Band members:
Andrew VanWyngarden (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums)
Ben Goldwasser (keyboards, vocals, guitar)
Matthew Asti (bass, keyboards)
James Richardson (guitar, vocals)
Hank Sullivant (guitar, keyboards)
Will Berman (drums)
You can learn more about MGMT, browse photos, and see the tour schedule at the Official Website.
Boogie Down
MGMT Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You keep on riding in your tank like you own it, uh
I said you know I wanna check out your components, uh
Girl, you know i wanna check out your components
Bombing up the place like you own it, oh
You keep on bombing up the place like you own it, oh
I said you got the good stuff baby, won't you flaunt it, oh yeah
Said It's cool, you're tounching my hand
Yeah it's cool, its cool, where we riding too?
So come on sugar, you're touching my hand
Yeah it's cool it's cool, where we riding to?
So look out
I'm playing my guitar like I own it, oh
I keep on playing my guitar like I own it, yeah
I said you know you wanna check out my components, yeah
That's right you know you wanna check out my components
You're touching on my hand like you own it, oh
You keep on touching on my hand lik eyou own it, uh
I said you got the good stuff baby won't you flaunt it, yeah
I said you got the good stuff baby won't you flaunt it
Gonna flaunt it, yeah
Said it's cool, youre touching my hand
Yeah it's cool
It's cool, where we riding to?
So come on sugar, touching my hand
Yeah it's cool, it's cool, where we riding to?
So come on
yeah come on
so where we riding to?
Yeah come on
so come on
I said, where we riding to?
The lyrics to MGMT's song Boogie Down present a playful and flirtatious interaction between two people, with both the singer and the person they are referring to riding around in their respective "tanks" and bombing things up. Throughout the song, each person seems to be asserting their ownership over their possessions and their respective talents - the singer on their guitar playing, and the other person on their "components." However, despite this posturing, the two seem to be enjoying each other's company and are excited about where their ride may take them.
The repeated refrain of "where we riding to" indicates a sense of adventure and spontaneity, as they are willing to go wherever the road takes them. The lyrics are also filled with innuendos and suggestive language, particularly when referring to "components" and "good stuff." However, the overall tone of the song is lighthearted and carefree, with the focus on having fun and enjoying the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Riding in your tank like you own it, oh
You're driving around aggressively in your vehicle as if you're the ruler, oh
You keep on riding in your tank like you own it, uh
You continue to hold the belief that you are the absolute owner of your tank, uh
I said you know I wanna check out your components, uh
I expressed my desire to inspect the parts and pieces of your machine, uh
Bombing up the place like you own it, oh
You are causing chaos and destruction with complete confidence as if everything belongs to you, oh
I said you got the good stuff baby, won't you flaunt it, oh yeah
I mentioned that you have something valuable that you should show off, oh yeah
Said It's cool, you're touching my hand
I remarked that the fact that you're making physical contact with me is fine and not a matter of concern
Yeah it's cool, its cool, where we riding too?
It's all good, all good, where are we headed to?
So come on sugar, you're touching my hand
Let's go, sweetie, you're still holding my hand
I'm playing my guitar like I own it, oh
I'm performing on my guitar with complete authority, oh
I keep on playing my guitar like I own it, yeah
I persist in playing my guitar like it's mine, yeah
I said you know you wanna check out my components, yeah
I know you want to examine the inner workings of my instrument, yeah
You're touching on my hand like you own it, oh
You're holding my hand with familiarity, as if it belongs to you, oh
I said you got the good stuff baby won't you flaunt it, yeah
I said that you possess something admirable and should display it, yeah
Said it's cool, youre touching my hand
I reiterated that it's not a problem for you to touch me
It's cool, where we riding to?
It's all good, where are we going?
So come on
Let's go
yeah come on
Yes, let's do it
so where we riding to?
So, where exactly are we headed?
I said, where we riding to?
I questioned once again, where are we headed?
Contributed by Ethan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@asdkotable
If ever MGMT needs some quick cash for more drugs, they could just remaster some of their old songs. I know I'd buy it.
@Elchsgeist
How... is this song.... so damn amazing?? I've had the chorus stuck in my head for the past two weeks. I can't do anything to get it out, and, honestly, that's not a complaint. Their new album, Congratulations, sounds incredible as well.
@noahh9472
I wish mgmt would put this back on there setlist it has a cult following in their catalouge and fan base thanks mgmt for creative and beautiful music cant wait for 5th albulm
@c4stoners
best chorus ive ever heard
@amberaddison9840
Yea it is. I love this song, what a freaking 💎 gem
@DerpTrollson
Genious song from a genious band. All of their songs are unique and amazing!
@martychisesi1641
Everything about this song is just classic this is an underrated hit that should have been all over the radio's... cause its cool when your touching my hand!
@Bosniarulz
I recently discovered they had EP's. i now have every released mgmt song on my ipod :) MGMT for life!
@LK4397
Ok you can't listen to oracular spectacular and say this is bad. This is how they were before the fame.
@nettadotcom1
I was so pissed like a minute ago, and then I listened to this. I'm in a great mood now. :D