Adam “MCA” Yauch described “Jimmy James” as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Originally, it began as an instrumental groove with scratching done by Yauch (appears on the "Jimmy James” EP as the “Original Original Version”). Later during the making of CYH, lyrics were written and the other two Beastie Boys, Michael “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “King Ad-Rock” Horovitz, joined Yauch on vocals.
Samples include:
“Surrender“ by Cheap Trick, from the album, Cheap Trick at Budokhan (1978)
“Happy Birthday“ by Jimi Hendrix, from the album, My Best Friend (1979)
“Foxy Lady"
“I'm Chief Kamanawanalea (We're the Royal Macadamia Nuts)” by the Turtles, from the album, The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands (1968)
Jimmy James
Beastie Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People how you doin', there's a new day dawnin'
For the earth mother, it's a brand new mornin'
For such a long while, there's been such a longin'
But now the sun is shinin', let's roll back the awnin'
This is a type of kinda like a formal dedication
for much inspiration
All I ever really want to do is get nice
Get loose and goof a little slice of life
Sendin' out love to all corners of the land
I jump up on the stage and take the mic in my hand
I'm not playin' the roll, just being who I am
And if you try to dis me, I couldn't give a damn
Bass from the back of my car feels soothin'
Eight bazookas is what I'm usin'
I'm Mike D, and it's been proven
I love it when I see the party people just movin'
Strapped on my ear goggles and what did I see?
But the music brought the people into harmony
The lyrics of Beastie Boys's song “Jimmy James” are a celebration of the new album and a tribute to the power of music to bring people together. The song starts with the announcement of the first song on their new album, and the next lines set the tone of positivity and hope for the future. The lyrics talk about the Earth mother, and the new morning signifies a new beginning, a fresh start, an opportunity to embrace life with open arms. The Beastie Boys reflect on the longings that people have felt for a while, and now, with the sun shining, it's time to roll back the awning and embrace the warmth and light.
The verses continue with a tribute to their inspiration and the power of music. The dedication of the song is a "formal" one, calling out to all people to join them in getting "nice" and "loose and goofy." The lines also pay tribute to the corners of the land and sending out love. The chorus is an invitation to move with the music, to let oneself get lost in the melee of the party. The bass creates a soothing sensation, and the eight bazookas mark the occasion. The lines are quintessential Beastie Boys, an ode to partying, freedom and the joy of music. The closing lines, "the music brought the people into harmony,” conclude the song, reinforcing the ability of music to bring people together.
Line by Line Meaning
This next one's the first song on our new album
Greetings, this is the opening track of our latest musical work.
People how you doin', there's a new day dawnin'
Hello everyone, it's a new day filled with opportunities and positive changes.
For the earth mother, it's a brand new mornin'
Nature is reborn with new life and growth, and this is a great time to appreciate it.
For such a long while, there's been such a longin'
We've been waiting for a while for this moment, and finally it has come.
But now the sun is shinin', let's roll back the awnin'
With the sun shining bright, let's enjoy the outdoors and open up the awning.
This is a type of kinda like a formal dedication
This is a formal and respectful acknowledgement.
Givin' out a shout for much inspiration
Giving thanks and recognition to those who inspired us throughout our journey.
All I ever really want to do is get nice
My only true desire in life is to feel good and be happy.
Get loose and goof a little slice of life
Relax and have fun, enjoying the little moments life has to offer.
Sendin' out love to all corners of the land
Spreading warm feelings of love and kindness to every corner of the world.
I jump up on the stage and take the mic in my hand
I get up on stage, grab the microphone, and perform my art for the audience.
I'm not playin' the roll, just being who I am
I'm not putting on a fake persona or playing a character; I'm simply being myself.
And if you try to dis me, I couldn't give a damn
If someone tries to criticize or insult me, I don't care about their opinion.
Bass from the back of my car feels soothin'
The bass coming from the singers in the back of my car feels comforting and calming.
Eight bazookas is what I'm usin'
I'm using eight powerful speakers to amplify the sound.
I'm Mike D, and it's been proven
My name is Mike D, and my abilities have been proven through my art.
I love it when I see the party people just movin'
It brings me joy when I see people dancing and having fun at a party.
Strapped on my ear goggles and what did I see?
I put on my headphones, and what did I hear?
But the music brought the people into harmony
The power of music united the people and brought them together.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC.
Written by: ADAM HOROVITZ, ADAM NATHANIEL YAUCH, EDWARD CHAPLIN, MARIO CALDATO JR., MICHAEL LOUIS DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Popu_GTB
Samples used in this song:
Curtis Knight - Happy Birthday (Bass)
The Turtles - I’m Chief Kamanawanalea (Drums)
Jimi Hendrix - Foxy Lady
Jimi Hendrix - Still Raining StillDreaming
Rammelizee - Beat Bop (Vocals) 1:46
Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo child
Jimi Hendrix - EXP
Mantronix - Fresh Is The Word 2:20
Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced?
Jimi Hendrix - Third Stone From the Sun
The Fearless Four - Rockin’ It 3:03
@kishunprajapati2809
People how you doin', there's a new day dawnin'
For the earth mother, it's a brand new mornin'
For such a long while, there's been such a longin'
But now the sun is shinin', let's roll back the awnin'
Move-move your body
This is a type of kinda like a formal dedication
Givin' out a shout
for much inspiration
All I ever really want to do is get nice
Get loose and goof a little slice of life
Sendin' out love to all corners of the land
I jump up on the stage and take the mic in my hand
I'm not playin' the role
Just being who I am
And if you try to dis me, I couldn't give a damn
Cause I'm rockin'
Rockin'
Rockin'
Rock-rock, rockin'
Yeah, get down
Rock-rock, rock on
Rock-rock, rock on
Rock-rock, rock on
Mic-mic, mic control
Mic-mic, mic control
Mic-mic-mic, mic control
Yeah, can you get my drift?
Bass from the back of my car feels soothin'
Eight bazookas is what I'm usin'
I'm Mike D, and it's been proven
I love it when I see the party people just movin'
Strapped on my ear goggles and what did I see?
But the music brought the people into harmony
@gavinhicks9435
This is one of the best hip hop songs ever made. Production is amazing
@user-th8qx6qv8n
Hell yes! Mario Caldato Jr and the Beasties. There's at least 7 Jimmy Hendrix samples used in this track. Plus a Cheap Trick sample at at least 4 other samples from other artists. Production genius.
@jasonspurs
I agree
@dgerch
It's a perfect beat and when the percussion drops in with the vocals...It somehow takes it to another level.
@paulpatrick1108
Word...
@ivangoran4461
One of my favorite since the first time I heard it.
@evangilmore3964
this next one is the first song on our new album
@jasonpeterson4364
Evan Gilmore missed. Cheap Trick.
@unkorichie2029
Evan Gilmore ❤️🤙🏽
@tom33pr
Comes from Devo's gig