"N.P.G." is a funk number featuring drumming by Morris Day, and vocal help by Rosie Gaines. The funk is cut by some carnival-like organ playing and distorted guitar. The song is generally a positive message of overcoming odds. The part two continuation of the song features contributions from a number of artists, as well as samples of several unreleased songs. Tevin Campbell and Mavis Staples sing in part two, and a rap is delivered by T.C. Ellis. Unreleased songs sampled include "My Tree", "Oobee Doop", and "Positive Place".
The B-side for the single was "New Power Generation, pt. 2", also from Graffiti Bridge.
The 12" and CD maxi release contained numerous previously unheard remixes and bonus material. It began with a "Funky Weapon Remix" of "N.P.G.", which combined parts one and two of the song, but removed all other vocals other than Prince and Rosie Gaines. Next was "T.C.'s Rap". This mix was the "True Confessions" rap by rapper T.C. Ellis, whom Prince would later assist on a 1991 album. Another rap follows called "Brother with a Purpose". The main song was slowed down, and Tony M. delivers an original rap atop the tune.
"Get Off" is next, which is a new song over the beat of "N.P.G." Some ideas from this track would later be incorporated in the similarly titled "Gett Off" from Diamonds and Pearls. "Get Off" is then incorporated into "The Lubricated Lady". The final track is a song about a threesome called "Loveleft, Loveright", which itself was sampled in "New Power Generation, pt. 2". The song ends with the same spoken segment from Prince that begins the EP.
The 12" single released in the UK included "Melody Cool" (Extended Remix), sung by Mavis Staples. In Japan, the CD maxi single included all the tracks from the US maxi single, plus those from "Thieves in the Temple".
Push
Prince & The New Power Generation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Step one, step off to the dance floor
Push (hey)
(Push up on it)
(Yeah, God, whoo)
Push, push (push up on it)
Every time you get some
People want to take it back
Rather see you on the run
Than see you get it like that
Every time they stop you
Change up like a sock
Every time they try to clock you
Tick more than they tock
Ah, push (I push)
Don't you let them pull you down
Yeah, push (I push)
Until you get to higher ground
Yeah, push
You're never to young, you're never too old
Yeah, push
Don't stop until you go
Did you ever stop to wonder
Why you put another down?
No man should asunder
The joy that another man found
Maybe 'bout the business you was worried wasn't ever filed in your name
Maybe the cartridge you was playin' don't fit in your video game (push)
(I push)
Don't let them pull you down
Yeah, push (I push)
Until you get to higher ground
Ah, push
You're never too young, never too old
Yeah, push
Don't stop until you go, hey
(Alright) I push (push)
(Push up on it) (Push)
(I push)
(Push)
(Push, ah, yeah)
(Push) (you're pushing my)
(Yeah, push, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)
(Push up on it) (push)
(Yeah) (I push) well, every time you get some
(Push) people want to take it back (p-push)
They rather see you on the run (push)
Than see you get it like that
(Every time) every time they stop you
Change up like a sock (push)
Every time they try to clock you (push), tick more than they can tock
Ooh, push (I push) don't let them pull you down
Push (I push) until you get to higher ground (higher)
Push
You're never too young, never too old
Yeah, push
Don't stop until you go
(No, don't) (push) I push
(Push) I push
(Push) I push
(push) I push
Did you ever stop to wonder (did you ever stop to wonder)
(Push) yeah, I'm a-push up on it (push)
(Yeah) (push)
(Push, push)
(Push, push) (Tony!) Yo?
(Get on the m!)
I'm a-push up on it (Tony!) Yo?
(Get on the mic!) Yeah, I'm a push up on it
(Tony) Yo?
(Get on the mic!) slow down, I'm a-push up on it (get on the mic!)
(Get on the mic!)
I push for a beat that is greasy
I'll diss a beat if it teases
Mark this down as I state it
I like my funk concentrated
The pop seem, a little overrated
If you sure can tell where we're steppin'
There's some grease on the stage
Oops, I just stepped in it (push) circlin' as we slide
The full stride for the ride on a watered-down tip
We could never get by (push)
Fellas (get on the mic!)
Check it out, here's what you gotta do
(Push) gotta step in the room with the mood
Never juicin' yourself, just a confident attitude (push)
Believe me, you will get busy
Your mouth'll drop open
As you watch the slimmies funkin' (push)
But you don't want the one who's jockin'
'Cause it's all about the clockin' (push)
'Step one, step off to the dance floor
(Push up on it) there ya go, y'all, yeah (push)
(Push, push, push) push up on it (push up on it) (get on the mic, woman!)
(Prince)(get on the mic!) push up on it (get on the mic!)
(Prince) you don't want me on the mic (push up on it) (get on the mic!)
No man, (Prince!) (push up on it) you don't want me on the mic (don't stop until you go)
Push (yeah)
(Yeah) push (yeah)
It's thunder when I'm on the mic (push)
Daddy Pop's in the house and you're sure to like
His diamonds (push) (I push) sure to like his pearls
I'm good to cream every boy and girl
'Cause I'm strollin', steady hip-hop rockin', rollin' (push)
A-willing and able, horny pony and I'm pumpin' em
I'm pumpin' em (push)
I'm pump-pump-pump-pump-pumpin' em
From Pakistan to Poland (push)
Straight into your town
Snatchin' up kiddies (get on the mic!) like a circus clown (get on the mic!) (push)
(Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha) (get on the mic!)
Well, all you people out there, (push)
you'd better beware
'Cause they call me Rosie G and I just don't care
I (push) like to step, all night long
I'm rappin' here, rappin' there and pushing this song
The song gets higher and it sets you on fire (push)
Like the lion in the jungle (get on the mic!) it takes you all higher
My momma (push) said "girl, you know it ain't cool (get on)
Said ya don't want to play by nobody's rules"
I said "Momma chill out, (push) and give me a brea
'Cause I know I got just what it takes" (push)
I said "Momma don't put me under pressure (get on, get on)
I love you and I think you're fresher, push" (push)
Everybody here we go, come on now, a-push if ya want to push
A-come on, a-come on, a-come on, a-come p-p-push it, push (push)
(Yeah, push it)
(Push)
(Yeah, push it)
(Push)
The song "Push" by Prince and The New Power Generation is all about perseverance and determination. The lyrics encourage listeners to keep pushing and never give up in the face of adversity. Prince sings about how people are always trying to bring you down and keep you from achieving your goals, but the key is to keep pushing forward and not let them get in your way. He also touches on the idea of jealousy and how some people try to undermine your success because they are envious of what you have achieved. Despite these obstacles, the lyrics reinforce the message that nothing can stop you if you do not let it.
The song has an upbeat and funky rhythm that is reminiscent of Prince's signature style. The repetitive use of the word "push" in the lyrics gives the song a catchy and memorable quality. The lyrics are delivered in a high-energy, almost frenzied manner that makes you want to dance and keep pushing along with the beat.
Overall, "Push" is a motivational and empowering song that encourages listeners to keep pushing towards their dreams despite any obstacles they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
Step one, step off to the dance floor
The first step is to confidently move to the dance floor
Push (hey)
Motivate yourself and others to strive for success
(Push up on it)
Exert effort and push forward to achieve your goals
(Yeah, God, whoo)
Expressing excitement and acknowledging a higher power
Every time you get some
Every time you achieve success or make progress
People want to take it back
Others may try to deprive you of your accomplishments
Rather see you on the run
They would prefer to see you constantly struggling or fleeing
Than see you get it like that
They are envious of your swift achievements
Every time they stop you
Whenever they try to hinder your progress
Change up like a sock
They constantly alter their tactics or strategies
Every time they try to clock you
Whenever they attempt to measure or control you
Tick more than they tock
You surpass their expectations or predictions
Ah, push (I push)
Persist and exert effort to overcome obstacles
Don't you let them pull you down
Do not allow others to discourage or hinder you
Yeah, push (I push)
Continue pushing and striving for progress
Until you get to higher ground
Keep pushing until you achieve a better position or situation
You're never too young, you're never too old
Age should not limit your ability to push forward
Don't stop until you go
Do not cease your efforts until you reach your destination
Did you ever stop to wonder
Have you ever paused to consider
Why you put another down?
Why do you belittle or criticize others?
No man should asunder
Nobody should separate or destroy
The joy that another man found
The happiness someone else has discovered
Maybe 'bout the business you was worried wasn't ever filed in your name
Perhaps you are concerned about a venture that you do not have ownership of
Maybe the cartridge you was playin' don't fit in your video game (push)
Maybe the strategies or tactics you are employing are not working for you
Push up on it
Exert effort and make a positive impact
Yeah, I'm a-push up on it
I will vigorously pursue my objectives
Well, every time you get some
Whenever you achieve success or progress
People want to take it back
Others attempt to retract or steal your accomplishments
Rather see you on the run
They prefer to see you constantly struggling
Than see you get it like that
They envy your ability to swiftly achieve success
Every time they stop you
Whenever they impede your progress
Change up like a sock
They constantly alter their strategies or tactics
Every time they try to clock you
Whenever they attempt to measure or control you
Tick more than they can tock
You exceed their expectations or predictions
Ooh, push (I push)
Persistently push and strive to overcome obstacles
Don't let them pull you down
Refuse to allow others to discourage or hinder you
Until you get to higher ground (higher)
Continue pushing until you reach a better position or situation
You're never too young, never too old
Age should not limit your ability to push forward
Yeah, push
Keep pushing and striving for progress
Don't stop until you go, hey
Do not cease your efforts until you reach your destination
Alright, I push (push)
Okay, I persist and exert effort
(Push up on it) (Push)
Exert effort and make a positive impact
(I push) (Push)
I am determined and motivated to succeed
(Push, ah, yeah)
Exert effort and enthusiasm
(Push) (you're pushing my)
You are inspiring or motivating me
(Yeah, push, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)
Expressing encouragement and determination
(Push up on it) (push)
Exert effort and make a positive impact
(Yeah) (I push)
Yes, I persist and push forward
Well, every time you get some
Whenever you achieve success or progress
(Push) people want to take it back (p-push)
Others attempt to retract or steal your accomplishments
They rather see you on the run (push)
They prefer to see you constantly struggling
Than see you get it like that
They envy your ability to swiftly achieve success
(Every time) every time they stop you
Whenever they impede your progress
Change up like a sock (push)
They constantly alter their strategies or tactics
Every time they try to clock you (push)
Whenever they attempt to measure or control you
Tick more than they can tock
You exceed their expectations or predictions
Ooh, push (I push) don't let them pull you down
Persistently push forward and refuse to be discouraged
Push (I push) until you get to higher ground (higher)
Continue pushing and striving for a better position or situation
Push
Exert effort and make a positive impact
You're never too young, never too old
Age should not limit your ability to push forward
Yeah, push
Keep pushing and striving for progress
Don't stop until you go
Do not cease your efforts until you reach your destination
(No, don't) (push) I push
No, don't give up, persist and exert effort
(Push) I push
I am determined and motivated to succeed
(Push) I push
I continue pushing and striving for progress
(push) I push
I persistently exert effort and make a positive impact
Did you ever stop to wonder (did you ever stop to wonder)
Have you ever paused to consider
(Push) yeah, I'm a-push up on it (push)
Yeah, I am actively and enthusiastically pursuing my objectives
(Yeah) (push)
Expressing encouragement and determination
(Push, push)
Exert effort and make a positive impact
(Push, push) (Tony!) Yo?
Exert effort and make a positive impact (addressing Tony)
(Get on the m!)
Join in and get on the mic
I'm a-push up on it (Tony!) Yo?
I am vigorously pursuing my objectives (addressing Tony)
(Get on the mic!)
Join in and get on the mic
Yeah, I'm a push up on it
Yeah, I am actively and enthusiastically pursuing my objectives
(Tony)
Addressing Tony
(Get on the mic!)
Join in and get on the mic
Slow down, I'm a-push up on it (get on the mic!)
Take it easy, I am still vigorously pursuing my objectives (addressing someone to get on the mic)
(Get on the mic!)
Join in and get on the mic
I push for a beat that is greasy
I strive to create a funky and groovy rhythm
I'll diss a beat if it teases
I will criticize or reject a beat that doesn't satisfy
Mark this down as I state it
Take note of my words as I express them
I like my funk concentrated
I prefer my funk music to be pure and focused
The pop seem, a little overrated
Pop music may be perceived as somewhat exaggerated
If you sure can tell where we're steppin'
If you can accurately perceive our movements or intentions
There's some grease on the stage
There is an element of funk and groove in our performance
Oops, I just stepped in it (push)
Oops, I unintentionally immersed myself in the funky groove (push)
Circlin' as we slide
Moving in a circular motion as we glide or move smoothly
The full stride for the ride on a watered-down tip
Embracing a complete and authentic style without dilution
We could never get by (push)
We could not proceed or succeed without exerting effort (push)
Fellas (get on the mic!)
Guys, join in and get on the mic
Check it out, here's what you gotta do
Listen carefully, I will explain what you need to do
(Push) gotta step in the room with the mood
You must enter the room with the right attitude and energy (push)
Never juicin' yourself, just a confident attitude (push)
Do not become too arrogant, maintain a humble yet self-assured disposition (push)
Believe me, you will get busy
Trust me, you will become engaged or involved
Your mouth'll drop open
You will be utterly astonished or impressed
As you watch the slimmies funkin' (push)
As you observe the attractive women dancing to the funky beat (push)
But you don't want the one who's jockin'
You are not interested in someone who is overly interested or attracted to you
'Cause it's all about the clockin' (push)
Because the focus is on achieving success and making progress (push)
'Step one, step off to the dance floor
The first step is to confidently move to the dance floor
(Push up on it) there ya go, y'all, yeah (push)
Exert effort and make a positive impact, there you go, everyone, yeah (push)
(Push, push, push) push up on it (push up on it) (get on the mic, woman!)
Exert effort and make a positive impact, join in on the mic, woman!
(Prince)(get on the mic!) push up on it (get on the mic!)
Prince, get on the mic and exert effort, join in! (get on the mic!)
(Prince) you don't want me on the mic (push up on it) (get on the mic!)
Prince, you do not want me on the mic, exert effort, join in on the mic! (get on the mic!)
Push (yeah)
Exert effort and make a positive impact (yeah)
(Yeah) push (yeah)
Expressing encouragement and determination (yeah)
It's thunder when I'm on the mic (push)
There is great energy and excitement when I grab the microphone (push)
Daddy Pop's in the house and you're sure to like
Daddy Pop is present and his performance is appealing to the audience
His diamonds (push) (I push) sure to like his pearls
His valuable possessions, such as diamonds and pearls, are highly admired
I'm good to cream every boy and girl
I am capable of exciting and impressing every individual
'Cause I'm strollin', steady hip-hop rockin', rollin' (push)
Because I am confidently strutting, maintaining a steady hip-hop style, and continuously progressing (push)
A-willing and able, horny pony and I'm pumpin' em
I am eager and capable, like a sexually aroused pony, and I am impressing or exciting them
I'm pumpin' em (push)
I am exhilarating or exciting them (push)
I'm pump-pump-pump-pump-pumpin' em
I am energetically and enthusiastically impressing or thrilling them
From Pakistan to Poland (push)
From Pakistan to Poland, I am exerting effort and making a positive impact (push)
Straight into your town
Directly into your vicinity or community
Snatchin' up kiddies (get on the mic!) like a circus clown (get on the mic!) (push)
Gathering or captivating young individuals, like a circus performer, all while maintaining energy and enthusiasm (get on the mic!)
(Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha) (get on the mic!)
Expressing laughter and excitement (get on the mic!)
Well, all you people out there, (push)
Well, all of you individuals out there, exert effort and make a positive impact
You'd better beware
You should be cautious or alert
'Cause they call me Rosie G and I just don't care
Because they refer to me as Rosie G and I am unbothered or indifferent
I (push) like to step, all night long
I enjoy dancing and stepping continuously throughout the night (push)
I'm rappin' here, rappin' there and pushing this song
I am delivering my rap in various places while promoting this song at the same time
The song gets higher and it sets you on fire (push)
The song becomes more intense and evokes strong emotions within you (push)
Like the lion in the jungle (get on the mic!) it takes you all higher
Similar to a powerful lion in the jungle, it elevates or uplifts everyone (get on the mic!)
My momma (push) said "girl, you know it ain't cool (get on)
My mother advised me, 'girl, you know it's not acceptable (get on)
Said ya don't want to play by nobody's rules"
She suggested that I should not conform to societal expectations or restrictions
I said "Momma chill out, (push) and give me a brea
I responded, 'Mother, relax, exert effort, and give me a break
'Cause I know I got just what it takes" (push)
Because I am confident that I possess the necessary qualities to succeed (push)
I said "Momma don't put me under pressure (get on, get on)
I added, 'Mother, do not stress me out (get on, get on)
I love you and I think you're fresher, push" (push)
I expressed my love for her and stated that I find her impressive and inspiring, push (push)
Everybody here we go, come on now, a-push if ya want to push
Everyone, let's go, come on now, exert effort if you want to make progress
A-come on, a-come on, a-come on, a-come p-p-push it, push (push)
Come on, let's keep pushing forward (push)
(Yeah, push it)
Expressing encouragement or motivation to push forward
(Push)
Exert effort and make a positive impact
(Yeah, push it)
Expressing encouragement or motivation to push forward
(Push)
Exert effort and make a positive impact
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: PRINCE ROGERS NELSON, ROSIE GAINES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind