Rock The Boat – English Lyrics

• By: Aaliyah

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Aaliyah's iconic "Rock the Boat," a smooth R&B masterpiece that's both sensual and unforgettable. Explore the song's clever use of nautical metaphors to learn how language can add layers of meaning to music, and discover the story behind its creation and the tragic circumstances surrounding its release. This song is a perfect example of Aaliyah's unique style and enduring legacy.

[English]

Boy, you know you make me float

Boy, you really get me high

Ooh, I feel like I'm on dope

'Cause you, you serve me on a regular (you serve me on a regular)

Boy, you need to tie this rope

Oh, before we drift any deeper (before we drift any deeper)

Baby, now hold me close

Let's take this overboard now

I want you to rock the boat

Rock the boat (mmm), rock the boat, rock the boat (yeah)

Work it in the middle, work the middle

Work the middle, work the middle

Change positions on me

New position, new position

Oh, now stroke it, baby, yeah

Stroke it for me, stroke it for me

Ooh, baby, I love your stroke

'Cause you, 'cause you get me where I'm going ('cause you get me where I'm going, yeah)

And truly you'll get my vote

'Cause I believe, I believe you know just what you doing now

Baby, now we can coast (let's coast, let's coast)

Let's don't get in a hurry (no)

That's too slow (hey)

Go 'head and put that thing in overdrive

I want you to rock the boat

Rock the boat (ooh), rock the boat, rock the boat (hey)

Work it in the middle, work the middle

Work it, babe, work it, baby

Change positions on me

New position, new position (oh)

Now stroke it, baby

Stroke it for me, stroke it for me, stroke it for me

I want you to rock the boat

Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat (hey)

Work it in the middle, work the middle

Work the middle (ooh), work the middle (hey)

Change positions on me

Oh, now stroke it, baby

Stroke it for me (yeah), stroke it for me, stroke it for me

Stroke it for me

Mmm, stroke it, baby, stroke it, baby

Mmm, work it, baby, work it, baby

Ooh, stroke it

There is something I want you to do for me

I want you to use yourself (hey)

Like you've never, ever used it before (never)

To explore my body (explore it, baby)

Until you reach the shore

I'll be calling, calling for more (calling)

Rock the boat, rock the boat (oh)

Rock the boat, rock the boat

Work it in the middle

Ooh, work it, baby, work it, baby

Change positions, on me (mmm, change)

New position, new position (yeah)

Now stroke it for me (baby)

Stroke it for me, stroke it for me

I want you to rock the, boat

Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat (ooh)

Work it in the middle, work the middle

Ooh, work it, yeah

Change positions, on me

New position, new position (change)

Now stroke it for me, stroke it for me (yeah)

Stroke it for me, stroke it for me

Rock the boat, rock the boat

Rock the boat, rock the boat

Work the middle, work the middle

Work the middle, work the middle

Change positions on me

New position, new position

Stroke it for me, stroke it for me

Stroke it for me, stroke it for me

Rock the boat, rock the boat

Rock the boat, rock the boat

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
float /floʊt/ B1	verb - to rest or move on the surface of a liquid without sinking
high /haɪ/ A2	adjective - at a great distance above the ground
serve /sɜrv/ B1	verb - to provide a service or assistance
drift /drɪft/ B2	verb - to be carried slowly by a current of air or water
rock /rɑk/ A2	verb - to move back and forth or from side to side
work /wɜrk/ A1	verb - to perform a task or activity
change /tʃeɪndʒ/ A2	verb - to make something different
position /pəˈzɪʃən/ B1	noun - a place where someone or something is located
stroke /stroʊk/ B2	verb - to move one's hand or an object gently over a surface
explore /ɪkˈsplɔr/ B1	verb - to travel through an unfamiliar area to learn about it
call /kɔl/ A2	verb - to shout or speak to someone
hurry /ˈhɜri/ B1	verb - to move or act with speed

Key Grammar Structures

• Boy, you know you make me float

  ➔ Present simple tense

  ➔ Used to express a general truth or habitual action.

• 'Cause you, you serve me on a regular

  ➔ Contraction of 'because' (informal)

  ➔ Used to indicate the reason or cause for an action in an informal way.

• Boy, you know you make me float

  ➔ Object pronoun placement after 'make'

  ➔ The object pronoun 'me' is placed after the verb 'make' to indicate who is affected by the action.

• Oh, I feel like I'm on dope

  ➔ Simile using 'like' to compare feeling to being on dope

  ➔ The phrase 'like I'm on dope' is a simile comparing the feeling to being intoxicated or high.

• Baby, now hold me close

  ➔ Imperative mood used for encouragement or commands

  ➔ The sentence uses the imperative form 'hold me close' to make a direct request.

• Let's take this overboard now

  ➔ Imperative suggestion with 'Let's' (let us)

  ➔ The phrase 'Let's take this overboard' uses 'Let's', a contraction of 'let us', to suggest doing something together.

• Change positions on me

  ➔ Imperative verb phrase for giving instructions

  ➔ The phrase uses the imperative mood to instruct or suggest changing positions.

• Now stroke it, baby, yeah

  ➔ Imperative verb 'stroke' for giving a direct command

  ➔ The verb 'stroke' is used in the imperative form to command or encourage an action.