no dey form yanga, oh, oh, yanga, oh No tell me no, no, no, no, woah, woah, woah, woah Woah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh (Your love, your love, oh) Baby, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah You got me like, "Woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah" Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah, mm-hm (Oh-woah, woah-woah)
[Outro: Selena Gomez] Your love

What is the Meaning of "Calm Down"?

"Calm Down" is a global phenomenon that bridges the gap between Afrobeats and Western Pop. Rema's smooth delivery combined with Selena Gomez's soft vocals creates a unique sonic texture. The track is famous for its infectious rhythm, "lo-lo-lo" hook, and the seamless blend of cultures. It became a massive hit on platforms like TikTok, where the dance challenge went viral, cementing its status as a modern classic.

The "Lockdown" Metaphor

Rema uses the term "lockdown" not in a pandemic sense, but to describe emotional capture. His heart is secured by the girl's beauty, indicating a total focus on her amidst a crowded party.

Sweet Like Fanta

This playful simile compares the girl's sweetness to the popular orange soda. It reflects the bubbly, effervescent feeling of a new crush and adds a youthful, energetic vibe to the lyrics.

Cultural Fusion

The song is a masterclass in fusion. The use of Nigerian Pidgin terms like "yanga" (acting showy/hard to get) and "sabi" (to know) makes it authentic to Rema's heritage while remaining accessible globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of "Calm Down"?
"Calm Down" by Rema and Selena Gomez is a romantic Afrobeats anthem. The lyrics describe the intense chemistry between two people at a party. The "lockdown" metaphor refers to being captivated by someone's presence, while the "sweet like Fanta" line highlights the freshness and excitement of new love. It’s about courtship, attraction, and the playful dance of romance.
Who sings the intro of the song?
The intro starts with Rema delivering his signature "Another banger" tag, followed by the melodic hook. In the remix version, Selena Gomez joins in to harmonize, blending her pop vocals with Rema's Afro-fusion style.
What language is used in "Calm Down"?
The song is primarily in English but features Nigerian Pidgin English. Phrases like "no dey form yanga" (don't be showy/arrogant) and "sabi pass that one" (knows better than that) add cultural depth to the lyrics, showcasing Rema's Nigerian roots.
Which album is "Calm Down" on?
The original solo version is a standout track on Rema's debut studio album, Rave & Roses. The remix featuring Selena Gomez was released later as a single and helped propel the song to global chart dominance.
Did Selena Gomez write her verse?
Yes, Selena Gomez is credited as a writer on the remix. She contributed her verse which adds a female perspective to the narrative, describing her shyness yet willingness to "get down" and dance with Rema.

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