Bomb the Bass was the creation of the British musician Tim Simenon. His first single "Beat Dis" from the album "Into the Dragon" was a number two hit in the UK and was one of the first songs to introduce the mainstream to sampling culture (along with songs by Paul Hardcastle, M/A/R/R/S and S'Express). The song "Megablast" from the album was also used in the computer game Xenon 2 Megablast. Other hits include a cover of the Aretha Franklin track "Say a Little Prayer" ("Say a Little Prayer (feat. Maureen)") and "Don't Make me Wait". The UK Top 10-Hit "Winter in July" is from their second album "Unknown Territory". Their third album "Clear" features appearances from Sinéad O'Connor, Jah Wobble, Benjamin Zephaniah and a rare vocal from novelist Will Self.
Simenon has also gone on to become a successful producer for other artists (Depeche Mode, etc.). He also owns an Amsterdam-based label called "Electric Tones" on which he released in 2001 the "Clear Cut" EP which is the last to date from Bomb The Bass.
The band is back for the first time in 20 years at the London Astoria
www.bombthebass.com
Beat Dis
Bomb the Bass Lyrics
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Five
Four
Three
Two, one
Thunderbirds are go
Just, just
Just feel it
Hold it now
Hold it, hold it, hold it, hold it now
What does it all mean?
What do I want?
Everybody in the street
Get, get, get, a-get
Get down to the funky beat
Beat dis!
Beat dis!
Beat dis!
Keep this frequency clear
Pump that bass
This is a journey into sound
Stereophonic sound
Stereophonic sound
Stereophonic sound for d-d-d-dance music
You play Russian roulette this way
Keep this frequency clear
Music please
Get down to the funky beat
Get down to the funky beat
Get down to the funky beat
Beat, beat
B-b-beat dis!
Everybody in the street
Get, get, get, a-get
Get down to the funky beat
Beat dis!
Everybody in the street
Get, get, get, a-get
Get down to the funky beat
Beat dis!
Beat dis!
Beat dis!
Pump that bass
Pump that bass
Keep this frequency clear
The lyrics to Bomb the Bass's song Beat Dis are mostly comprised of short phrases that revolve around the idea of dancing and getting down to a funky beat. The opening countdown and reference to Thunderbirds are go serve to create a space-age, futuristic atmosphere, giving the impression that the song is taking the listener on a journey into uncharted territory. The repeated plea to "Get down to the funky beat" and the exhortation to "Beat dis!" creates a hypnotic and infectious rhythm that draws the listener in.
The lyrics are sparse and enigmatic, with phrases like "Hold it now... what does it all mean?" suggesting a level of introspection and confusion. However, these moments of contemplation are quickly replaced by the driving beat and insistent chanted phrases that compel the listener to move their body. The line "Music please" could be interpreted as a plea for the song itself to continue, as though the music is a force unto itself that has taken on a life of its own. Ultimately, the lyrics evoke the powerful, transformative nature of dancing and the communal experience of being swept up in a rhythm with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Five
Countdown to a momentous event
Four
Continuation of countdown
Three
Continuation of countdown
Two, one
Countdown almost complete
Thunderbirds are go
Expression of excitement and readiness
Just, just
Encouraging listeners to focus on the following instructions
Just feel it
Encouraging listeners to feel the music rather than analyze it
Hold it now
Instruction to pause for a beat
Hold it, hold it, hold it, hold it now
Repetition of the above instruction to emphasize its importance
What does it all mean?
Rhetorical question in response to the sounds and beat
What do I want?
Rhetorical question in response to the listener's desires
Everybody in the street
Invitation to everyone to join in the music
Get, get, get, a-get
Encouragement to participate in the music
Get down to the funky beat
Instruction to dance and groove to the rhythm
Beat dis!
Encouragement and affirmation of the music
Keep this frequency clear
Request for uninterrupted music broadcast
Pump that bass
Encouragement to increase the volume and intensity of the low-frequency sounds
This is a journey into sound
Introduction to the song as a sonic adventure
Stereophonic sound
Reference to music with spatial depth and separation
Stereophonic sound
Repetition of the above
Stereophonic sound for d-d-d-dance music
Specific reference to the mixing and mastering techniques used for dance music
You play Russian roulette this way
Metaphor for taking a risk or making a bold choice
Music please
Request for the music to keep playing
Beat, beat
Repetition of the word 'beat' to emphasize the importance of rhythm
B-b-beat dis!
Emphatic encouragement to appreciate and participate in the music
Everybody in the street
Repetition of an earlier instruction to include everyone in the music
Pump that bass
Repetition of an earlier encouragement to increase the volume and intensity of the low-frequency sounds
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Emilio Pasquez, Tim Simenon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Alig-hf4zl
I played this album so many times, it's was on cassette back then. Pure gold.
@nabilster
I still have the vinyl 👌
@mikekaraoke
My cousin still has this album on original CD from 1988!
@PaulusdeKenezy
I just realized my favorite MAARS had many sample from this.
@tnrc75
Was 12 when this came out. It's one of those songs that, because of when it came out - when I was learning about the world and culture - made an indelible image on my brain. Now 48, this song still bangs.
@magnusthor
nothing more to add ;) 48y old too - this song is an alltime classic!
@chris.a8383
49 here, you are spot on.
@stylusone2
50 here, agree with you all, such amazing memories, so glad a grew up in that era!!
@squodge
Ditto, 48 here. And I absolutely loved the track when it came out... and still love it now.
@layditms2
12 ? So not the Generation then ?