Water and a Flame

Album: Love and War (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a duet between Merriweather and the British singer Adele. Merriweather told I Like Music about his collaboration with the Chasing Pavements artist: "She is such a sweet-heart and she has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. I've known her for a couple of years and I had this song and just thought how amazing it would be if she could sing it with me. She is just lovely to work with. So that was amazing."
  • Merriweather co-wrote this with British songwriter Eg White, who also co-wrote "Chasing Pavements" with Adele.
  • Merriweather told We7 that lyrically, "it's about the seven days that happen after you break up with someone."
  • The Daily Mirror November 6, 2009 asked Merriweather between him and Adele, who is the water and who is the flame? "I've been out with Adele and she's very quick-witted," he replied, "I wouldn't like to be on the receiving end of any of her insults - so I guess she would be the flame."
  • Celine Dion recorded this as the title track of her 2013 studio album. Merriweather expressed his irritation after learning that Dion praised Adele for the song but not him. The Canadian singer had not realized the Australian singer had written and recorded the tune, mistakenly believing it was originally an Adele cut.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Vince Clarke

Vince ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

An original member of Depeche Mode, Vince went on to form Erasure and Yaz.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.