Their debut self-titled album Buttertones was released in 2013, followed by For the Head and For the Feet and American Brunch. Gravedigging would then be released in 2017 with Midnight in a Moonless Dream (2018) following. The band's most recent album is Jazzhound, released on April 10th, 2020.
Bebop
The Buttertones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Head fluttering full of bebop
Runner runner
Makes it all the funner
Don't bother me none
Won't you check my temp?
It's red-hot full of bebop
On your bike
On your bike now boy
On your bike
Flash a dirty eye
Face wrath from my birds and spikes
On your bike now boy
On your bike
Have something to say?
Have something to say bad about bebop?
I thought not
Can't afford to atone so I'll
Just put it on my tab
In my zone falling fast
Sonny wager where I'll land
Honey baby
Play me Cherokee
If you wanna bop with me little bumble bee
Play me Cherokee
I'm dead set on meeting my end
Dive and jive jolly
Jive and Dive dolly
Flash a pretty eye
Hear the sax start to cry
Officer I'm fine
Move to the back of the line
On your bike now boy
On your bike
Have something to say?
Have something to say bad about bebop?
Yeah you better not
The Buttertones' song "Bebop" is a nostalgic and vivid tribute to the jazz subgenre bebop, which emerged in the United States in the 1940s. The song's character, likely a jazz musician or a fan, boasts of having a head "full of bebop" that makes everything more exciting ("Runner runner / Makes it all the funner"). The persona is unapologetic about his love for bebop, challenging anyone who may have anything negative to say about the genre ("Have something to say bad about bebop? / I thought not").
The song's attitude towards bebop is intensified by the persona's disregard for authority and expectations ("Don't bother me none / Won't you check my temp? / It's red-hot full of bebop"). The persona is also willing to take risks and indulge in excess, using his "tab" to enjoy his time in his "zone falling fast" where he is "dead set on meeting [his] end." The song's metaphors and imagery evoke a sense of chaos, excitement, and even danger, as heard in lines such as "Face wrath from my birds and spikes" or "Hear the sax start to cry."
Overall, "Bebop" is a lively and rebellious celebration of a specific moment in jazz history and its cultural significance.
Line by Line Meaning
Head full of bebop
My mind is filled with bebop music.
Head fluttering full of bebop
My mind is so filled with bebop music that it makes me feel excited and restless.
Runner runner
Things are happening fast and frenzied, like a runner running.
Makes it all the funner
The fast pace and energy of bebop music makes it all the more enjoyable.
Don't bother me none
Bebop is so consuming that it blocks out any distractions or criticisms.
Won't you check my temp?
My passion for bebop is like a fever, and I want you to see how high it is.
It's red-hot full of bebop
My passion for bebop is intense and burning hot.
On your bike now boy
Leave me alone and go away, boy.
Flash a dirty eye
If you confront me, I will glare at you angrily and fiercely.
Face wrath from my birds and spikes
If you mess with me, you will face the anger of my friends and allies.
Have something to say?
Do you have an opinion or criticism to express?
Have something to say bad about bebop?
Do you have a negative opinion of bebop music?
I thought not
I knew you wouldn't have anything negative to say about bebop.
Can't afford to atone so I'll
I don't want to apologize, so instead I'll just ignore any criticisms and keep enjoying bebop.
Just put it on my tab
I'll deal with the consequences of my behavior and bills later.
In my zone falling fast
I am completely absorbed in the music and losing myself in its fast pace.
Sonny wager where I'll land
I'm taking a risk by letting the music take me wherever it leads me, without a clear destination.
Honey baby
An affectionate term for someone I'm trying to impress or seduce.
Play me Cherokee
Play a specific bebop song so I can dance and enjoy the music.
If you wanna bop with me little bumble bee
If you want to enjoy bebop music with me, then come along and dance.
I'm dead set on meeting my end
I'm so absorbed in the music that I feel like I could dance forever, until I collapse and die from exhaustion.
Dive and jive jolly
Dance and have a great time.
Jive and Dive dolly
Dance and enjoy the music with me, darling.
Flash a pretty eye
Give me a charming and alluring look.
Hear the sax start to cry
The saxophone is playing emotional and moving music.
Officer I'm fine
If anyone shows concern for my well-being due to my frenzied dance moves, I assure them I am okay.
Move to the back of the line
Anyone who is critical of my dancing should go to the back of the line and wait their turn.
Yeah you better not
You shouldn't have anything negative to say about bebop music, or you'll be in trouble.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: London Guzman, Modesto ‘Cobi’ Cobiån, Richard Araiza, Sean Redman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind