The Prodigy first emerged in the underground rave scene in the early 1990s and achieved popularity and worldwide recognition with UK number one singles such as "Firestarter" and "Breathe", both singles coming from their UK and US chart topping album The Fat of the Land (1997). A third single from the album, “Smack My Bitch Up”, was also successful. They earned titles like "the premiere dance act for the alternative masses" and "the Godfathers of Rave", and remain one of the most successful electronic acts of all time. They have sold an estimated 25 million records worldwide, and won numerous music awards during their career, including two Brit Awards for Best British Dance Act, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Kerrang! Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards, and received two Grammy Award nominations.
The Prodigy were founded in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by keyboardist and songwriter Liam Howlett. He had taken piano lessons in his youth and gained the ability to play difficult passages in just a few run-throughs. After he decided to pursue a music career, Howlett met dancer and vocalist Keith Flint in mid-1989 at a rave at which Howlett was DJing. After Flint requested Howlett make a mix tape for him, Howlett obliged, returning a cassette several days later with a collection of his own songs on the other side. Howlett had scratched the word "Prodigy" onto the cassette, the same name as the Moog Prodigy analogue synthesiser, and Howlett's moniker. The tape was well-received by Flint and keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill who developed new dance sequences to the music and suggested to Howlett they begin a group together. They were soon joined by MC and vocalist Maxim, then known as Maxim Reality, and female dancer and vocalist Sharky, a friend of Flint's. Together they became the first line-up of the Prodigy.
On 4 March 2019, Keith Flint was found dead at his home in Essex, just weeks after playing six live dates in Australia and New Zealand. On 5 March, the band announced on Twitter that "all forthcoming concerts in 2019 would be canceled, effective immediately".
Following Flint's death, fans began using the Twitter hashtag "Firestarter4Number1" on various social media platforms to get "Firestarter" to top the British singles charts again. This was done out of respect for Keith Flint and to raise awareness of suicide among men.
On 20 August 2019, one day before his 48th birthday, Liam Howlett posted on the band's official Instagram page, saying he is "back in the studio making noise [...] brand new Prodigy tunes are gonna roll", referring to his intention to keep on releasing music under the Prodigy moniker.
Along with the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, the Prodigy have been credited as pioneers of the big beat genre, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s. The Prodigy, however, is not considered entirely representative of the genre as their production "often reflected the more intelligent edge of trip-hop, and rarely broke into the mindless arena of true big beat" according to AllMusic. The Prodigy are also considered alternative dance, techno, electronica, breakbeat hardcore, and rave.
Liam Howlett cited early electro as a big influence, mentioning tunes like "Clear" by American music group Cybotron and "Al Naafiysh" by Hashim. Liam Howlett also cited The Bomb Squad, Public Enemy, and Rage Against the Machine as influences.
03 Their Law
The Prodigy Lyrics
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I'm the law and you can't beat the law (Note)
I'm the law and you can't beat the law
I'm the law and you can't beat the law
Fuck 'em and their law
Crack down at sundown
Fuck 'em and their law
The Prodigy and Pop Will Eat Itself's "Their Law" is a song that portrays the rebellious attitude of punk culture against societal norms, particularly the law. The opening lyrics highlight the contempt for authority and the belief that the law is not always just. The repeated chorus, "I'm the law, and you can't beat the law" is ironic as it is sung by two bands who themselves have been on the receiving end of censorship and legal issues due to their music. The lyric "Fuck 'em and their law" reinforces this idea of defiance against the establishment.
The lyrics continue with "Crack down at sundown," which suggests a situation where law enforcement becomes more stringent at nightfall. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the disproportionate policing of certain communities, particularly communities of color. The song's message is not to incite violence or lawlessness but rather to encourage people to question the authority and to seek a fairer system.
Line by Line Meaning
What we're dealing with here is a total lack of respect for the law
The society we live in disregards authority and does not show any respect for the legal system.
I'm the law and you can't beat the law (Note)
The authority figure is stating that they are the law and cannot be defeated, expressing a sense of power and control over the situation.
I'm the law and you can't beat the law
The authority figure repeats their statement of power and control, emphasizing the idea that they are invincible.
I'm the law and you can't beat the law
The authority figure repeats their statement once again to drive home the message that they hold all the power and are untouchable.
Fuck 'em and their law
The artist expresses their disdain for the legal system and the rules it imposes, indicating a feeling of rebellion and refusal to conform.
Crack down at sundown
The implication here is that the authorities will heavily enforce their laws and punish anyone who does not comply, even in the evenings.
Fuck 'em and their law
The singer once again shows their contempt for the legal system and its regulations.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: LIAM HOWLETT, GRAHAM CHARLES CRABB, ADAM MULE, JOHN TOWNSEND, CLINTON DARRYL MANSELL, KERRY HAMMOND, RICHARD MARSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind