Don't Start No Schtuff
George Benson & Al Jarreau Lyrics


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Hey, don't start no schtuff

I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do
I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ rocks in the shoe
And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff

I like the radio and video and that is the idea
I got a mission and a vision 'bout the future, don’t you
Don’t be so critical, ready tune and mouth out a few
And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff

If you wanna be first, you got it
You kick, my stick's to the curb, you got it
And if you’re looking at her, you are a
Take a hike, you might as well forget about it

Greek, can stop her from stealin’, we got her
Teach some booze lookin’ goat, we are a
Read the old golden rule, because
At Harvard, Prince and Yale, they forget about it

I got some juicy snapping, finger tapping livin’ to do
I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ socks in my stew
Man whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff

Get tough, getting’ rough
Come on and get your shovein’ be a silver schtuff
Getting’ rough, getting’ tough
Don’t matter baby, your luck is up

What's up, give it up
Stop sending me the sob schtuffs, too much
Hold up, that’s enough, let’s get on with it
Let’s stop this thirst and get the dumb stuff

I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do
I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ rocks in the shoe
And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff

I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do
I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ rocks in the shoe
And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff





Baby, baby, baby, now don’t start no schtuff in here at all
Don’t want no trouble with you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to George Benson and Al Jarreau's "Don't Start No Schtuff" implore listeners to avoid starting any conflicts and to instead focus on enjoying some lively, upbeat rhythm. The song advocates for positivity, urging individuals to steer clear of complaining, blaming others, and engaging in excessive criticism. The main focus is on living in the moment and embracing life's joys, rather than letting negative attitudes and actions ruin the experience.


Throughout the song, Benson and Jarreau use a range of rhythmic devices and sound effects to create a dynamic and energetic atmosphere. The lyrics are catchy and playful, with a sense of humor that helps convey the song's underlying message. The chorus states the central tenet of the song, with the repeated phrase "Don't start no schtuff" acting as a refrain that ties everything together.


Overall, "Don't Start No Schtuff" is a fun and upbeat song that encourages listeners to adopt a positive outlook and avoid getting bogged down by negativity.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey, don't start no schtuff
Please refrain from starting any trouble or arguments


I got some ginger snapping, finger tapping rhythm to do
I am ready to have a good time and dance to the music


I want my eyes a-twinkling, toes a-tingling, so don’t you
I want to feel happy and joyful, so please don't bring me down


Don’t start complaining and a blaming puttin’ rocks in the shoe
Please don't complain or blame me for things that are not my fault


And whatever you do, don’t start no schtuff
Once again, please do not start any trouble


I like the radio and video and that is the idea
I enjoy listening to music and watching videos, that's what I like to do


I got a mission and a vision 'bout the future, don’t you
I have goals and dreams for the future, just like you might have


Don’t be so critical, ready tune and mouth out a few
Please don't criticize me, instead let's listen to some music and sing along


If you wanna be first, you got it
If you want to go first or be in charge, that's fine by me


You kick, my stick's to the curb, you got it
If you push me around or treat me badly, I won't stand for it


And if you’re looking at her, you are a
If you are staring at another woman, that's not respectful


Take a hike, you might as well forget about it
Please leave and stop bothering me, it's not going to work


Greek, can stop her from stealin’, we got her
No one can stop someone from stealing, but we have her under control


Teach some booze lookin’ goat, we are a
We are here to have fun and enjoy ourselves, not to criticize or judge others


Read the old golden rule, because
We should follow the rule of treating others as we would like to be treated


At Harvard, Prince and Yale, they forget about it
Even at prestigious universities, people may forget to follow the golden rule


Get tough, getting’ rough
Things might get intense or difficult


Come on and get your shovein’ be a silver schtuff
Let's push through the tough times and come out stronger


Don’t matter baby, your luck is up
It doesn't matter, sometimes you have good luck and sometimes you have bad


What's up, give it up
What's going on, let's hear it


Stop sending me the sob schtuffs, too much
Please don't keep complaining or whining, it's too much to handle


Hold up, that’s enough, let’s get on with it
Okay, let's stop dwelling on the negative and move forward


Let’s stop this thirst and get the dumb stuff
Let's quench our thirst for fun and excitement, and forget about petty arguments


Baby, baby, baby, now don’t start no schtuff in here at all
Once again, please don't start any trouble or arguments in this place


Don’t want no trouble with you
I don't want to have any problems or conflicts with you




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AL JARREAU, JOSEPH ANTHONY TURANO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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