Back to the Beat
Motion City Soundtrack / Schatzi Lyrics


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When I was younger I fell in love with the girl next door
Back to the beat yo back to the beat of 1984
We had beat street we had breakin' 1 and 2 electric boogaloo dude it was cool
We'd bust out the cardboard in the backstreet by the drugstore just me and you
After school

You said I did the worm better than anyone that you knew
Breakin' with you was the best time of my life
I want to break dance yeah I want to get down with you

Let go of everything
Let your body tell the people that you know




You've got soul
Yeah you've got soul

Overall Meaning

The song "Back to the Beat" by Motion City Soundtrack/Schatzi paints a touching picture of a person reminiscing about their past as they recollect the fond memories of their youth. The song starts with a sweet recollection of a first love that developed when they were young; however, the song is sure to not romanticize these memories by acknowledging that it is just a thing of the past. The lyrics "Back to the beat, yo back to the beat of 1984" hint towards the satirical comedy film by Director Richard Elfman in 1984 called "Forbidden Zone." In this song, it signifies the mood, and as the song continues, the mood persists as it tells us how the singers bond over their shared love for breakdancing films of the era, specifically referencing the films Beat Street and the Breakin’ franchise. They would express their love of these movies by breaking out the cardboard in the backstreet by the drug store.


The chorus of the song is incredibly liberating and encourages the listener to let go and dance. It says, "Let go of everything, Let your body tell the people that you know, You've got soul, Yeah, you've got soul." The bridge further emphasizes the sentiment by directly stating, "I want to break dance, yeah, I want to get down with you." Here, the nostalgia is coming to an end, and the listener is encouraged to break out of their shell, let go of their fears, and enjoy the moment. Ultimately, this song reminds us of the pure joy that movement, music, and shared experiences can bring. It highlights that even mundane, every-day activities like hanging out by the drugstore with a cardboard mat can turn into cherished memories that we can look back on with a smile.


Line by Line Meaning

When I was younger I fell in love with the girl next door
In my earlier days, I was enamored with the girl who lived next to my house


Back to the beat yo back to the beat of 1984
Let's go back to the past rhythm of 1984


We had beat street we had breakin' 1 and 2 electric boogaloo dude it was cool
During that time, we had Beat Street and the Breakin' movies, including the sequel Electric Boogaloo, which was really cool


We'd bust out the cardboard in the backstreet by the drugstore just me and you
In the streets behind the drugstore, it was just you and me who would lay down cardboard to break dance


After school
This would happen after our classes end


You said I did the worm better than anyone that you knew
You told me that I did the worm dance move better than anyone you have ever seen


Breakin' with you was the best time of my life
Breaking alongside you is a wonderful memory and the best time I have ever had in my life


I want to break dance yeah I want to get down with you
I desire to break dance and groove with you


Let go of everything
Relax and loosen up ourselves from all distractions


Let your body tell the people that you know
Allow your body to express itself to the individuals who know you well


You've got soul
You possess a distinctive charm and depth of character


Yeah, you've got soul
Yes, indeed, you possess a distinctive charm and depth of character




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Comments from YouTube:

@Stavvy0

This version's my favorite.

@Billcommaagain

I don't know why but the vocal melody in this is so bittersweet. Love it

@jacobrodriguez8114

Reminds me of high school

@wazap111

Saw them for the last time in Philly last night. They opened the show with this and ended it with the end. I am so fucking sad.

@yaimeloveheart5010

Why ''for the last time'' ? Are they quitting?

@nicbarnett4707

Yes this is their so long farewell tour

@hellohello-ic4dh

this aged poorly. thank god emo boys need attention more than oxygen 🙏

@JJSurma

When the bass kicks in… 🔥🔥🔥

@tdawg4998

he sings like an angel

@Mcgernica

Hi my name is so long ago.

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