Break it down
Chris Warren Band Lyrics


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Are You Ready?
Yeah Ya Think You Can Tell Us What To Do?
You Think You Can Tell Us What To Wear?
You Think That Your Better?
Well Ya Better Get Ready Bow To The Masters, Break It Down
D-Generate Into Something Fool Just Got Tired Of Doing What Ya Told Us To Do That's The Breaks Boy, Yeah, That's The Breaks Little Man Break It Down
D-Generation X D-Generation
Think You Can Tell Me What To Do?
Know Who You're Talking To?
Well, Ya Better Get Used To The Way The Ball Bounces I See What Ya Got, It Measures In Ounces But That's The Breaks Boy, Yeah, That's The Breaks Little Man Break It Down
D-Generation X D-Generation
Think Your Big Man HA HA HA HA HA Treat Ya Like You're A Little Man Yo, Tell Me What It's Like To Be Half A Man It Must Break Your Heart To See What I Am But, That's The Breaks Boy, Yeah, That's The Breaks Little Man Break It Down
D-Generation X D-Generation
You Think You Can Tell Me What To Do?




Know Who You're Talking To?
Just Stop Wanting Me To Be Someone Else Put It Away Like A Book On A Shelf That You Can Read Boy, Yeah, That You Can Read Little Man

Overall Meaning

The Chris Warren Band's song "Break It Down" is an energetic and rebellious anthem that encourages listeners to break free from the expectations and rules placed upon them by others. The lyrics are a defiant response to authority figures who try to tell the band and their fans what to do, what to wear, and who to be. They assert their independence and challenge anyone who tries to diminish their autonomy.


The opening lines challenge anyone who thinks they have the power to dictate the band's actions, while also inviting the listener to join in their rebellion. The chorus features the repeated phrase "D-Generation X" which serves as a rallying cry for the band's fans, who often referred to themselves as part of that group. They assert their own power and mock those who try to control them, calling them "little man" and asserting that they are the true masters.


The second verse is directed more specifically at one individual who is accused of treating the band like they are "half a man." The lyrics imply that the target of the song is jealous of the band's success and that they are attempting to bring them down. However, the band is undeterred and stands firm in their independence. The final lines of the song are a call to reject conformity and embrace individuality, suggesting that everyone has the power to define themselves on their own terms.


Line by Line Meaning

Are You Ready?
Asking if the audience is ready for an upcoming performance.


Yeah Ya Think You Can Tell Us What To Do?
Challenging someone who thinks they have authority over the singer's actions.


You Think You Can Tell Us What To Wear?
Challenging someone who thinks they have authority over the singer's attire.


You Think That Your Better?
Challenging someone who thinks they are superior to the singer.


Well Ya Better Get Ready Bow To The Masters, Break It Down
Suggesting that the person who thinks they have authority will have to bow down to the singer and accept their message.


D-Generate Into Something Fool Just Got Tired Of Doing What Ya Told Us To Do That's The Breaks Boy, Yeah, That's The Breaks Little Man Break It Down
Rejecting a lifestyle that they were told to follow and accepting the consequences of their actions.


D-Generation X D-Generation
A reference to a popular wrestling faction in the late 90s that stood against authority figures in the industry.


Think You Can Tell Me What To Do?
Continuing to challenge someone who thinks they have authority over the singer's actions.


Know Who You're Talking To?
Asking the person who thinks they have authority to reconsider their position.


Well, Ya Better Get Used To The Way The Ball Bounces I See What Ya Got, It Measures In Ounces But That's The Breaks Boy, Yeah, That's The Breaks Little Man Break It Down
Suggesting that the person who thinks they have authority only has a small amount of power and they should be prepared to accept the singer's message.


Think Your Big Man HA HA HA HA HA Treat Ya Like You're A Little Man Yo, Tell Me What It's Like To Be Half A Man It Must Break Your Heart To See What I Am But, That's The Breaks Boy, Yeah, That's The Breaks Little Man Break It Down
Belittling the person who thinks they are superior, suggesting that they are actually insignificant and don't understand what it means to be a real man.


Just Stop Wanting Me To Be Someone Else Put It Away Like A Book On A Shelf That You Can Read Boy, Yeah, That You Can Read Little Man
Rejecting the idea that the singer should change who they are to meet someone else's expectations and suggesting that they can be understood by anyone who takes the time to read.




Contributed by Miles B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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