Lighten Up
Beastie Boys Lyrics


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Lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now
Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now
Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now
Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up
Shine like the sun

Lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now
Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now
Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now




Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up
Shine like the sun

Overall Meaning

The Beastie Boys song "Lighten Up" encourages listeners to let go of negativity and adopt a more positive attitude. The repetitive and catchy chorus of "gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now" reinforces this message of shedding one's worries and troubles. The reference to shining like the sun suggests the power and radiance that comes with a lighter, happier outlook.


The song can be interpreted in various ways, but one possible reading is that the trio is advocating for a shift in mindset away from the angst and aggression of their earlier work. Beastie Boys members Ad-Rock and Mike D have even expressed regret over some of the misogynistic and homophobic lyrics present in their early albums. "Lighten Up" may thus be seen as a conscious effort to promote positivity and inclusivity, without sacrificing the group's signature irreverent style.


Overall, "Lighten Up" serves as a reminder to not take oneself too seriously, and to enjoy the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Its upbeat tempo and upbeat message make it a fitting addition to any playlist focused on self-improvement or joy.


Line by Line Meaning

Lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now
Relax, you need to take a break from whatever is worrying you and do it now.


Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now
You really need to be less serious, right this moment.


Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up right now
It's high time you lightened up and stopped being so hard on yourself.


Gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up, gotta lighten up
You need to find joy and lightness in life.


Shine like the sun
You should radiate positivity and let your inner light shine.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THOMAS CHARGE BURKE, LAWRENCE JAMES DIAMOND, MICHAEL JAMES ANDREW EVANS, THOMAS WILLIAM PAYNE RHOADES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Nestor Galaviz


on Body Movin' (Fatboy Slim remix)

dope

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