Sabotage
Beastie Boys Lyrics


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I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
I can't stand rockin' when I'm in here
'Cause your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear
So while you sit back and wonder why
I got this fuckin' thorn in my side
Oh my god, it's a mirage
I'm tellin' y'all, it's sabotage

So, so, so, so listen up, 'cause you can't say nothin'
You'll shut me down with a push of your button
But, yo, I'm out and I'm gone
I'll tell you now, I keep it on and on

'Cause what you see, you might not get
And we can bet, so don't you get souped yet
Scheming on a thing, that's a mirage
I'm trying to tell you now, it's sabotage

Why
Our backs are now against the wall

Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage

I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
But I can't stand rockin' when I'm in this place
Because I feel disgrace because you're all in my face
But make no mistakes and switch up my channel
I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle




What could it be, it's a mirage
You're scheming on a thing, that's sabotage

Overall Meaning

The song "Sabotage" by the Beastie Boys is an energetic track that speaks about a protagonist who is fed up with the manipulations of a person with a hidden agenda. The singer opens up the song by expressing his frustration with the other person's machinations. The use of phrases such as "I can't stand it, I know you planned it" and "I'mma set it straight, this Watergate" indicates that the other person's schemes have affected him to the core. The singer is not content with merely expressing his anger but also tries to warn others by saying, "So while you sit back and wonder why, I got this fuckin' thorn in my side. Oh my god, it's a mirage. I'm tellin' y'all, it's sabotage." The use of these lines shows that the singer has reached a breaking point and is determined to expose the other person's true face.


The song's central theme revolves around the concept of how people with nefarious intentions can manipulate and scheme to destroy the lives of others. The use of phrases such as "So, so, so, so listen up, 'cause you can't say nothin'. You'll shut me down with a push of your button," indicates that the singer is aware of the other person's power over him. However, he refuses to give up and vows to continue fighting. The refrain of "Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage" further enhances the idea that the singer is driven and will not back down.


Overall, "Sabotage" is a brilliantly crafted song that captures the essence of hidden agendas and their effects on human life. The clever wordplay and rhyming further enhance the song's energy and keep the listener engaged throughout.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I can't tolerate what you're doing and I am aware that you devised this plan


I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
I will address and resolve this situation while referencing the Watergate Scandal


I can't stand rockin' when I'm in here
I cannot enjoy myself while in this environment


'Cause your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear
Your intuition about this situation is not entirely accurate


So while you sit back and wonder why
While you contemplate what is happening


I got this fuckin' thorn in my side
I am frustrated with this issue that has been plaguing me


Oh my god, it's a mirage
This seems real, but it is a deception


I'm tellin' y'all, it's sabotage
I am warning everyone that this is an act of deliberate harm or disruption


So, so, so, so listen up, 'cause you can't say nothin'
Pay attention because you cannot argue against what I am saying


You'll shut me down with a push of your button
You can silence me easily


But, yo, I'm out and I'm gone
I'm leaving now


I'll tell you now, I keep it on and on
I will speak up and persist with my message


'Cause what you see, you might not get
What appears to be happening may not be the reality


And we can bet, so don't you get souped yet
I am confident in my assessment and don't want you to be over-confident yet


Scheming on a thing, that's a mirage
If you are devising a plan, it is the wrong approach


I'm trying to tell you now, it's sabotage
I am warning you that it is a deliberate act of harm or disruption


Why
Asking why this is happening


Our backs are now against the wall
We are in a difficult or dire situation


Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
I am telling everyone that it is a deliberate act of harm or disruption


Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
I am telling everyone that it is a deliberate act of harm or disruption


Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
I am telling everyone that it is a deliberate act of harm or disruption


Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
I am telling everyone that it is a deliberate act of harm or disruption


I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I cannot tolerate what you are doing and I am aware that you devised this plan


I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
I will address and resolve this situation while referencing the Watergate Scandal


But I can't stand rockin' when I'm in this place
I cannot enjoy myself while in this environment


Because I feel disgrace because you're all in my face
I feel humiliated because you are confronting me head-on


But make no mistakes and switch up my channel
Don't misunderstand or alter my perspective on this matter


I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle
I become very agitated and intense like the musician, Buddy Rich


What could it be, it's a mirage
This seems real, but it is a deception


You're scheming on a thing, that's sabotage
You are plotting something harmful or disruptive




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adam Horovitz, Adam Nathaniel Yauch, Michael Louis Diamond

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@NiscosFun

Don't lie, this wasn't in your recommended. You searched for this

@tittlemanscrest420

you're damn right

@emiplayz91

Correct, I searched for this masterpiece

@Fratananical

I know you planned it.

@TroutNTrees

accurate

@tffp_727

Yes

673 More Replies...

@samgod

Can we just appreciate how beautifully "Sabotage" incorporates metal, punk, rock and rap into a whole new experience?

@mitchellbutarch8347

It sure does

@sampineda2369

And electronic

@moralesarmando5071

Fuck yeah man be my guest!

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