Something's Got To Give
Beastie Boys Lyrics
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Someday we shall all be one
Why fight yourself?
This one's called Rectify
There's something coming to the surface
There's fire all around
But this is all illusion
I've seen better days than this one
I've seen better nights than this one
Tension is rebuilding
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Someday, we shall all be one
Jesus Christ, we're nice
The lyrics of Beastie Boys's song Somethings Got to Give seem to call for peace between the races. The song is a call for an end to the racial tensions that exist in our society. The lyrics, "I wish for peace between the races, Someday we shall all be one," perfectly capture the intention behind this song. The band is demanding unity amongst all races, and they believe that it can happen in due time.
The lyrics also talk about the tension that is building up in our society, and that something has got to give. This tension can be felt everywhere, and it is not a new development. The song calls upon the people to take a stand and put an end to this tension; to confront it, acknowledge it and deal with it. Through the lyrics, the Beastie Boys are encouraging the listeners to face the reality that tension does exist and to work towards finding common ground that will lead to peace.
The song's verse, "Jesus Christ, we're nice," seems to be sarcastic, mocking those who use religion to justify racial prejudice or who pretend that everything is okay when it is not. The band is reminding us that people of all races can be good and decent individuals, and that we need to work towards recognizing this, and not just the color of people's skin.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish for peace between the races
I hope for a world without prejudice or discrimination
Someday we shall all be one
One day, humanity will be united and equal
Why fight yourself?
Why struggle against your own nature?
This one's called Rectify
This song is intended to correct or make right a situation
There's something coming to the surface
A hidden truth is about to reveal itself
There's fire all around
Conflict and turmoil are present
But this is all illusion
These problems are not real, but rather a result of fabricated perceptions
I've seen better days than this one
The current situation is not ideal and has been better before
I've seen better nights than this one
Even the nighttime seems worse compared to the past
Tension is rebuilding
Unrest and conflict are growing stronger
Something's got to give
Things cannot continue the way they are and a change must occur
Something's got to give
Repetition of the previous line to emphasize the need for change
Someday, we shall all be one
Reiteration of hope for a united and equal world
Jesus Christ, we're nice
Sarcastic statement, implying that despite humanity's potential for goodness, we still experience conflict and division
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM HOROVITZ, ADAM NATHANIEL YAUCH, MARIO CALDATO JR., MARK RAMOS NISHITA, MICHAEL LOUIS DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JLRRyan
Its a sleeper, but this might be my fav Beastie's song
@MichalGolata
Ryan C same
@marykatiegoff2250
Adrock wrote a great essay about it in their book
@jharperdust
I also smoke weed.
@JohnWhiteECU
they were paid for all the samples off this song
@DavidHardingisperfect
It IS your favorite song. Mine too. <3
@matthewvicendese1896
The Beastie Boys were a lot like the Beatles. Started off with a fun band and lots of press attention, but then elevated into recording studio giants with the whole band contributing to amazing diverse albums.
@chadwickrogers43
Facts.
@HipHopHead82
That’s so true! I’ve heard Run DMC are The Beatles of hip-hop but I actually think it is the Beastie Boys for how they elevated throughout their careers as artists. Run DMC are more a kin to The Rolling Stones of hip-hop.
@matthewvicendese1896
@zachcampos8667 Run DMC are Chuck Berry, Elvis or Buddy Holly!! Early pioneers!!