(Not Just) Knee Deep
Funkadelic
Diving Deep into Funkadelic's Groove: The Essence of '(Not Just) Knee Deep'
Funkadelic's '(Not Just) Knee Deep' is a quintessential funk anthem that captures the essence of the genre with its infectious groove and playful lyrics. The song revolves around the concept of 'the freak,' a term that in the context of the song, refers to someone who is deeply immersed in the music and dance culture. The repeated phrase 'not just knee deep, she was totally deep' emphasizes the idea of being completely absorbed and lost in the rhythm and energy of the music.
The lyrics are filled with references to various dance moves like 'the jerk,' 'the monkey,' and 'the moose,' which humorously 'didn't work' or 'wasn't funky.' These lines highlight the uniqueness and superiority of 'the freak,' a dance that embodies the true spirit of funk. The song celebrates individuality and the freedom to express oneself through dance, suggesting that the music has a transformative power that can liberate and elevate the soul.
Moreover, the song's repetitive and hypnotic structure mirrors the entrancing effect of the music itself. The lines 'something about the music, it got into my dance' and 'it got into my pants' playfully suggest that the music has a physical and irresistible influence on the listener. This connection between music and physical movement is a core element of funk, and Funkadelic masterfully captures this in '(Not Just) Knee Deep.' The song is not just about dancing; it's about the profound connection between the music and the dancer, creating a symbiotic relationship that defines the funk experience.