Big Shot
Beat (The) Lyrics
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Yes, you're fat and can afford to be tasteless
You're a big shot
You want the whole lot
And if I like it or not
You still control me
You tell me what to think and what to be
I like to sneer as I sail past your bus stop
I watch you struggle, and it gets me red hot
I wander 'round in my empty office block
Big shot
I want the whole lot
And if you like it or not
I still control you
I tell you what to think and what to do
So, you listen to smoking industry
You listen to the guys in the factories
You listen to the wealth and the misery
You listen to the power of money
For a big shot
Who wants a whole lot
And if you like it or not
He'll probably get it
He'll tell you when to beg and when to sit
You look like a government minister
Or a high ranking military officer
I don't think you care
You're just a big shot, yeah
Yes, I've seen you go to work in your big car
Yes, you're fat and can afford to be tasteless
You're a big shot
Who wants a whole lot
And if I like it or not
You still control me
You tell me what to think and what to be
The song "Big shot" by The Beat is a commentary on the power dynamics of society, with a focus on those who hold significant amounts of wealth and influence. In the first verse, the lyrics describe the persona of a big shot, someone who has a lot of money and drives a fancy car, but who lacks taste. The big shot is portrayed as someone who wants to control everything, including the singer who is expressing their dislike for being controlled. Despite the singer's negative feelings towards the big shot, they still feel trapped by their power and influence.
The second verse is where the singer's resentment towards the big shot becomes more apparent. They express their enjoyment of seeing the big shot struggle while they sail past on their way to work. The singer also reveals that they work in an "empty office block," suggesting that they are not part of the same social class as the big shot. The lyrics suggest that the singer is envious of the big shot's wealth and power, but also enjoys watching them suffer.
The final verse takes a more political turn. The lyrics suggest that people like the big shot listen to those in power, such as those who work in smoking industries or factories. The big shot is portrayed as someone who can get whatever they want, including the singer's obedience. The song ends with the singer noting that the big shot looks like a government minister or high-ranking military officer, and concluding that the big shot doesn't care about anything other than maintaining their power and influence.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes, I've seen you go to work in your big car
I have observed you commute to work in your expensive car.
Yes, you're fat and can afford to be tasteless
You are overweight and can wear clothing that is not fashionable, because your wealth allows it.
You're a big shot
You are a person of high status and influence.
You want the whole lot
You desire complete control and power over everything.
And if I like it or not
Regardless of my feelings on the matter.
You still control me
You have power and authority over me.
You tell me what to think and what to be
You dictate my thoughts and behavior.
I like it best in the freezing winter, boy
I find joy in seeing you struggle in cold conditions.
I like to sneer as I sail past your bus stop
I enjoy mocking you as I drive by your public transportation stop.
I watch you struggle, and it gets me red hot
I become excited by witnessing your difficulties.
I wander 'round in my empty office block
I aimlessly walk around my sizable workplace.
So, you listen to smoking industry
You pay attention to companies that sell tobacco products.
You listen to the guys in the factories
You heed the advice of those who work in or own production facilities.
You listen to the wealth and the misery
You take direction from both prosperous and impoverished individuals.
You listen to the power of money
You are influenced by the authority that comes with one's financial status.
For a big shot
For someone of your status and influence.
Who wants a whole lot
Desiring complete control and power over everything.
And if you like it or not
Regardless of how you perceive the situation.
He'll probably get it
It is highly likely that you will achieve what you desire.
He'll tell you when to beg and when to sit
You will be instructed on when to show subservience and when to be stationary.
You look like a government minister
You have the appearance of a high-ranking political official.
Or a high ranking military officer
You resemble someone with a powerful role in the armed forces.
I don't think you care
I believe you lack concern or empathy toward others.
You're just a big shot, yeah
You are solely focused on maintaining your status and control over others.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROGER CHARLERY, ANDREW COX, ANDY COX, EVERETT MORTON, DAVID STEELE, DAVID WAKELING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Team Plasma Colress [TPC]
NOW'S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A BIG SHOT!
Odd Bod
I was lucky enough to see the Beat twice in the early 80s in Brum at the Locarno and Bingey Hall.Absolutely brilliant.They and the Selecter were my favourite bands of that period.
SquirrelMo60
Those ska horns the rap and the bass...killer song.
Gros Bec
I love the sound so peculiar of Dave's guitar ... I read on some French music zine (Best maybe) he put some extra mics on it. Very noticeable with Big shots. Thank you Deeko :-)
Aww Mann
R.I.P .Roger and saxa legends of 2 tone
Stephen Spark
Totally distinctive sound - so sorry I never saw them live. Lyrics are ace ('you're fat and can afford to be tasteless').
We need this music and its message now so much.
Lincoln Hirschi
3 verses-written in the 1st, 2nd, & 3fd person respectively. Brilliant
Peter Horbacz
Saw them live at The Police Picnic Toronto Exhibition Statium early 80s. Fucking Awesome!!!!!! RIP Rodger
jubjub2112
Another of my all time favorites!
Andrew Moylan
Have only heard one Beat album but what I have heard it is pretty good .