Step Off
Grandmaster Flash & The Sugarhill Gang Lyrics

Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan, Chaka Chaka Khan
Referring to Chaka Khan, a renowned singer, with admiration and excitement.

Chaka Khan let me rock you, let me rock you Chaka Khan
Asking Chaka Khan for permission to entertain her and make her dance.

I said let me rock you that's all I wanna do
Expressing a desire to provide musical enjoyment and excitement to Chaka Khan.

Chaka Khan let me rock you, let me rock you Chaka Khan
Continuing to request Chaka Khan's permission to entertain her.

I said let me rock you 'cause I feel for you
Stating that the desire to entertain Chaka Khan arises from genuine feelings and emotions.

Chaka Khan won't you tell me what you wanna do
Asking Chaka Khan about her desires or preferences, seeking to understand her better.

Do you feel for me the way I feel for you
Inquiring if Chaka Khan shares the same feelings and emotions towards the singer.

Chaka Khan let me tell you what I wanna do
Expressing a desire to express love and affection to Chaka Khan.

I wanna love you, wanna hug you, wanna squeeze you too
Indicating an intense desire to shower Chaka Khan with affection and physical closeness.

So let me take you in my arms, let me fill you with my charms
Requesting the opportunity to embrace Chaka Khan and captivate her with the artist's appealing qualities.

Chaka, 'cause you know that I'm the one to keep you warm, Chaka
Asserting the singer's ability and commitment to provide comfort and warmth to Chaka Khan.

I'll make you more than just a physical spell
Promising to offer Chaka Khan emotional and intellectual fulfillment, besides mere physical attraction.

I wanna rock you Chaka baby 'cause my name is Melle Mel
Asserting the singer's desire to entertain and thrill Chaka Khan, emphasizing the singer's identity as Melle Mel.

Step, Step, Step, Step, Step off
Commanding someone to step away or retreat.

Because you got to get lost because you know you're soft (ha, ha!)
Explaining that the person being addressed needs to walk away because they lack strength or toughness, with a hint of mockery.

I was sitting on the corner just a wasting my time
Describing a scene where the artist was idle or unoccupied on a street corner.

When I realised I was the king of the rhyme
Coming to the realization that the artist possesses exceptional skill and mastery in rap music and lyrics.

I got on the microphone and what do you see huh!
Highlighting the singer's competence and talent by asking what the audience observes or witnesses when they perform.

The rest was my legacy
Asserting that everything that followed the singer's entrance into the rap scene became a part of their lasting impact or reputation.

I was born to be the king of the be bop swing
Expressing the belief that the artist was destined to excel as the dominant figure in the genre of be bop swing.

To have Stallions and medallions, big diamond rings
Aspiring to possess luxury items like expensive cars, customized jewelry, and extravagant accessories.

To own a castle and a yacht, two million in gold
Dreaming of owning extravagant assets like a castle, a yacht, and a significant amount of wealth in the form of gold.

'Cause rap is the game that I control
Asserting dominance and influence over the rap industry, indicating the singer's control over the direction and trends of the genre.

I'm like Shakespeare, I'm a pioneer
Drawing a parallel between the artist and the renowned playwright Shakespeare, emphasizing their role as a groundbreaking figure in rap music.

Because I made rap something people wanted to hear
Taking credit for popularizing rap music and making it an appealing and sought-after genre.

See before my reign it was the same old same
Stating that, prior to the singer's influence, rap music lacked novelty or creativity, being repetitive and monotonous.

You took 'the ba with the ba'
Referencing the phrase 'the ba with the ba' as an example of the uninspired and unoriginal state of rap music before the singer's impact.

That's street-talk game
Describing 'the ba with the ba' as a representative example of common street slang or jargon.

So if you ever, let me make this clear
Providing a warning or clarification to someone about to encounter a particular situation.

If you ever think that we're stepping out of here
Advising the person to reconsider if they believe that the singer and their crew will leave the given situation or territory.

You ever think you're getting up, down, around or in huh huh!
Implying that the person shouldn't expect to gain any advantage or exert control over the singer or their crew, with a hint of mockery.

You better think again my friend
Warning the person to reconsider their assumptions or plans, suggesting that they will face disappointment or failure.

Because the door is closed and we're in town
Asserting that the artist and their crew are present and in control, implying that the person being addressed has limited options or access.

And the only place you can go is down
Suggesting that the person's only possible direction or outcome is negative or unfavorable.

Well, I'm Keith Cowboy and you're my cow
Introducing the singer as Keith Cowboy, and referring to the person being addressed as subordinate or subservient.

So what ya M.C's gonna do now?
Challenging other M.C's (emcees) to respond or react to the artist's presence or performance.

It's gonna be a slaughter and here's my plan
Promising a decisive and overwhelming defeat to the M.C's in question, explaining the singer's strategy.

You won't even get bread and water my man
Emphasizing the total lack of sustenance or advantages that the M.C's can expect, highlighting their inevitable defeat.

Gonna put you on the racks like a pair of slacks
Describing the singer's intention to humiliate and defeat the M.C's, comparing it to hanging a pair of pants on a rack.

With another wack rapper tied to your back
Suggesting that the M.C's will be burdened with the presence or association of another inferior rapper, further exacerbating their humiliation.

And if you wanna hang yourself out to dry
Implying that if the M.C's attempt to further expose themselves or reveal their flaws, it will only lead to their downfall or disgrace.

It's the beautiful round up in the sky
Portraying the demise or defeat of the M.C's as a poetic or spectacular event, using the imagery of a beautiful sunset or rounding up livestock.

I'm the carry-out kid when my trigger's at cock
Presenting the singer as someone capable of swift and efficient action, ready to make a move when the time is right.

I'll be carrying out bodies stiff as a rock
Asserting the artist's ability to eliminate opposition and leave no trace, leaving behind unmoving or lifeless bodies.

Carrying out a million dollars in my pockets and hand
Emphasizing the artist's wealth and success, insinuating the possession of large sums of money.

But I carry out orders from no man
Asserting the artist's independence and refusal to be subordinate to anyone's commands or instructions.

'Cause anything you wanna do I already did
Implying that the M.C's cannot surprise or impress the singer, as they have already achieved or experienced everything the M.C's might attempt.

You used to see me rock the house when you was a kid
Drawing attention to the artist's long-standing career and impressive performances, indicating that they have been entertaining since the M.C's were young.

But in my M.C school, my class was packed
Referring to the singer's superior skills and popularity, indicating that their class or sessions would be filled with eager students.

And tricks were for kids so I left your ass back
Explaining that the singer has moved beyond basic tricks or techniques, leaving the M.C's behind to engage with more advanced concepts.

The bow-legged brother, there'll never be another
Describing themselves as unique and irreplaceable, using the term 'bow-legged brother' as a distinctive identifier.

I'll buy a mansion for my mother
Expressing the artist's intention to provide their mother with a luxurious home or property as a sign of appreciation or success.

A 24/7, the cool-aid smile
Portraying the artist as someone who maintains a positive and cheerful demeanor at all times, symbolized by a constant smile reminiscent of the popular drink Kool-Aid.

Say hey Track 11, look at my power
Drawing attention to the singer's prowess and influence, addressing someone named Track 11 to acknowledge and recognize their abilities.

Now you know just who I am
Asserting that the person being addressed is now fully aware of the singer's identity and reputation.

And what I do because I'm in demand
Highlighting the artist's popularity and desirability in the entertainment industry, indicating a high demand for their services.

Because I look good, do you hear my man?
Asserting that the artist's attractive appearance contributes to their appeal and success, challenging the person being addressed to acknowledge it.

And if you can't take that ya chump ya own hand
Suggesting that if the person being addressed cannot accept or handle the artist's confident assertion, it is their own fault or weakness.

You one-girl-at-a-time getting M.C
Calling out the person for their limited success or ability, particularly in attracting women, while also referring to them as an M.C (emcee) in a mocking manner.

So how could you think that you rank with me?
Challenging the person's assumption that they are on par or equal to the artist, implying that they are far inferior.

If you only did your homework you would surely find
Indicating that the person being addressed would recognize their own inadequacy or inferiority if they had conducted proper research or assessment.

When Scorp get girls, they all be fine
Referring to themselves as Scorp, the singer asserts that they attract exceptionally attractive or desirable women.

And the only girl that you could take of mine
Implies that the person being addressed is only capable of attracting an inferior or unattractive woman, in contrast to the singer's romantic partners.

Is the one that I left way behind
Stating that any woman the person manages to attract is far removed or detached from the caliber of the artist's past or present partners.

And plus you're cheap, you're petty, your music is trash
Deriding the person being addressed, characterizing them as lacking value, being small-minded, and producing inferior music.

You need to go to the bank and get some cash
Mockingly suggesting that the person should seek financial success before attempting to compete with the singer, highlighting their financial shortcomings.

Because talking don't pay, you're drifting away
Indicating that mere talk or boasting is insufficient and ineffective, insinuating that the person is gradually losing momentum or relevance.

When I see you on a stage I'm a blow you away
Threatening to surpass or overshadow the person with a commanding performance or presence, asserting the artist's superiority.

You're right, there is no difference between me and you
Mockingly agreeing with the person's claim that there is no distinction between them and the artist, while implying that the person is ordinary or unremarkable.

Except I look good and you look Through
Highlighting the artist's attractive appearance and insinuating that the person lacks attractiveness or charisma.

Take that!
Exclaiming with satisfaction or triumph, expressing a finality to the preceding statements or insults.

Little pieces of a dream is all you mean
Disparaging the person's aspirations or ambitions, suggesting that they are insignificant or inconsequential.

Since the day you stepped in to the M.C scene
Implying that from the moment the person entered the rap music scene, their impact or significance has been minimal.

Biting your moves, taking fake awards
Accusing the person of copying or imitating the singer's style and actions, while also suggesting that they receive undeserved recognition or accolades.

Saying everyone else was perpetrating a fraud
Implying that the person criticizes or accuses others of deceit or dishonesty, indicating a tendency to project their own flaws onto others.

But your nothing but a clone of my flesh and bone
Referring to the person as a mere imitation or copy of the artist, implying that the person lacks originality or authenticity.

Now you trying to play grown on the microphone
Indicating that the person is attempting to portray themselves as mature or experienced when performing on the microphone.

But I'll tell ya 'bout a night, and ya know I'm right
Promising to share an incident or anecdote that will prove the singer's correctness or superiority in the situation.

When you listen to us rocking to the broad daylight
Recounting a time when the singer and their crew delivered an exceptional performance that captivated the audience from dawn until dusk.

And then you looked in the sky and you started to cuss
Describing the person's frustrated or angry reaction when they realized their inability to match the artist's performance.

But then you prayed to God that you could be like us
Suggesting that the person, recognizing their inferiority, sought to emulate or imitate the artist and their crew in hopes of achieving similar success.

Then God was great and God was true
Acknowledging the greatness and truthfulness of God, possibly in response to the person's prayer.

And he tried to show you how to be like you
Indicating that God attempted to guide the person in discovering their own unique identity or style, rather than imitating the singer.

But you still didn't get where you wanted to go
Stating that despite the guidance or opportunities presented, the person failed to achieve their desired level of success or recognition.

When you gathered in a group and got your own show
Depicting the person's attempt to form a group and showcase their talent, implying that it was still insufficient to attain their goals.

'Cause without the source, the force won't survive
Highlighting the importance of the original or authentic source of inspiration or creativity, asserting that without it, success or survival is unlikely.

For eternity the source is alive
Asserting that the source of inspiration or creativity is everlasting and enduring, suggesting that it will continue to produce influential work.

You forgot the words of your creator
Accusing the person of neglecting or disregarding the teachings or guidance of their creator, possibly referring to God or a higher power.

And now he's made you a perpetrator
Suggesting that due to the person's failure to heed their creator's words, they have become a perpetrator or participant in deceitful or dishonest behavior.

Forever in a world of you and a girl
Condemning the person to a life consumed by their own ego or self-centeredness, limited to their romantic relationships.

A few grams in a pipe to make your head swirl
Implies that the person seeks temporary relief or escape through illicit drug use, specifically referencing the act of smoking drugs in a pipe.

You must spread the word of the master teacher
Asserting the importance of sharing the teachings or wisdom of the master teacher, encouraging the person to promote knowledge or enlightenment.

Or you die by the rhymes and the streets'll eat ya
Warning that failure to fulfill the previous instruction will result in the person being overwhelmed or consumed by the harsh reality of the streets and the power of the artist's lyrics.

The words are a gift we will never flaunt
Acknowledging the value and significance of the artist's words and lyrics, emphasizing their refusal to boast or show off excessively.

That's why were gonna get everything we want
Asserting the singer's intention to obtain or achieve all their desires and goals, indicating confidence in their ability to do so.

'Cause like a shadow in the night, I'm the sight unseen
Comparing the artist to an elusive and invisible presence, highlighting their ability to go unnoticed or surprise others.

And I'm the bona-fide vocal master supreme
Asserting the singer's legitimacy and mastery as the greatest or most superior vocal artist.

And I'm here to run it down for the ladies and gents
Stating the singer's purpose or mission to entertain and captivate both women and men.

'Cause my rhymes make vowels plus they make sense
Promoting the singer's lyrical skills, claiming that their words not only rhyme effectively but also convey meaningful messages or ideas.

See I'm down with Cowboy, you will rock the show
Referring to their affiliation with Cowboy and expressing confidence that the combination of their talents will result in an impressive performance.

With King Lou, Tommy Gun and huh! Scorpio
Mentioning other members of the crew, including King Lou, Tommy Gun, and Scorpio, emphasizing the collective talent and impact of the group.

Kami-Kazi, Clayton Savage and Easy Mike
Acknowledging and naming additional members of the crew, specifically Kami-Kazi, Clayton Savage, and Easy Mike.

And going down in the books is the king of the night
Claiming that the singer will be remembered and recognized as the king or dominant figure of the nightlife and entertainment scene.

So if you're ever in a battle, I'm a make you my slave
Warning that if the person finds themselves in a conflict or competition against the artist, the artist will exert control and dominance over them.

And I'm a give you a shovel so you can dig a grave
Asserting the artist's intention to facilitate the person's own downfall or demise by providing them a tool (a metaphorical shovel) to dig their own grave.

Leave behind all your fame and wealth
Advising the person to abandon or relinquish their vanity, success, and material possessions.

So you can say one rhyme then bury yourself huh!
Suggesting that the person's talent or ability is insufficient to guarantee lasting success, implying that they will ultimately fail or fade away.

I may sound possessed, but you know I'm blessed
Acknowledging that the artist's intense or passionate demeanor may give the impression of possession, but asserting that they are actually blessed or divinely gifted.

With the will to make sense of all this mess
Stating the singer's determination or resolve to bring clarity and coherence to the chaotic or confusing aspects of life or their surroundings.

I'm the power of the sun that shines in the sky
Asserting the singer's influence and impact, comparing themselves to the powerful and radiant sun in the sky.

And I'm the only M.C that'll never die
Claiming that the singer, as an M.C, will never be forgotten or fade away, suggesting that their legacy and impact will endure.

So just rock and don't stop 'til you hit the top
Encouraging others to continue performing, entertaining, or pursuing success until they reach the pinnacle or achieve their ultimate goals.

But when you see Melle Mel you're gonna have to drop
Warning that when others encounter Melle Mel, they will be forced to acknowledge the artist's authority or superiority by figuratively 'dropping' or submitting to them.

RAAH!
An emphatic exclamation, possibly indicating the singer's aggressive or forceful nature.

And not only that!
Asserting that the preceding statements or achievements are not the singer's only sources of pride or superiority.

Now for all you M.C's, you heard my story
Addressing the other M.C's, informing them that they have heard the artist's narrative or account of their success and dominance.

On my superfly cold crushin' fame and glory
Describing the artist's exceptional and desirable reputation and success in a flashy and impressive manner.

How I rocked the children and the young ladies
Acknowledging the artist's ability to entertain and captivate both young people and women.

I even rocked the countries that was overseas
Highlighting the singer's international appeal and ability to entertain audiences in foreign countries.

'Cause I can rock anybody from any crew
Asserting the artist's versatility and skill in entertaining and impressing individuals from any group or affiliation.

Because I did it to Chaka, I'm a do it to you
Citing Chaka Khan as an example of someone who the singer has already captivated and entertained, implying that they can similarly impress the person being addressed.

I'm a show ya how I rocked it y'all all night long
Promising to demonstrate or prove to the person how the singer was able to deliver an outstanding performance all night long.

But when I rock with Chaka Khan I just said
Indicating that when the singer collaborates and performs with Chaka Khan, they express their admiration and gratitude for the opportunity.