Funk is a direct derivative of Miami Bass and freestyle (another Miami-based genre) music from the United States. The reason why these genres, very localized in the USA, became popular and influential in Rio de Janeiro is due to proximity. Miami is a popular plane stop for Rio DJs to buy the latest American records.
The funk popularized in the 80s in Rio de Janeiro ghettos called favelas. From mid-90s it was a mainstream phenomenon in Brazil. Funk songs discuss topics as varying as poverty, human dignity, racial pride of black people, sex (breaking it's moral values), violence and social injustice. Social analysts believe that the funk is a genuine expression of the severe social issues falling on the poor and black people in Rio.
The rhythms of funk in its early days were mostly loops of electronic drums from Miami Bass or freestyle records, while a few artists composed them with actual drum machines. The most common drum beat was a loop of DJ Battery Brain's "808 volt", commonly referred to as "Voltmix", though Hassan's "Pump Up The Party" is also notable. Now, funk rhythms use tamborzão rhythms in addition to the older drum machine loops. Tamborzão beats use samples of Brazilian hand drums, particularly the atabaque, in arrangements that are close to the same as those used in Maculelê capoeira.
Melodies are usually sampled. Older songs typically chopped up freestyle samples for the melody, or had none at all. Modern funk uses a set of samples from various sources, notably horn and accordion stabs, as well as the horn intro to the "Rocky" theme. Funk music has always used a small catalog of rhythms and samples which almost all songs take from (commonly with several in the same song). Funk carioca songs can either be instrumental or include rapping, singing, or something in between the two.
In February 11, 2001, the first U.S. reference to the music itself was made by Neil Strauss in the New York Times newspaper, recognizing it as a distinct musical genre, and along with Kwaito music in South Africa, one of the first new genres of electronic, street dance music to have become important outside North America and Europe.
Bucky Done Gun
M.I.A. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Quiet down, I need to make a sound
New York
Quiet down, I need to make a sound
Kingston
Quiet down, I need to make a sound
Brazil
Quiet down, I need to make a sound
They're coming through the window
They're coming through the door
They're busting down the big wall
And sounding the horn
And sounding the horn
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
What you want?
The fire done burn
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
Get crackin'
Get, get crackin'
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
What you want?
The fire done burn
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
Get crackin'
Get, get crackin'
Time to spit new shit
I'm rocking on this new bit
I'm hot now; you'll see
I'll fight you just to get peace
Heavy weight wrestler
Fight me in your comforter
Let you be superior
I'm filthy with the fury ya
London
Quiet down, I need to make a sound
New York
Quiet down, I need to make a sound
Kingston
Quiet down, I need to make a sound
Brazil
Quiet, I need to make a sound
I'll hard-drive your bit
I'm battered by your sumo grip
Lucky I like feeling shit
My stamina can take it
Gymnastics super fit
Muscle in the gun clip
Bite, teeth, nose bleed
Tied up in a scarf piece
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
What you want?
The fire done burn
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
Get crackin'
Get, get crackin'
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
What you want?
The fire done burn
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
Get crackin'
Get, get crackin'
Can I get control?
Do you like me vulnerable?
I'm armed, and I'm equal
More fun for the people
Physical, brute force
Steel lion, you're the boss
Yeah, you're so do-able
Grind me down, sugar, slow
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
What you want?
The fire done burn
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
Get crackin'
Get, get crackin'
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
What you want?
The fire done burn
What you want?
Bucky Done Gun
Get crackin'
Get, get crackin'
M.I.A.'s "Bucky Done Gone" takes a stance on political and social issues and the need to be heard. The song begins with her demanding silence in various cities, including London, New York, Kingston, and Brazil. She then emphasizes the need to fight and rebel against oppressive forces, with lyrics like "They're coming through the window, they're coming through the door, they're busting down the big wall and sounding the horn."
The chorus, "What you want? Bucky Done Gun, What you want? The fire done burn," is a call to action, encouraging listeners to be on the offense and "get crackin'." M.I.A. speaks to the physical and emotional strength required to fight for what you believe in, singing, "Time to spit new shit, I'm hot now; you'll see. I'll fight you just to get peace." She goes on to describe herself as a "heavy weight wrestler" and compares her opponent to a "comforter" to emphasize her own power and determination.
The third verse sees M.I.A. taking control of the situation, asking if she can have control and making it clear that she is armed and equal, adding that it's "More fun for the people." She dares her opponent to physically harm her, singing "Grind me down, sugar, slow," and ends the song by repeating the chorus.
Overall, "Bucky Done Gun" is an anthem of resistance against oppressive forces, advocating for rebellion and showing strength in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
London
I need everyone in London to quiet down so that my voice can be heard
Quiet down, I need to make a sound
I need silence so that what I have to say can be heard
New York
I need everyone in New York to quiet down so that my voice can be heard
Kingston
I need everyone in Kingston to quiet down so that my voice can be heard
Brazil
I need everyone in Brazil to quiet down so that my voice can be heard
They're coming through the window
People are finding unconventional ways to approach me
They're coming through the door
People are approaching me through the conventional ways
They're busting down the big wall
People are breaking barriers to get to me
And sounding the horn
They are making their presence known
What you want?
What is your intention?
Bucky Done Gun
Show me that you are ready to face or confront me
The fire done burn
You have already been defeated
Get crackin'
Take action
Get, get crackin'
Take action now, with a sense of urgency
Time to spit new shit
I am ready to deliver new and fresh content
I'm rocking on this new bit
I am confident and comfortable with my new content
I'm hot now; you'll see
I am now at my best and will prove it to you
I'll fight you just to get peace
I am willing to face you head-on to end any conflict or tension
Heavy weight wrestler
I am ready and strong
Fight me in your comforter
I am unfazed and comfortable, even if you attack me while I'm sleeping
Let you be superior
I will allow you to think that you are winning, even if it is not true
I'm filthy with the fury ya
I am filled with anger and passion
I'll hard-drive your bit
I will have control over you
I'm battered by your sumo grip
You may think you have won, but I am still fighting
Lucky I like feeling shit
I don't mind the feeling of pain, as it only strengthens me
My stamina can take it
I have the endurance to withstand any obstacles
Gymnastics super fit
I am physically fit and ready to perform any task
Muscle in the gun clip
I am strong and powerful, like a weapon
Bite, teeth, nose bleed
I am unafraid and ready to fight with all my strength
Tied up in a scarf piece
I am fashionable and unique
Can I get control?
Can I have power and control over a situation?
Do you like me vulnerable?
Do you prefer me when I am defenseless and easy to defeat?
I'm armed, and I'm equal
I am ready for any challenge and am on the same level as my opponent
More fun for the people
My battles and struggles are entertaining for others to watch
Physical, brute force
I am not afraid to use physical strength to prove myself
Steel lion, you're the boss
I am strong and unbreakable, but you may call the shots
Yeah, you're so do-able
You may be able to defeat me, but I am still attractive and interesting
Grind me down, sugar, slow
You may try to wear me down, but I am resilient and won't back down easily
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: WESLEY PENTZ, BILL CONTI, CAROL CONNORS, AYN E. ROBBINS, MATHANGI ARULPRAGASAM, THOMAS W PENTZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theneedledrop
this is my jam today.
@dan65536
Mine is hot pepper jelly, on wheat.
@KuitlahuakR
Daniel Moore Mine is Justin Bieber - Misoltoe, and Boyfriend
@xXxSM0EKWE3DxXx
holy crap, it's.. it's you. bows in your presence
@wakaikozy6084
Mr drop, you are everywhere
@soumyadeepdas3886
theneedledrop hell yeah😂
@ziyedhamrouni886
11 years later.. this song still comes from the future...
@gabirobadacacilda
+Ziyed Hamrouni Brazilian Funk rules!!!!!
@MrAir106
she is kurdish
@Solo-vh9fm
She's Sri Lankan actually.