Rolling With It: Decoding Steve Winwood’s Timeless Hit
Introduction
When it comes to pop songs with staying power, few have endured like Steve Winwood’s “Roll With It.” Released in 1988, the titular track from Winwood’s platinum-selling album became an instant classic and solidified the British musician’s place in the American charts. With its catchy hook and spirited production, it’s no wonder that “Roll With It” continues to be a go-to feel-good anthem on radio stations all over the world.
But what exactly makes “Roll With It” so memorable? In this article, we’ll break down the meaning behind the song, dissect its musical elements, and explore why it has remained a beloved hit for over thirty years.
The Inspiration Behind “Roll With It”
As with many songs, the inspiration behind “Roll With It” is multifaceted. On one hand, it’s a straightforward party song, with lyrics about letting loose and having a good time. But there’s also an undercurrent of resilience that runs throughout the track.
In interviews, Winwood has spoken about how the 80s were a time of intense social and political change in the UK. Unemployment rates were high, and there was a pervasive sense of uncertainty about the future. “Roll With It” was his attempt to offer some hope and positivity in the face of this instability.
“There were a lot of ups and downs, but I think the basic message I’m trying to get across in a song like ‘Roll With It’ is that it’s not always going to be that way,” he said. “There’s a cyclical thing that goes on in life where sometimes you’re down and out, and then things come back again.”
The Music of “Roll With It”
Of course, it’s not just the lyrics that make “Roll With It” such a memorable track. The music itself is an undeniable earworm, with its infectious guitar riff and buoyant horn section.
Interestingly, the song almost didn’t come together in this way. In an interview with Songfacts, Winwood revealed that the horn arrangement that became a defining part of the track almost didn’t make the cut.
“We were going to do it without any horns, but we thought it needed something to take it over the top,” he said. “So we called up these [session] horn players, and they did an incredible job. Their stuff just sparkles.”
The combination of a catchy guitar riff and shining horn section is what sets “Roll With It” apart from other party songs of the era. It’s a perfect example of how the right arrangement can elevate a track from good to great.
The Legacy of “Roll With It”
Finally, we come to the enduring legacy of “Roll With It.” Like many songs from the era, it has been sampled and remixed countless times, most notably by hip-hop artists like Warren G and Nelly.
But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the song’s legacy is how it has been positioned in the canon of pop music. In a 2015 article for Rolling Stone, writer Tim Grierson posited that “Roll With It” is part of a lineage of optimistic, uplifting songs that have resonated with audiences for decades.
“This type of song exemplifies what we want from pop music: something that lifts us out of our everyday lives and makes us forget our troubles,” he wrote. “And even though some may criticize these songs as empty-headed or simplistic, they continue to endure because they tap into something essential about the human experience.”
In this sense, “Roll With It” is more than just a catchy party song. It’s a testament to the power of music to lift us up and provide hope, even in the darkest of times.
Conclusion
“Roll With It” may have been released over thirty years ago, but its message and music continue to resonate with audiences today. By offering a message of resilience and optimism in the face of adversity, and by pairing it with a memorable guitar riff and stellar horn arrangement, Steve Winwood created a pop classic that continues to inspire and uplift.
As we continue to face uncertain and challenging times, it’s worth remembering the lessons of “Roll With It.” We can’t control everything that happens in our lives, but we can choose how we respond. And sometimes, the best response is to kick up our heels and roll with it.
