Yakety Yak
Leiber & Stoller Lyrics


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Take out the papers and the trash
Or you don't get no spendin' cash
If you don't scrub that kitchen floor
You ain't gonna rock and roll no more
Yakety yak (Don't talk back)

Just finish cleanin' up your room
Let's see that dust fly with that broom
Get all that garbage out of sight
Or you don't go out Friday night
Yakety yak (Don't talk back)

You just put on your coat and hat
And walk yourself to the laundromat
And when you finish doin' that
Bring in the dog and put out the cat
Yakety yak (Don't talk back)

Don't you give me no dirty looks
Your father's hip; he knows what cooks
Just tell your hoodlum friend outside
You ain't got time to take a ride
Yakety yak (Don't talk back)

Yakety yak, yakety yak
Yakety yak, yakety yak
Yakety yak, yakety yak





Yakety yak, yakety yak

Overall Meaning

The song "Yakety Yak" by Leiber & Stoller is a catchy tune that tells a story about a parent nagging their child to complete household chores before going out to have fun with friends. The lyrics describe various tasks that the child needs to accomplish, such as taking out the trash, cleaning the kitchen floor, and tidying their room. The parent threatens to withhold their spending money if the child does not comply, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and obedience.


The title "Yakety Yak" is used as a refrain throughout the song, indicating that the child should not talk back or argue with their parent's demands. This phrase is both playful and authoritative, conveying a sense of parental control over the child's behavior. The song also includes references to popular 1950s culture, such as going to the laundromat and the father being "hip" and knowing what's cool. Overall, "Yakety Yak" is a humorous and relatable song that captures the challenges of growing up and learning to balance responsibilities with leisure.


Line by Line Meaning

Take out the papers and the trash
If you want to receive your allowance, then you better take out things that belong in the trash like papers and empty containers.


Or you don't get no spendin' cash
Your parents won't give you money to spend if you don't do simple tasks like taking out the trash.


If you don't scrub that kitchen floor
You need to make sure to clean the kitchen floor properly so that it's not slippery, as it's essential if you want to dance well.


You ain't gonna rock and roll no more
You won't feel like dancing again if you slip and injure yourself; thus, it's essential to ensure that the floor is clean and cleared up.


Yakety yak (Don't talk back)
Quit arguing and do what you have to, just because.


Just finish cleanin' up your room
After tidying up everything from papers to containers to broken toys, declutter your room, which can be beneficial for overall well-being.


Let's see that dust fly with that broom
Don't forget to dust everything off with the broom, and watch it fly off and settle elsewhere, making everything dirty again, despite your chores.


Get all that garbage out of sight
Make sure that all the garbage goes out and doesn't leave any foul smell behind the door, making your stay unpleasant.


Or you don't go out Friday night
If you want to enjoy the weekend, ensure that the house stays clean, and everything is in its proper place.


Yakety yak (Don't talk back)
Quit the procrastination and do your bit without arguing.


You just put on your coat and hat
After doing all the work, it's time to get dressed and head outside to enjoy the fresh air.


And walk yourself to the laundromat
If you have dirty laundry, take it to the laundromat, where you can get it cleaned and ready for your next wear.


And when you finish doin' that
As soon as you're done at the laundromat, head back home to finish your other chores.


Bring in the dog and put out the cat
After a long day of getting things done, it's time to bring the dog indoors and let the cat out, giving them the freedom to run around.


Yakety yak (Don't talk back)
Quit arguing and do what you're supposed to do.


Don't you give me no dirty looks
If your parents tell you to do something, don't give them a dirty look or attitude, and instead, do what you have to do.


Your father's hip; he knows what cooks
If your dad ever lectures you about life or responsibilities, listen, because he knows more than you think.


Just tell your hoodlum friend outside
If your friend is outside your house and trying to get you to go somewhere, tell him that you must finish your chores first.


You ain't got time to take a ride
Your chores must get done before you can spend time with your friends or go for a ride.


Yakety yak (Don't talk back)
Quit the attitude and do your chores.


Yakety yak, yakety yak
The refrain and beat maintained throughout the song to inspire you to finish whatever chore you're on.


Yakety yak, yakety yak
The refrain and beat maintained throughout the song to keep you motivated to keep going.


Yakety yak, yakety yak
The refrain and beat maintained throughout the song, serving as a reminder that you should work and manage your time wisely.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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