Shelltoes or Brogues
Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer Lyrics


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Disc Jockey, drop the bass
Now the Hats

You know it′s rather a bit of a bore
To be told by the interweb trolls
That your footwear's incorrect
′I've got the wrong soles'
It′s tricky, true, as the Reverend said
"To Rock a Shoe, to Complement the Threads"
The continental tread, or the leather under-sole
Both wonderful of course but
They appear to have taken their toll
On the Os who ape the rules
Ha ha, the pack of valley fools
I rock a shoe, to complement occasion
But when i do it seems i′m causing complications
Call me a bounder, call me wack
Either way i'm old school from a time before crack
I want the chaps to note that I shan′t get them down
And the B-Boys to know who wears the crown
So up jump purists, do your worst
You can break the rules only if you know the rules first

Shelltoes or Brogues
Brogues or Shelltoes
It's a conundrum that′s held for fellows
When you tear the rules apart, You can shake them
Only once you know the rules you can start to break them
Oxford days, British nights
Brogueing scenes or three black stripes
A tricky choice for the chap hop man
Cheley Boots or Slipper-esq Vans?
Both Red Herrings with no bearing on the matter at hand
To understand that with which a fellow stands
I know eight decent cobblers
But i'm troubled by the problems
That rather novel than
I′m sympathetic to many anesthetic
I'm poetic when i'm peripatetic
But it′s quite pathetic to be squabbling over footwear
Its not cricket, its downright queare
So when i′m at a social affair
I'm aware that my footwear should match the flair with which
I rock the mic
For Princes or Tikes
I am who I am and I like what I like but

Shelltoes or Brogues
Brogues or Shelltoes
It′s a conundrum that's held for fellows
When you tear the rules apart, You can shake them
Only once you know the rules you can start to break them

Shelltoes or Brogues
Brogues or Shelltoes
Ask a chap what a sir, He well knows
The rules of the Chap must remain on top
But there′s still Hop in Chap-Hop
Bring it on now

Trainer Shoes
Slippers or Boots
Low or High Tops
Can't Stop, Shan′t Stop

So there's the conundrum
I'm wondering what′s for the best
To keep it real or put it to the test
My foot is in the best place it can be
When the appropriate occasion is decided by me
If you got a better bit of leather, whether sneaker or shoe
You better whether what′s enveloping you
I rock the unexpected in the name of art
And i'm a true Chap-Hopper at heart
You surely know this!

Shelltoes or Brogues
Trainer Shoes
Shelltoes or Brogues
Slippers or Boots
Shelltoes or Brogues
Low or High Tops
Shelltoes or Brogues
Can′t Stop, Shan't Stop

Shelltoes or Brogues
Brogues or Shelltoes
It′s a conundrum that's held for fellows
When you tear the rules apart, You can shake them
Only once you know the rules you can start to break them

Shelltoes or Brogues
Brogues or Shelltoes
Ask a chap what a sir, He well knows
The rules of the Chap must remain on top




But there′s still Hop in Chap-Hop
Bring it on now

Overall Meaning

The song "Shelltoes or Brogues" by Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer is about the dilemma of footwear that many people face, especially in the fashion-conscious world. The song starts off by addressing how people on the internet often criticize others for their footwear choices if they do not adhere to a specific set of fashion rules. The lyrics go on to express how confusing and challenging it can be to choose between different types of footwear, from the "continental tread" to the "leather under-sole," and how these choices can even cause "complications."


Throughout the song, Mr.B emphasizes that while it's important to consider the occasion, ultimately the decision of what to wear should be based on personal preference. He encourages people to break the rules only after they have learned them and stresses the importance of staying true to oneself. The song also touches on the topic of Chap-Hop, a genre that Mr.B is credited with creating. He concludes the song by saying that there is still room for innovation and creativity within the strict rules of the Chap-Hop genre.


Line by Line Meaning

Disc Jockey, drop the bass
The DJ should start the music with a strong bass sound.


You know it's rather a bit of a bore
It's boring to be criticized by internet trolls for having the wrong shoes.


To be told by the interweb trolls
To receive criticism from anonymous people on the internet.


That your footwear's incorrect
That your choice of shoes is not fashionable or not appropriate for the occasion.


I've got the wrong soles
I've chosen shoes with the wrong type of sole for the occasion.


It's tricky, true, as the Reverend said
Choosing the right shoes can be difficult, as the Reverend has pointed out.


"To Rock a Shoe, to Complement the Threads"
To wear shoes that match and complement the rest of the outfit.


The continental tread, or the leather under-sole
The pattern on the bottom of the shoe or the type of material used for the sole.


Both wonderful of course but
Both options are good, but each has its own pros and cons.


They appear to have taken their toll
They seem to have caused problems or negative consequences.


On the Os who ape the rules
On the people who blindly follow fashion rules and trends.


Ha ha, the pack of valley fools
A mocking reference to people who live in the valley and are not fashionable.


I rock a shoe, to complement occasion
I choose shoes that match and suit the occasion.


But when I do it seems I'm causing complications
But sometimes my choice of shoes creates problems or controversy.


Call me a bounder, call me wack
You can call me disrespectful or crazy for my fashion choices.


Either way I'm old school from a time before crack
I prefer a classic, traditional style of fashion that existed before modern trends.


I want the chaps to note that I shan't get them down
I want people to know that I won't be discouraged by their criticism.


And the B-Boys to know who wears the crown
And I want the B-Boys to acknowledge that I'm the best in the genre.


So up jump purists, do your worst
Critics who are obsessed with following fashion rules can do their worst, I won't be swayed.


You can break the rules only if you know the rules first
Breaking fashion rules can be done successfully, but only if you understand the rules and know how to change them.


Shelltoes or Brogues
Choosing between sneakers and dress shoes.


It's a conundrum that's held for fellows
It's a difficult choice that men have to make.


When you tear the rules apart, You can shake them
When you examine fashion rules closely, you can see that they are not fixed or unchangeable.


Oxford days, British nights
A reference to English fashion and lifestyle.


Brogueing scenes or three black stripes
Choosing between classic dress shoes or trendy sneakers.


A tricky choice for the chap hop man
It's a difficult decision for someone who is part of the chap hop culture.


Cheley Boots or Slipper-esq Vans?
Choosing between stylish boots or comfortable sneakers.


Both Red Herrings with no bearing on the matter at hand
Both options are irrelevant and don't contribute to the decision making process.


To understand that with which a fellow stands
To understand someone's fashion choices and how they relate to their personal style and identity.


I know eight decent cobblers
I know several good shoemakers.


But I'm troubled by the problems
But I'm still struggling with choosing the right shoes.


That rather novel than
That are unusual or unique rather than following typical fashion rules.


I'm sympathetic to many anesthetic
I understand and appreciate many different fashion styles.


I'm poetic when I'm peripatetic
I'm creative and inspired when I'm walking around exploring new places.


But it's quite pathetic to be squabbling over footwear
It's silly to argue or fight over something as trivial as shoes.


It's not cricket, it's downright queare
It's not fair or appropriate, it's just weird or strange.


So when I'm at a social affair
So when I'm at a party or event.


I'm aware that my footwear should match the flair with which I rock the mic
I know that my shoes should complement my overall fashion style, especially when I'm performing music.


For Princes or Tikes
For important people or young children.


I am who I am and I like what I like but
I have my own personal style and preferences.


Ask a chap what a sir, He well knows
A gentleman knows how to dress appropriately for different occasions.


The rules of the Chap must remain on top
It's important to follow the fashion rules of the chap hop culture.


But there's still Hop in Chap-Hop
But there's still room for creativity and individuality in the chap hop genre.


Bring it on now
Let's keep going, let's keep the music and fashion interesting and exciting.


Trainer Shoes
Sneakers or athletic shoes.


Slippers or Boots
Comfortable indoor shoes or sturdy outdoor shoes.


Low or High Tops
Sneakers with low or high ankle support.


Can't Stop, Shan't Stop
I can't and won't stop experimenting with my fashion and music.




Contributed by Eli P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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