It is not known if the track was intended at any point for the New Power Generation's album Exodus, on which was working at the time. It was included as the eighth track on a July, 1995, configuration of Emancipation, however, and as the ninth track on another 1995 configuration. The track was removed as the album underwent many changes, however. The track remains unreleased.
I Am The DJ
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I play what I play because I can
I follow no one, I don't give a damn
I'm here to have fun and make you jam
When I scritchy, scritchy, scratch
I will make you shake your back
you'll be lookin' up and callin' me sire
I'm the first and only act
I'm the DJ, I can take you higher, higher
No, I don't need your money, put half a mil' a year
you want your record played, it's got to freak my ear
Save your dollars (money, money, money) and pawn my sizzlin' tears
I am the DJ and I'm all you'll ever hear
Who needs a freakin' video if the groove ain't all good?
MTV could be rollin' but it won't be in the 'hood
Check it - when the techno-bunnies request you
That's when you're comin' strong
Everything else is jack-off
It all starts with a good song, ha ha
I am the DJ
I play what I play
I am the DJ
Scritch, scritch, scratch
I am the DJ, I can make you dance
I play what I play because I can
I follow no one, I don't give a damn
I'm here to have fun and make you jam, jam, jam, jam, jam! (yes)
(Shake your back)
(Go, ooh!)
(Let me tell you, boy)
Baby, oh yeah
DJ, DJ
(I'm the DJ, I can take you higher, higher)
DJ, check it
DJ, check it
DJ, check it
DJ
DJ
DJ
DJ
DJ
DJ
The song "I Am The DJ" by Prince is a celebration of the power of music and the DJ who controls the party's atmosphere. The lyrics emphasize that the DJ is in charge and can make the crowd dance with his choices of music. Prince declares that he doesn't follow anyone else's musical tastes but his own and doesn't care about the opinions of others. He's there to have fun and make the audience jam.
The chorus is catchy and repeats the line "I am the DJ, I can make you dance," emphasizing the DJ's role in the party. The verses describe the DJ's techniques, including scratching records to make the crowd move and shouting out commands to the dancers. Prince also emphasizes the importance of a good song and the fact that even with the rise of music videos and MTV, a hit song will always be the foundation of a memorable party.
Overall, "I Am The DJ" is an upbeat, energetic song that celebrates the power of music and the DJ who controls it.
Line by Line Meaning
I am the DJ, I can make you dance
As a DJ, I have the power to create music that inspires you to dance.
I play what I play because I can
I have the liberty to play any music I want because I am confident and know what's best for my audience.
I follow no one, I don't give a damn
I don't need to conform to set standards, and I don't care what others think because I am my own person and have my own style.
I'm here to have fun and make you jam
The primary motive behind my music is to entertain you and add to your enjoyment while you dance.
When I scritchy, scritchy, scratch
When I manipulate the turntable, creating a scratch sound as a DJ.
I will make you shake your back
Such a sound manipulates the music making you dance and shake your back.
You'll be lookin' up and callin' me sire
My music will make you feel so amazing that you will refer to me as the boss or leader of the pack.
I'm the leader of the pack
I'm the most efficient and capable DJ in the industry.
I'm the first and only act
I'm different in the way I DJ, and I'm the only one with that style.
I'm the DJ, I can take you higher, higher
I have the power to raise your spirits, inspire you and take you to a new level of experience with my music.
No, I don't need your money, put half a mil' a year
I'm not in this for the money. Even if you pay me a lot, I'll still only play what I like the most.
you want your record played, it's got to freak my ear
If you want me to play your music as a DJ, it must match my taste or catch my attention in a unique and interesting way.
Save your dollars (money, money, money) and pawn my sizzlin' tears
You don't have to pay me; my music will always be worth listening to because it comes from my heart and soul.
Who needs a freakin' video if the groove ain't all good?
Music videos are irrelevant if the music itself isn't great.
MTV could be rollin' but it won't be in the 'hood
Music on MTV isn't relevant in some communities where other types of music reign supreme.
Check it - when the techno-bunnies request you
If people who are passionate about techno music acknowledge my expertise, I'll feel validated as a DJ.
That's when you're comin' strong
I'll be respected and appreciated as a DJ when others request my music
Everything else is jack-off
Anything that doesn't involve techno music, in this context, is pointless and a waste of time.
It all starts with a good song, ha ha
The soul of good music is a rhythmically beautiful song written and composed by a talented artist.
Scritch, scritch, scratch
A sound commonly created when a DJ manipulates the turntable.
Baby, oh yeah
An expression of excitement or joy, full of enthusiasm.
DJ, DJ
A reference to the Music and the DJ creating the sound recognized and celebrated by fans of this music.
(I'm the DJ, I can take you higher, higher)
Reiteration of the DJ's ability described in earlier lines to take the audience to a new level of experience with music.
DJ, check it
Celebrating the DJ's prowess by requesting or validating their ability to create and play powerful music.
DJ
A symbol of authority and skill in the music industry in the people for whom DJ music is a celebrated art form
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind