The Maestro
Beastie Boys爀 Lyrics

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Who is the man comin' down your block?
It's me you see, with the funk in my walk ('cause)
I'm doin' just what I like to
Today is my day yeah, and I'ma get nice too
You gotta keep movin', and you can't say nothing
I'ma keep bouncin' and bumpin' and stuffin'
One thing you ought to know, well, I am the maestro

Yeah, you motherfuckers, I'm all that
I see you lookin' at me sayin'
How can he be so skinny and live so phat?
You know why, 'cause I'm the maestro
Yeah, you know and I'm "movin' on my wheels"
"You got that?"

I feel like Rufus Thomas, the crown prince of dance
I'm Mike D, and I'm known for romance
I'm the crazy baldhead with the part on the side
And I'm riding down the block, like I'm on a water slide
'Cause it's the type of day I feel like pressing my luck
'Cause I got nothing to lose, cause I don't give a fuck
See I'm a player, I play, don't play to win, I play to show (yeah)
I'm the maestro

Yeah that's right, ya'll
You know I got my own shit
See, this ain't America's Most Wanted
This is America's Most Mackin!
That's right other people all call it, my hit!
When I get on there is no stoppin'!

Who is the man, who is the man, who is the man?

Who is the man, who is the man, who is the man?
Who is the man, who is the man?

Overall Meaning

In "The Maestro" by Beastie Boys, the rapper is asserting his dominance as the "maestro" in the neighborhood. He confidently proclaims that he's doing what he likes on his own day, and nobody can tell him otherwise. He also admits he's skinny but lives phat (an urban slang term here for living large or extravagantly), implying that he may not look the part of being in control but feels he is. Additionally, he likens himself to Rufus Thomas, a famed American R&B, funk, and soul singer and dancer who was renowned for his ability to move and entertain. Furthermore, the Beastie Boys member Mike D identifies himself uniquely by his bald head, part on the side, and confident demeanor. He suggests that he feels invincible today and is riding down the block like he is on a water slide.

Moreover, he clarifies that he is a player, but he does not play to win; he plays to show. This speaks to his immense confidence, which permeates the entire track. He also alludes to his self-sufficiency, stating that the song belongs to him and calling it "America's most Mackin" instead of "America's Most Wanted." By doing so, he makes a statement about his originality and independence, which is a recurring theme throughout the song.

Line by Line Meaning

Who is the man comin' down your block?
Who is the person walking down your street?

It's me you see, with the funk in my walk ('cause)
It's me, you can tell by the way I stride with confidence.

I'm doin' just what I like to
I am doing whatever makes me happy.

Today is my day yeah, and I'ma get nice too
Today is a great day, and I am going to enjoy myself as well.

You gotta keep movin', and you can't say nothing
You need to keep going and not complain.

I'ma keep bouncin' and bumpin' and stuffin'
I will keep moving energetically and filling my day with activity.

One thing you ought to know, well, I am the maestro
It's important that you realize I am the master of this situation.

Yeah, you motherfuckers, I'm all that
Yes, all of you can see that I am amazing.

I see you lookin' at me sayin'
I can tell that you are admiring me.

How can he be so skinny and live so phat?
How is it possible that I am thin but still have so much style?

You know why, 'cause I'm the maestro
It's because I am the master and know how to live right.

I feel like Rufus Thomas, the crown prince of dance
I feel just like Rufus Thomas, who was known for his dancing skills.

I'm Mike D, and I'm known for romance
I am Mike D, and I am famous for my way with the ladies.

I'm the crazy baldhead with the part on the side
I am the wild and crazy person with a unique hairstyle.

And I'm riding down the block, like I'm on a water slide
I am moving down the street with ease, enjoying myself like I would while sliding in water.

'Cause it's the type of day I feel like pressing my luck
It's just the kind of day where I want to take risks.

'Cause I got nothing to lose, cause I don't give a fuck
I have no reason to hold back because I am not afraid of any consequences.

See I'm a player, I play, don't play to win, I play to show (yeah)
I am not interested in winning; I just want to put on a good show.

Yeah that's right, ya'll
Yes, that's correct, everyone.

You know I got my own shit
I have my own unique way of doing things.

See, this ain't America's Most Wanted
This is not a television show about catching criminals.

This is America's Most Mackin!
This is a show about me being the coolest and most charming guy out there.

That's right other people all call it, my hit!
Everyone else refers to this as my signature style.

When I get on there is no stoppin'!
Once I start doing my thing, nothing can halt my momentum.

Who is the man, who is the man, who is the man?
Who is the person in charge and on top of things?

Who is the man, who is the man, who is the man?
Who is the one that everyone looks up to and respects?

Who is the man, who is the man?
Who is the ultimate, undisputed leader and champion of the moment?

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM HOROVITZ, ADAM NATHANIEL YAUCH, MICHAEL LOUIS DIAMOND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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