Included: Nona Hendryx, Bush Tetras, Bikini Kill, Monie Love, Queen Latifah, Odetta, and more.
You Can't Be Funky
Bush Tetras Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well I burn both ends from night to night
Dance Dance Dance
Talk Talk Talk
Well the walls are so thick that I can't even walk
Dance Dance Dance
Talk Talk Talk
Well the walls are so thick that I can't even walk
Yours eyes are shallow and your glance is cold
You can't be funky if you haven't got a soul
No, you can't be funky
You can't be funky
You can't be funky if you haven't got a soul!
You can't be funky
You can't be funky
You can't be funky if you haven't got a soul!
Well I steal everything you have but always say hello
Well I lock you up tighter every place that you go
Dance Dance Dance
Talk Talk Talk
Well the walls are so thick that I can't even walk
Dance Dance Dance
Talk Talk Talk
Well the walls are so thick that I can't even walk
You can't be a lover if youve got no control
You can't be funky if you haven't got a soul
No, You can't be funky
You can't be funky
You can't be funky if you haven't got a soul!
You can't be funky
You can't be funky
You can't be funky if you haven't got a soul!
Well you can't be funky
No, you can't be funky
You can't be funky
No, you can't be funky if you haven't got a soul
The song "You Can't Be Funky" by Bush Tetras, is a high energy, danceable punk-rock track with strong messages about the importance of authenticity and integrity. The lyrics revolve around the idea that it takes more than just a technical ability to be funky. Instead, one must have a certain depth of soul and an inner authenticity that cannot be faked.
The chorus of the song repeats, "You can't be funky if you haven't got a soul," emphasizing the importance of authenticity in creating true funk music. The verses discuss topics such as burning the candle at both ends and stealing from others, suggesting that these actions cannot make up for a lack of true soul and inner authenticity.
The song's high-intensity dance beat and strong feminist undertones were unique to the punk-rock scene in the early 80s. The Bush Tetras were known for their innovative approach to punk rock, incorporating elements of funk, jazz, and world music into their music. The lyrics in "You Can't Be Funky" speak to the band's feminist and anti-capitalist values, encouraging listeners to reject mainstream standards of success in favor of living a fulfilling and authentic life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I sharpen my teeth to take another bite
I am always ready to fight for what I want, to take a bite out of the world.
Well I burn both ends from night to night
I work so hard, all day and all night, with no rest.
Dance Dance Dance
I keep moving, keep active, keep dancing.
Talk Talk Talk
I keep speaking out, keep sharing my thoughts and ideas.
Well the walls are so thick that I can't even walk
I am so surrounded by obstacles and challenges that I can barely move forward.
Yours eyes are shallow and your glance is cold
You are superficial and unfeeling, not capable of depth or warmth.
You can't be funky if you haven't got a soul
You can't possess true funkiness without a deep, authentic spirit.
No, you can't be funky
Absolutely not, you cannot embody funkiness without soul!
Well I steal everything you have but always say hello
I take what I want from others, but always try to maintain some sign of politeness.
Well I lock you up tighter every place that you go
I am possessive and controlling, wanting to keep others under my watchful eye.
You can't be a lover if youve got no control
You cannot be a true partner in love if you lack control over your own life and emotions.
No, You can't be funky
Absolutely not, you cannot embody funkiness without soul!
Well you can't be funky
It's impossible to truly possess funkiness without an authentic spirit.
No, you can't be funky if you haven't got a soul
Without a deep, genuine soul, you cannot truly embody the essence of funkiness.
Writer(s): bush tetras
Contributed by Isaac N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lotus Ohm
Can't be funky if you haven't got SOUL!
David Maddox
Tuneage! 🎶😋🕺
Jacob Easton
You can not be funky if you haven't got a soul. What a world of advice this would be. Lol.
Billy Watson TV
Funky!
Rush Oner
Basquiat brought me here... if I was a teen in 1980, I'd of died LOOOOONG ago!
lisa
Me too. & I was!
Dynamite movie, watching, experiencing this film for years, will never leave my basics. ✌️💗
MrBloodbunny
exactly :)
steve simpson
@lisa what film?
lisa
@steve simpson "Basquiat" 1996. The cast includes Jeffrey Wright, David Bowie,.. 🙂
astrid hardt
❤