GET AROUND
M.I.A. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bitch!
You can't tame me to talk
Cuz I don't wanna talk shit all day
Bitch!
(Eh Eh Eh Eh Eh)
Listen!

Step One don't Step Back
I step up but I don't step over
I can go around
I can go raw
I could go far
For you I go forward
I can go late
I can swag up
I can go lonely even though I don't look back
Copper always see me
Copper always say
Riches really hard
when I do my thang

Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Ohh Woah Woah (x2)

Coppers always say
riches really hard when you do my way

(I didn't understand the next three lines)
The pack can get around
go pack when I get home
Next time I see you
line a patch up in my phone
Interneters say I dress for so fly
International bitches like my names
they swell that
A-R-U-L-P-R-A-G-A-S-A-M All day

Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Ohh Woah Woah (x2)

If they want to rock it this way
Then they want to rock it that way
I say "yeah"
I'm gonna be standin here
I am steady
You can't rock me
If they want to rock it this way
Then they want to rock it that way
I say "yeah"
I'm gonna be standin here
I am steady
You can't rock me

Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Get around (Bitches get around)
Ohh Woah Woah (x2)

If it's not the world
It's the people
If it's not the people
Then maybe it's you
If it's not you
then maybe it's me
If it's not me
It's the Music
Many people you know
might act like doubters
That's why we do this
That's why we do that





Vicki Leekx

Overall Meaning

In the song "Get Around" by M.I.A., the singer dismisses those who try to tame her or force her to talk, stating that she doesn't want to talk all day. She goes on to outline her capability to adapt to different situations ("Step One don't Step Back, I step up but I don't step over, I can go around, I can go raw, I could go far") and asserts that she can handle anything that comes her way ("For you I go forward, I can swag up, I can go lonely even though I don't look back"). She acknowledges the scrutiny she receives from authorities ("Coppers always see"), but maintains that she will continue to do her own thing, even if it's difficult ("Riches really hard when I do my thang"). The chorus, "Bitches get around," is a playful nod to her perceived promiscuity, but could also be interpreted as a feminist commentary on the societal double standard that allows men to freely engage in sexual behavior while shaming women for doing the same.


In the second verse, M.I.A. references her international acclaim ("International bitches like my names, they swell that A-R-U-L-P-R-A-G-A-S-A-M all day") and dismisses any criticism or doubt from others ("Many people you know might act like doubters, that's why we do this, that's why we do that"). She concludes the song by stating that if something is not the world, it's the people; if it's not the people, it might be you or her, but ultimately it's the music that matters.


Overall, "Get Around" can be interpreted as a declaration of independence and resilience, with M.I.A. asserting her ability to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity. The catchy chorus and playful tone contrast with the serious themes of the song, highlighting M.I.A.'s ability to combine social commentary with pop sensibilities.


Line by Line Meaning

Bitch!
The singer is addressing someone who is trying to control or censor them.


You can't tame me to talk
The singer cannot be forced to speak and express themselves in a certain way.


Cuz I don't wanna talk shit all day
The singer does not want to engage in meaningless or negative conversation.


Bitch!
The artist addresses the same person as before, reasserting their defiance.


(Eh Eh Eh Eh Eh)
This line is an interjection and does not have a clear meaning.


Listen!
The singer is calling for the other person's attention.


Step One don't Step Back
The singer advises to keep moving forward and not give up.


I step up but I don't step over
The artist is overcoming challenges but not doing so by hurting others.


I can go around, I can go raw, I could go far
The artist has different options for how they can achieve their goals.


For you I go forward, I can go late, I can swag up
The artist is willing to make efforts for those they care about and can adapt to different situations.


I can go lonely even though I don't look back
The singer can persevere through struggles without dwelling on the past.


Copper always see me, Copper always say
The police are always keeping an eye on the artist and talking about them.


Riches really hard when I do my thang
Success and wealth are difficult to attain while the singer is pursuing their own path.


Get around (Bitches get around)
This is a refrain and does not have a specific meaning.


The pack can get around, go pack when I get home
The singer is referencing their social group and their ability to move together.


Next time I see you, line a patch up in my phone
The artist plans to keep in touch with someone they will see again.


Interneters say I dress for so fly
People on the internet comment on the artist's fashionable clothing.


International bitches like my names, they swell that, A-R-U-L-P-R-A-G-A-S-A-M All day
People from around the world appreciate the singer's name and musical contributions.


If they want to rock it this way, then they want to rock it that way
The singer acknowledges that some people have varying opinions and preferences.


I say 'yeah', I'm gonna be standin here, I am steady, You can't rock me
The artist is confident and unmovable in their beliefs and actions.


If it's not the world, It's the people, If it's not the people, Then maybe it's you
The artist lists different possible sources of problems and suggests self-awareness.


If it's not you, then maybe it's me, If it's not me, It's the Music
The artist takes responsibility for their own role in life and suggests that music can heal and inspire.


Many people you know might act like doubters, That's why we do this, That's why we do that
The singer acknowledges that some people may be negative, but emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuing to create and express oneself.




Contributed by Hailey V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Rachid

This girl is a genius. I love her.

janayana

A-R-U-L-P-R-A-G-A-S-A-M ALL DAY!

Horst Wurzel

When I heard that mixtape the first time, i was on 2ci. Pretty scary half an hour. I had the motto "VickiLeekx" in my head whilst listening, sitting in tailor seat on a friend's couch. All I could see were strips of microfilm with tons and tons of information, big bald mechanical heads twisting and turning, keeping that mashinery alive and spooky ropeskipping girls. I heard more than there was to be heard and after I finished listening, I felt overloaded, like I had absorbed the whole wikileeks.

reptilian

Incredible

molly w

nice!

pavel

A psychedelic drug

tajbabii711

Horst Wurzel what is 2ci?

Steph Ler

whoa!!!

CLARK WAHLBERG

THE END OF THIS SONG HAS ALOT MORE MEANING THEN YOU THINK........... IM SURE ALOT OF PEOPLE MISSED HOW DEEP THAT LAST PART IS..... :)

Samuel Porras

Clark Wahlberg thanks for explaining

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