Released 1987 on Rhythm Killers (4th & Broadway).
Reached number 12 in the UK in 1987.
Sample used: Liquid Liquid - Cavern (1983).
Cover: Robbie Williams - Rudebox (2006).
Boops
Sly & Robbie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fire
Fire
Fire
The latest controversial in the Caribbean, ladies and gentlemen
Undoubtedly and indoubedently spells Boops
B. Double O. B. S
Searching in my mind there′s only two things I can find
I have one desire and that's to dance until you drop
Stare into your eyes there′s only two things I can find
You have one desire and that's to dance until you drop
Boops, by definition
Who is one who wants to lose
Give everybody a chance
And that's the pour slob
You know we′re gonna use
Because boops he always laughs and he always pays
He′s got no rap so he's got to buy friend
He spends all the blue chips in the relationships
And the females take him for a dipstick
They see him coming from miles away
And for the hell of it they make him blow the weeks pay
He thinks he′s got class
They think he's an a
Behind his back they get the last laugh
Stare into your eyes there′s only two things I can find
You have one desire and that's to dance until you drop
Bass. The final frontier
Spending big and talking loud doing his best to be down with the in crowd
ALways the first to pick up the cheque but still yet he don′t get no respect
(Fire)
Searching in my mind there's only two things I can find
I have one desire and that's to dance until you drop
Stare into your eyes there′s only two things I can find
You have one desire and that′s to dance until you drop
Si boops deh. With his arms open wide
Si boops deh. Girls taken for a ride
Fire
You got to get here to go (Boogie) (Boogie)
Here to go (Boogie) (Boogie)
Time to go
Stare into your eyes there's only two things I can find
You have one desire and that′s to dance until you drop
Bass. The final frontier
Fire
You got to get here to go (Boogie Boogie)
You got to get here to go (Boogie Boogie)
The song "Boops" by Sly and Robbie is a commentary on a certain type of person, known as the "boops." The term "boops" refers to someone who is willing to do anything for others, especially when it comes to paying for things or getting them out of trouble. The lyrics describe the boops as someone who spends all their money on buying the affection of others and being the life of the party, but ultimately doesn't get any real respect or friendship in return. Despite this, the boops continues to laugh it off, spending all their money and time trying to be accepted by others.
The song's chorus "Stare into your eyes there's only two things I can find, You have one desire and that's to dance until you drop" illustrates the sentiment of the song, highlighting the boops' ultimate aim: to party and have a good time. The song ends by repeating the phrase "You got to get here to go," which could mean that the boops can only party and be accepted if they have money to spend, and once that money is gone, they are nothing.
Overall, the song is a commentary on how some people try to buy their way into social circles and friendships, but ultimately end up alone and empty-handed.
Line by Line Meaning
Fire
The song is hot and exciting.
The latest controversial in the Caribbean, ladies and gentlemen
The song is about a term used in the Caribbean called Boops and the controversy around it.
Undoubtedly and indoubedently spells Boops
The spelling of the term Boops is clear and undisputed.
Searching in my mind there′s only two things I can find
The singer has two things on their mind: dancing and looking into someone's eyes.
I have one desire and that's to dance until you drop
The singer's only desire is to dance until they can't dance anymore.
Stare into your eyes there′s only two things I can find
The singer looks into someone's eyes and finds the same two desires as before: dancing and looking deeply into their eyes.
You have one desire and that's to dance until you drop
The person being looked at only desires to dance until they drop as well.
Boops, by definition
Defining the term Boops.
Who is one who wants to lose
A 'Boops' is someone who wants to lose or is a sucker.
Give everybody a chance
The singer implies that everyone should have a chance, even a 'Boops.'
And that's the pour slob
Boops is the poor unfortunate soul who is the target of this song.
You know we′re gonna use
The singer is going to use Boops for their own entertainment.
Because boops he always laughs and he always pays
Boops may not have much to offer, but they always laugh and pay for things.
He′s got no rap so he's got to buy friend
Boops has no charisma, so he has to buy his friends.
He spends all the blue chips in the relationships
Boops spends all his money in his relationships to make himself appear more wealthy.
And the females take him for a dipstick
Women see through Boops and use him, knowing he is not intelligent.
They see him coming from miles away
Everyone can spot Boops from far away.
And for the hell of it they make him blow the weeks pay
People enjoy taking money from Boops for fun and not out of necessity.
He thinks he′s got class
Boops thinks he has class or sophistication.
They think he's an a
Others think Boops is simply foolish or stupid.
Behind his back they get the last laugh
Boops is unaware of how foolish he looks, and others are able to laugh at him behind his back.
Bass. The final frontier
The bass, or music, is the ultimate goal and destination.
Spending big and talking loud doing his best to be down with the in crowd
Boops tries to fit in with the popular crowd by spending a lot of money and being boastful.
Always the first to pick up the cheque but still yet he don′t get no respect
Boops tries to buy respect by paying for everything, but still doesn't receive it.
Si boops deh. With his arms open wide
A callout to all the Boops out there, welcoming them with open arms.
Si boops deh. Girls taken for a ride
Boops thinks he is attracting women, but they are only using him for personal gain.
You got to get here to go (Boogie) (Boogie)
You have to attend this party to dance.
Time to go
The song is ending, and it's time to leave the club.
Fire
The song is hot and exciting.
You got to get here to go (Boogie Boogie)
The party is so good, you have to arrive to understand why everyone is dancing.
Writer(s): Bill O. Laswell, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, William Earl Collins, Edmund Carl, Jr. Aiken
Contributed by Chloe H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-ze6hk3ox7v
Monumental track. I remember a different video though. Cartoonish i think. It must have been early 87.
@kirabouwerviraltyd
Genius track. RIP Robbie. Walk good 🇯🇲
@fradaja
All their productions are fantastic , all Grace jones , all their house , genre bending artists
@gandalfthegay420
This song has been pecking my head for ages...
Thank god I've finally found it again!
@baassik8419
When this first came out in '87, the strings section had me. I still have the cassette. (Yeah I said it!) Also love the longer version with raps. RIP Robbie! 𝄢
@MrOrangeDragon
Oh man, this takes me back!!!
Forgotten gem for sure❤❤
@imeka222
Top tune... Simple but infectious..
I remember this track back in the day before social media...
@stircrazysos
Proper original tune
@kevinmatthews9411
Straight up classic. Props to one of the best rhythm sections evah!
@petertyson4022
I've bought the album, back in the 80s. But never seen the video . tell now. 👍😊