Because We Can
Moulin Rouge [Original Soundtrack] Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Because we can, can, can
Yes we can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can, can
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh

Oh, oh

Everybody can, can

Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh

Everybody can, can

Because we can, can, can
Yes we can, can
Yes we can, can
Because we can, can, can
Yes we can, can
Yes we can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can, can, oh

Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Everybody can, can

Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Can can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can

Everybody can, can (echoes)

Bumpy Bumpy (oh, oh)
Bumpy Bumpy (oh, oh)
Bumpy Bumpy (oh, oh)
(Grinding) (oh, oh)
Bumpy Bumpy (oh, oh)
Bumpy Bumpy (oh, oh)

Can can, can
(Can, can, can)
Yes we can, can, can
(Can, can, can)
Yes we can, can, can
(Can, can, can)
Because we can, can, can
(Can, can, can)
Yes we can, can, can
(Can, can, can)
Yes we can, can, can
(Can, can, can)
Because we
(Can, can, can)
Becaue we
(Can, can, can)
Because we
(Can, can, can)
Because we
(Can, can, can)
Because we can, can, can
(Can, can, can)
Because we can, can, can
(Can, can, can)
Because we can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can, can

Everybody can, can
Because we can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can
Can, can, can, can

Can, can, can, can
[Fades to cheers and applause]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics "because we can, can, can" from the song "Because We Can" convey a sense of freedom, abandon, and indulgence. The phrase suggests that the subject is doing something simply because they are able to or permitted to do so, rather than out of any sense of obligation or moral duty. The repetition of the phrase also reinforces this idea, creating a sense of momentum and enthusiasm.

The song features a lively, upbeat tempo with a jazzy undertone, further emphasizing its theme of indulgence and pleasure. The repeated "oh, oh" sounds add to the frenetic energy of the song, while the "bumpy bumpy" interlude suggests the sensual excitement of dancing and movement.

Overall, "Because We Can" is a celebration of hedonism and excess, urging listeners to let go of their inhibitions and revel in whatever pleasures life has to offer.

Line by Line Meaning

Because we can, can, can
We are capable of doing something, and we’re doing it with enthusiasm and confidence.

Yes we can, can, can, can
We are reiterating our ability and eagerness to do something.

Can, can, can, can, can
We are emphasizing the fact that we can do whatever it is we are doing, many times.

Oh, oh
An exclamation to express our excitement.

Everybody can, can
Everyone has the capacity to do what we are doing.

Can can, can, can
We are repeating that we can do something with enthusiasm.

Can, can, can, can
We are once again emphasizing the fact that we can do something many times.

Bumpy Bumpy (oh, oh)
An onomatopoeic description of the sounds being made, possibly referring to a physical act.

Grinding (oh, oh)
Another onomatopoeic description of the sounds being made, possibly referring to a physical act.

Can can, can
We can do something, and we are repeating it with enthusiasm.

Because we
We are doing something because we can and want to.

Because we can, can, can
We are doing something with confidence and enthusiasm because we are able to.

Fades to cheers and applause
The scene or performance we were doing is now finished and we are receiving positive feedback from the audience.

Contributed by Tyler W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

K. Stallings

8y↑5

The majority of the Can Can dancers at the Moulin Rouge have a
specifically designed 'persona', most of them based on different male
fetishes. The full list of names of the Can Can dancers and their
'persona' is as follows: Antoinette - Based on the famous French Queen,
Marie-Antoinette. Arabia - Based on Arabian courtesan garb. Babydoll -
Dressed in Infant Clothing (Often mistook for Bo Peep) Chinadoll -
Dressed in Chinese silks. Dominatrix - Self explanatory. French Maid -
Self explanatory. Garden Girl - A hippie/bohemian/earthy seeming girl.
Gypsy - Self explanatory. Harlequin - Based on a court jester's diamond
patterned costume. Historic - Based on the Statue of Liberty. Juno -
Dressed as an Angel. Liberty - Dressed in 'Napoleonic' garb. Mome
Fromage - Dressed in candy/cake/confectionery type colors and fabrics.
Nini Legs-In-The-Air - Costume decorated with windmills, as the
character is said to have the best legs in the Moulin Rouge and is
always showing them off, waving her legs around, likening her legs to a
windmill. Dances in the center. Pearly Queen - Decorated in
sophisticated clothing; pearls, furs, jewels. Petite Princess - A dwarf
woman in a princess costume. Polka Dot- a spirit of winter with
evergreen trees drawn on her dress. Schoolgirl - Self explanatory
(strongly resembles Gigi (1958) or Madeline
(1952)). Spanish - Dressed in a flowing, veiled Spanish costume. Tarot -
Costume is decorated with various imagery from tarot cards. Tartan -
Costume is a full traditional Scottish Garb, with the skirt designed to
look like a kilt. Tattoo - Dancer is covered entirely from the neck down
in tattoos. Travesty - Cross-dresser, upper half is of an upper-class
man; top hat, tuxedo, and bow tie. Dances with Nini. Urchin - Dressed as
a poor street girl (strongly resembles Eponine from Great Performances: Les Misérables in Concert (1995)); bowler hat, patchwork costume.

All comments from YouTube:

TheLastHylianTitan

8y↑134

this would be absolutely fabulous on Broadway.

Geek Hotel

I see Apollo gave you the gift of prophecy my friend

John Sailors

@ThatGuy_92 How was it?

Somesaymisery

the gift of prophecy!

ThatGuy_92

2y↑3

I'm seeing it in the west end this December!

Life According to Me

4y↑8

It IS fantastic on Broadway, I have nothing but awe and admiration for the wonderfully talented actors who not only can sing and dance but who can jump and land in front splits

1 More Replies...

CuratorQ

8y↑120

I don't know why I find this part of the movie so captivating. It makes me happy.

ThatGuy_92

2y↑3

Because it's insanely enthusiastic, it shows you what goes on at the moulin rouge, it's meant to he sexy

peterversionone

3y↑1

Apologies for replying so late. Maybe the song was catchy

Dante Bentura

7y↑50

I love the whole scene! The music of Nirvana, Labelle, and The Can Can come together all in one pot of song and dance.

Izzy Bones

3y↑21

I’m a 2005 kid (turning 16 in 9 days)
And I just have to say… moulin rouge is one of my FAVORITE childhood movies. And it’s honestly probably the reason why I’m so weird 💀 but I’m fucking OBSESSED with the clothing, the music, the colors, and absolute chaos

It’s fucking perfect

jkrfan7

8y↑117

I don't care what the nostalgia critic said. I love this sequence!

Staniel Das Boot

5y↑13

Thats because Doug Walker is a bad "critic" who doesnt like it when things challenge his brain in the slightest.

Carboot Studios

5y↑3

@Lambchop Different tastes and opinions. Why be so butthurt about it?

Lambchop

8y↑28

+jkrfan7 Moulin Rouge is ABOUT fun! That is why it is fast! Because the time that you spend there will go FAST since you had so much fun! That was the point! How could he miss that? xD

Ehlins

8y↑162

this was just the "so this is what its like to be on drugs" moment if the movie

Isaac Smith

try me bitch

Vincent Whitehead

@OreadNYC and that moment near the end of the scene where he finally cuts loose and accepts that there’s life outside the stuffy norm by admiting that it’s good for the mind to wander to more carnal thoughts from time to time..must’ve felt liberating for him

OreadNYC

4y↑10

Pretty much. One of the reasons why this scene is cut like this is because we're meant to be seeing all this through Christian's eyes. The film not only implies that Christian is a rather naive and strictly raised country boy who has only recently arrived in the city but also shows that he enjoyed his first glass of absinthe earlier in the evening. Christian is probably feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the incredible visual spectacle surrounding him, especially if he's not used to alcohol.

xoxoCheer12345

13y↑18

I love that it takes place in 1899 and they use so many modern songs :)

Primusibal Corpse

2y↑1

It kind of reminds of Shrek or A Knight's Tale in that aspect. :D

Erik Schellinger

2y↑6

Why on Earth wouldn’t this version of the song(s) be included on the soundtrack?!

Erik Schellinger

@Geek Hotel I guess that makes sense

Geek Hotel

I’ve heard it might be copyright concerns over the inclusion of Smells Like Teen Spirit

Lisa Cobain

11y↑9

I like the movie. It's really deep and emotional. And Nirvana is one of my absolutly favorite bands. Is that a fucking tragedy?

D Brown

2y↑3

This little sample of Smells Like Teen Spirit is what made this movie for me. Such a fun film.

xplay3r

12y↑6

God every time Nirvana kicks in I get chills.

Rosie Summer

9y↑24

I love the serious face of the conductor :)

Karen Pegram

2y↑1

Yess its about time he is though isnt he Lol their is so much going on. Each girl has her own little moves that fit her personality i love it

Crow T. Robot

11y↑9

Totally my favorite scene in the movie.

Vicente Hizon

2y↑1

This scene is such chaotic madness, it looks like a HELL of a fun time.

AlwaysGonnaSing

12y↑9

I wish this version was actually on the soundtrack.

Somesaymisery

2y↑1

this is my favorite part of the movie. the smells like teen spirit sample really made this.

Helfyra

13y↑2

Le très cher Moulin Rouge. J'adore ce film :) Et j'aurai bien voulu en voir l'intérieur à cette époque :3

Nanimitzuki90970

12y↑18

"CUZ IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR MIND; AHHHHHHH!!!!" Hahahaha I love you, Christian.-3

Ryon Downing

12y↑11

Was told the first 20-25 minutes would be agonizingly fast. Kinda upset when it slowed down. Loved this movie.

Emilia Acosta

3y↑7

Esta película tiene las escenas más bisarras que eh visto en mi vida y por eso me encanta jajaja

Melanie Dockery

11y↑3

I actually dance the can can, at this speed, it's not as hard as it looks along as you get used to it :)

Joe Cates

5y↑33

jim Broadbent must have so much fun filming this scene

Michelle Myers

2y↑3

I like they used the Nirvana song correctly. He was singing of his disgust of actor/musician worship. And this was the peak of private parties you had to be rich to get in and the ridiculousness was contagious.

racinefo

13y↑8

as sad as it might be, this moment introduced me to Nirvana

Deliverater

12y↑5

i just couldn't help but think of how much fun tyrion lannister would have at this place

Halee Roseberry

12y↑1

I first saw this movie six moths ago, and I listen to the songs religiously on my IPod everyday!!

Volts48

12y↑3

as a film student, I have to ask. How much roles of film did they use for this scene alone?

resplndnt

12y↑4

this is one kick ass party

sc23uk

13y↑9

I love Jim Broadbent when he says "So scratch that little niggle, have a little wiggle" lol

Aubree B

11y↑4

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS FOR FOREVER!

Geek Hotel

2y↑1

I’ve never taken drugs before, but I imagine the feeling I get from this the same as getting high on LSD and crack at the same time

Reena Lam

11y↑13

well that was psychedelic...

Gallifrey-Holmes

13y↑3

Our school did a school play of Moulin Rouge once...I played the can-can dancer in the yellow dress. Nini. It was the best doing the can-can!

Octavia Hughes

13y↑1

Because it's good for your mind! <3

Taina Elisabeth

11y↑1

It literally says what it is on the can, what the hell did you expect? This is the part of the movie with Lady Marmalade.

ZombiesRUs11

13y

Dude i would LOVE to party there.

Studium

13y

Me GUSTA!

Liddy B

12y

Got some dark desire? Love to play with fire? (Oh my god I almost fell out of my chair when he sang that.)

ALVeil

3y↑4

The diamond Dogs were the famous Moulin Rouge Can Can girls. Their names were

Nini legs in the air
Arabia Veil
Madame Fromage
China Doll

Brenston A

Is back on Broadway!!!!! I’ll be getting tickets!

Iris C17

I don't think they've put this part on the musical.

Official AnimeCitizen

14y

I'm in HEAVEN!!!!

Warlady21

3y↑1

It's been over 10 years and I just noticed the gentleman in the pink dress.

JessyJ318

13y

@cottonsparrot I felt that way the 1st time I saw it. Thought it was just weird then I saw it the 2nd time and loved it!!!

Nluvwitmuzik

13y

Talk about a party we can all enjoy!!!!!!

xplay3r

12y

@Volts48 well the intro to the song does but once it kicks in it mixes quite well with the other song, even if, in terms of tone, you couldn't get to more polar opposite bands to mix together lol

13y

isnt 0:56 a line from smells like a teen spirit by nirvana?

Jasmine Edwards

This is how Joslin picture her caberte to be ll🤣

Bob E

9y↑13

Generally I like

ShortBusUs

13y

guys its not a party house its like a strip club

SpeedTyper101

13y↑1

All i can say is Whoa

Wyrmwould

12y

I'm here because of the Nostalgia Critic.

Robert Saxman

13y

You forgot the "/Smells like Teen Spirit"

TimBurtonIsAmazing

12y

@PugsRus12321 I think what djquazzy is saying is that you can't get this mix of the songs on any soundtrack released in America. Which is true (and sucks) but I don't think they realize that this is footage from the movie.

Vivian

11y

Yeah! Toulouse!

wweboy2007

Yeassssss song

michii_3

11y

because there is "because we can" -_-

Brian Moore

8y↑1

What I'd like to know is why is one of the cancan dancers dressed like Madeline?

Linwood Valentine

U did ur research

Brian Moore

8y↑1

@K. Stallings Thank you :)

K. Stallings

8y↑5

emilyh12

12y↑1

@lightningbro It is so awkward going back and watching Harry Potter now! hahaha

ldn22 O.

13y

@racinefo really? that's ok! anything is a good way to be introduce to nirvana. that only probably mean that you were born in the 90's

Rhys Barker

Was this recorded onto a calculator

Zelli52

12y

what did I just watch? It looks like a fanvid, but its real.

angeluh007

13y

did anyone catch 1:33?

TimBurtonIsAmazing

12y↑1

@TheSpidersprey Actually, It's a nightclub, a dance hall and a bordello.

Sebastian Michaelis

13y

i raped the replay button :3

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