Elliott is one of the first female hip hop superstars, known for a long series of hits including "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)", "Hit 'Em Wit Da Hee", "Get Ur Freak On", "One Minute Man", "Work It", and "Lose Control". In addition she has received recognition as one of the most successful songwriters of the modern music era, having crafted a number of hit records for artists such as Aaliyah, 702, Total, Ciara, Nicole Wray and Tweet, often with production-partner and childhood friend Timbaland. She was the third female rapper to ever go Platinum, behind Lil' Kim and Da Brat.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, she began her career in the all-girl R&B group, Sista in 1993. Eventually, the band folded and Elliott began her career as a solo rapper. Since the early 1990's, Elliott has won six Grammys, recently scoring one for her video of "Lose Control."
Other releases are 'Teary Eyed' and 'We Run This', and the last of these two songs will be the main single of the new greatest hits album titled 'Respect M.E.: Best Of' featuring 17 tracks from her six albums.
WTF
Missy Elliott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The dance that you doing is dumb
How they do it where you from? (Hey, triflin')
Stickin' out your tongue
Girl, but you know you're too young
A bunch of girls do it and the shit look fun
That's how they do it where we from (hey)
You know it don't start 'til one
I'm so faded, no exaggeration (what?)
Back breakin' like a percolation (what?)
Boys to the yard for some hip spankin'
Where you make it drop down like you in the matrix (yeah)
Can't take it, them chicks been fakin' (what?)
Y'all still sleep, better stay awakened (what?)
Hot new dance for the hood to make it
Make the dope move fast, make them think you drinkin' (yeah)
Head to the floor don't collect that though (what?)
You better huddle up 'cause the beat's so cold (huh)
Pop that, pop that, cock and reload (huh)
This another hit, I got an ace in the hole (what?)
Boys on my back, playa did you peep that?
You got a small stack, playa, you can keep that (huh)
I'ma Big Mac, make you wanna eat that
Like m-m-m-m-m, yak it to the yak (yeah)
Junk in the trunk, make you pumps in the bump
Girls wanna have fun, make you stickin' out your tongue, uh (shorty, what?)
The dance that you doing is dumb
How they do it where you from? (Hey, triflin')
Stickin' out your tongue
Girl, but you know you're too young
A bunch of girls do it and the shit look fun
That's how they do it where we from (hey)
You know it don't start 'til one
That's how they do it where they from
I come into this bitch like liquid (what?)
Drip, drip, drip, then the business (nigga, what?)
Click, click, get your picture
Hermés Trismegistus (hey)
Witness and get lifted
Basic, nigga I was born in the basement
Shape shift, nigga I think like a spaceship
False, oh-nah-nah-nah
I am so different than y'all
So far apart
The way that I balance the bars
I never fall
And if I do I just call
The almighty yellow star, God
Lyrically I'm Optimus Prime
The car I drive, La Ferrari
When I go by, smoke in your eyes
So open your eyes, the joke's on you guys
And you ain't gotta be a mason to see through
Some of this shit on occasion (shorty, what?)
The dance that you doing is dumb
How they do it where you from? (Hey, triflin')
Stickin' out your tongue
Girl, but you know you're too young
A bunch of girls do it and the shit look fun
That's how they do it where we from (hey)
You know it don't start 'til one
That's how they do it where they from
I'm like kak-a-rak-a-rak-rak-a-rak-a-rak (what?)
Make a new track, make 'em fall on they crack (what?)
Give 'em a slap, appetizer and smack (what?)
I'm so fat in the back, make the boys all collapse (yeah)
Yeah, when I rap they be all on my jack
Boys wanna jump on this pussy cat, uh
Got a new idea, let me switch it
Man, I'm so futuristic
Big lips and big, big, big hips
Body be thick like a biscuit
I'm different, rippin' shit
Microphone grippin' it
Gettin' these Benjamins
New car, whippin' it, uh
I'm so far ahead of y'all
Man, I'm on top of the stars
I don't care none of you are
Blah-blah-blah, you best to go rewrite your bars (shorty, what?)
How they do it where you from? (Hey, triflin')
How they do it where you from? (Nigga, what?)
That's how they do it where we from (what? Hey)
That's how they do it where they from (shorty, what?)
How they do it where you from? (Hey)
How they do it where you from?
That's how they do it where we from (what?)
That's how they do it where they from
The lyrics of Missy Elliott's song WTF provide a critique on dance culture and societal norms that dictate how we express ourselves through movement. She starts by questioning the dance moves being performed, calling them "dumb" and asking where they came from. The stick-out-your-tongue movement, which is popular in the dance, is called out for being too childish and for being performative, with Elliott even saying that girls are too young to be doing it. She highlights the fact that a lot of girls do it, and the dance, in general, looks fun. It seems like she is acknowledging that although the moves may look ridiculous, they are still enjoyable to do. The song also points out how dance fads become popular and then die out, referring to the fact that the dance does not start until one, which means it is part of a culture or time period.
The song addresses societal norms that are restrictive and promote conformity, one of the songwriters explaining that Missy’s goal was to empower women to be unapologetic about who they are and how they dance. It is a critique of the “standard” rules of dance that dictate how one should or should not behave on a dance floor. The lyrics "I'm so faded, no exaggeration.. Back breakin' like a percolation" refer to how dance can free individuals to be themselves and let go of their inhibitions. The song may also be about Missy’s defiance towards being placed into a category, creatively or socially. She is asserting that she is different, futuristic, and exists in a category unto herself. The line "I am so different than y'all, so far apart" highlights this individuality from societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
Shorty, what?
Asks a question to a woman about her dance move.
The dance that you doing is dumb
Her dance move is not intelligent and not fascinating.
How they do it where you from? (Hey, triflin')
Asks how they perform the same dance move where the person is from and it is considered questionable.
Stickin' out your tongue
Protruding out the tongue from the mouth.
Girl, but you know you're too young
She is youthful but this type of dance is not recommended.
A bunch of girls do it and the shit look fun
Many girls perform the same dance move and it appears appealing.
That's how they do it where we from (hey)
This is how the dance move is performed in their area.
You know it don't start 'til one
The event does not commence until 1 a.m.
I'm so faded, no exaggeration (what?)
She is feeling euphoric to the point of almost passing out.
Back breakin' like a percolation (what?)
Her hips are moving so intricately that it appears like the process of percolation.
Boys to the yard for some hip spankin'
Boys are paying attention to her seductive dance moves.
Where you make it drop down like you in the matrix (yeah)
Her dance move is so flawless and smooth, it seems like she is part of the Matrix movie.
Can't take it, them chicks been fakin' (what?)
Other women have been deceiving and not authentic in their dance moves.
Y'all still sleep, better stay awakened (what?)
Others are naive and unaware of what is going on.
Hot new dance for the hood to make it
This is a fresh and popular dance move made for the community to enjoy.
Make the dope move fast, make them think you drinkin' (yeah)
Move quickly to the beat and mimic drinking actions to make it seem like you are drunk.
Head to the floor don't collect that though (what?)
Drop your head to the floor without lifting it up.
You better huddle up 'cause the beat's so cold (huh)
Get together and stay close because the beat is so strong.
Pop that, pop that, cock and reload (huh)
Thrust your hips, and reload for another round of dance moves.
This another hit, I got an ace in the hole (what?)
Another popular song and she has assurance that it will be successful.
Boys on my back, playa did you peep that?
Men are all over her and trying to get close to her.
You got a small stack, playa, you can keep that (huh)
Men who are not successful financially should not approach her.
I'ma Big Mac, make you wanna eat that
She is desirable and tempting like a Big Mac burger.
Like m-m-m-m-m, yak it to the yak (yeah)
In a pleasing manner.
Junk in the trunk, make you pumps in the bump
She has a curvaceous figure which makes people want to move.
Girls wanna have fun, make you stickin' out your tongue, uh (shorty, what?)
Girls want to enjoy themselves and stick their tongue out while dancing.
I come into this bitch like liquid (what?)
She is so smooth when entering a party or club.
Drip, drip, drip, then the business (nigga, what?)
Slowly entering and then starts enjoying the evening.
Click, click, get your picture
Takes a photograph of the moment to remember it.
Hermés Trismegistus (hey)
A reference to an ancient philosopher who was known for his teachings on science and philosophy.
Witness and get lifted
Observe the situation and get excited about it.
Basic, nigga I was born in the basement
Referring to her humble beginnings and how she was raised.
Shape shift, nigga I think like a spaceship
Describing herself as an extraterrestrial mind.
False, oh-nah-nah-nah
Dismissing any inauthentic aspects to her personality.
I am so different than y'all
Unique compared to her peers.
So far apart
Totally distinctive.
The way that I balance the bars
Her rap lyrics are carefully crafted and arranged to be balanced on the beat.
I never fall
She never fails or makes mistakes.
And if I do I just call
If she fails, she can quickly recover from it.
The almighty yellow star, God
Reference to a higher power.
Lyrically I'm Optimus Prime
The most superior lyricist in the game.
The car I drive, La Ferrari
The most elite and expensive car brand.
When I go by, smoke in your eyes
Puts others in awe when they see her ride by.
So open your eyes, the joke's on you guys
To pay attention and not underestimate her skills.
And you ain't gotta be a mason to see through
No need for any special knowledge or insight to know she is exceptional.
Some of this shit on occasion (shorty, what?)
Sometimes, one can observe the inferiority of others.
I'm like kak-a-rak-a-rak-rak-a-rak-a-rak (what?)
An onomatopoeic of a machine gun sound.
Make a new track, make 'em fall on they crack (what?)
Create new music that causes people to lose control.
Give 'em a slap, appetizer and smack (what?)
A metaphor to demonstrate how captivating her beats can make people feel.
I'm so fat in the back, make the boys all collapse (yeah)
Her curvaceous figure makes men go weak.
Yeah, when I rap they be all on my jack
When she performs, her fans are fully engaged.
Boys wanna jump on this pussy cat, uh
Men are willing to risk it all to get with her.
Got a new idea, let me switch it
She has an innovative approach and is always looking for a new angle.
Man, I'm so futuristic
Advanced and ahead of her time.
Big lips and big, big, big hips
Reference to her physical features.
Body be thick like a biscuit
Her body is voluptuous and desirable.
I'm different, rippin' shit
She stands out and destroys any competition.
Microphone grippin' it
She holds the mic tightly and has a strong presence.
Gettin' these Benjamins
Earning a lot of money.
New car, whippin' it, uh
Riding in a new, fancy car.
I'm so far ahead of y'all
In a league of her own and better than her competitors.
Man, I'm on top of the stars
Ranked the best out of all musicians.
I don't care none of you are
She has no concerns over her rivals.
Blah-blah-blah, you best to go rewrite your bars (shorty, what?)
She is unimpressed with her competition and urges them to become better.
How they do it where you from? (Hey, triflin')
Asks about similar dance moves done in other areas, using slang.
How they do it where you from? (Nigga, what?)
Repeats the same question using African American colloquialism.
That's how they do it where we from (hey)
Confirming that a similar dance move is performed in her area.
That's how they do it where they from (shorty, what?)
Reinforces that the dance move is done in other places as well.
How they do it where you from? (Hey)
Asking the same question again using slang.
How they do it where you from?
Reaffirms that she is interested to know how people from other areas perform the same dance move.
That's how they do it where we from (what?)
Asserts that this is the norm for the type of dance move in her area.
That's how they do it where they from
Reemphasizes that people from different areas perform it with the same specificity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Melissa A Elliott, Pharrell L Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dyazkiprit
The dance you doing is dumb
How they do where you from
Stickin' out your tongue girl
But you know you're too young
A bunch of girls do it and the shit looks fun
That's how they do it where we from
You know it don't start till one
That's how they do it where they from
I'm so faded, no exaggeration
Backs breakin' like a percolation
Boys to the yard for some hip spankin'
Where you make it drop down like you in the matrix
Can't take it, them chicks been fakin'
Ya'll still sleep, better stay awakened
Hot new dance for the hood to make it
Make the dope move fast, make them think you drinkin'
Head to the floor don't collect that though
You better huddle up cause the beat's so cold
Pop that, pop that, cock and reload
This another hit, I got an ace in the hole
Boys on my back, playa did you peep that?
You got a small stack, playa, you can keep that
I'm a Big Mac make you wanna eat that
Like m-m-m-m-m, yak it to the yak
Junk in the trunk make you pumps in the bump
Girls wanna have fun make you stickin' out your tongue
The dance you doing is dumb
How they do where you from
Stickin' out your tongue girl
But you know you're too young
A bunch of girls do it and the shit looks fun
That's how they do it where we from
You know it don't start till one
That's how they do it where they from
I come into this bitch like liquid
Drip, drip, drip, then the business
Click, click, get the picture
Hermés Trismegistus
Witness and get lifted
Basic, nigga I was born in the basement
Shape shift, nigga I think like a spaceship
False, oh-nah-nah-nah
I am so different than ya'll
So far apart
The way that I balance the bars
I never fall
And if I do I just call
The almighty yellow star, God
Lyrically I'm Optimus Prime
Look how I drive, look at my ride
When I go by, smoke in your eyes
So open your eyes, the joke's on you guys
And you ain't gotta be a mason in the see through
Some of this shit on occasion
The dance you doing is dumb
How they do where you from
Stickin' out your tongue girl
But you know you're too young
A bunch of girls do it and the shit looks fun
That's how they do it where we from
You know it don't start till one
That's how they do it where they from
I'm like kak-a-rak-a-rak-rak-a-rak-a-rak
Make a new track, make 'em fall on they crack
Give 'em a slap, appetizer and smack
I'm so fat in the back, make the boys all collapse
Yeah when I rap they be all on my jack
Boys wanna jump on this pussy cat
Got a new idea, let me switch it
Man, I'm so futuristic
Big lips and big, big, big hips
Body be thick like a bisque
I'm different, rippin' shit
Microphone grippin' it
Gettin' these Benjamins
New car, whippin' it
I'm so far ahead of ya'll
Man I'm on top of the stars
I don't care who none of you are
Blah-blah-blah, you best to go rewrite your bars
Shawty what?
How they do it where you from?
How they do it where you from?
That's how they do it where we from
That how they do it where they from
Shawty what?
How they do it where you from?
How they do it where you from?
That's how they do it where we from
That how they do it where they from
@LillySingh
Hear that sound? It's the sound of the hole in my heart being filled. Welcome back queen!
@marimae
lol
@---ob7yj
Yaaasss
@cutebleue01
Lily, you understand! 😊
@testnamepleaseignore8884
+IISuperwomanII yaaaaaassssssss
@rileyreginald
I swear I set my alarm for this music video lol
@dennis_duran
I absolutely love that Missy’s videos are all constructed around all types of people with the fashion and dancing being the focus. She doesn’t need to use sex appeal to sell her unique music.
@Blueluise
well, guess MTV mentioned once upon a time that she lossed some pounds, but great dress, like the glitter...
@stephanos6128
@Gwendoline ita cus of her disease aint it
@melaniewilliams8527
Never sold sex, she sold real Talent..