Don't Start No Schtuff
Al Jarreau/George Benson Lyrics


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Hey, don't start no schtuff

I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do
I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ rocks in the shoe
And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff

I like the radio and video and that is the idea
I got a mission and a vision 'bout the future, don’t you
Don’t be so critical, ready tune and mouth out a few
And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff

If you wanna be first, you got it
You kick, my stick's to the curb, you got it
And if you’re looking at her, you are a
Take a hike, you might as well forget about it

Greek, can stop her from stealin’, we got her
Teach some booze lookin’ goat, we are a
Read the old golden rule, because
At Harvard, Prince and Yale, they forget about it

I got some juicy snapping, finger tapping livin’ to do
I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ socks in my stew
Man whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff

Get tough, getting’ rough
Come on and get your shovein’ be a silver schtuff
Getting’ rough, getting’ tough
Don’t matter baby, your luck is up

What's up, give it up
Stop sending me the sob schtuffs, too much
Hold up, that’s enough, let’s get on with it
Let’s stop this thirst and get the dumb stuff

I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do
I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ rocks in the shoe
And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff

I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do
I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ rocks in the shoe
And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff





Baby, baby, baby, now don’t start no schtuff in here at all
Don’t want no trouble with you

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Start No Schtuff" by Al Jarreau and George Benson is a lively tune about living life without unnecessary drama or conflict. The song urges listeners to focus on having fun and enjoying life's rhythms without getting bogged down by negativity. The lyrics are a call to action to live a positive, carefree life without worrying about what others may think or say.


The opening lyrics, "Hey, don't start no schtuff / I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do" set the tone for the rest of the song. The use of onomatopoeia and the snappy rhythm showcase the upbeat message. The song touches on the importance of not comparing oneself to others or worrying about what others may think: "If you wanna be first, you got it / You kick, my stick's to the curb, you got it."


The chorus of the song reiterates the message, making it clear that living a drama-free life is the ultimate goal: "And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff." The song is a reminder to not let negativity slow down the rhythms of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey, don't start no schtuff
Please do not start any trouble or issues


I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do
I am excited to dance and enjoy music


I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
I want to experience joy and happiness while dancing, and I do not want anyone to ruin it for me


Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ rocks in the shoe
Please do not complain or blame me for things that are not my fault


And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff
Again, please do not cause any trouble or problems


I like the radio and video and that is the idea
I enjoy listening to music and watching music videos


I got a mission and a vision 'bout the future, don’t you
I have goals and ambitions for the future, just like anyone else


Don’t be so critical, ready tune and mouth out a few
Don't nitpick or criticize my music choices, just enjoy them with me


If you wanna be first, you got it
If you want to be in charge or take control, go for it


You kick, my stick's to the curb, you got it
You can handle the tough tasks, and I will let you do it


And if you’re looking at her, you are a
If you are staring at another woman, you are not worth my time


Take a hike, you might as well forget about it
Get lost, I am not interested in you


Greek, can stop her from stealin’, we got her
No one can stop her from stealing, but we have a plan


Teach some booze lookin’ goat, we are a
We are teaching someone who appears to be silly or incompetent


Read the old golden rule, because
Follow the golden rule of treating others how you want to be treated


At Harvard, Prince and Yale, they forget about it
Even at prestigious universities, people sometimes neglect to follow the golden rule


Man whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff
Again, please do not start any trouble or issues


Get tough, getting’ rough
Get ready to face a challenge


Come on and get your shovein’ be a silver schtuff
Push forward and persevere until you achieve greatness


Don’t matter baby, your luck is up
Regardless of what happens, you will have a positive outcome


What's up, give it up
What is happening? Share your thoughts and ideas


Stop sending me the sob schtuffs, too much
Please do not send me messages or actions that are sad or negative


Hold up, that’s enough, let’s get on with it
Stop what you are doing and let's move forward


Let’s stop this thirst and get the dumb stuff
Let's satisfy this craving and do something fun or exciting


Baby, baby, baby, now don’t start no schtuff in here at all
Please do not cause any problems in this place or situation


Don’t want no trouble with you
I prefer to avoid any conflict or issues with you




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AL JARREAU, JOSEPH ANTHONY TURANO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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