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.
Champions of London
The Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a champion
Like a champion
Like a champion
Like a champion
Like a champion
Like a champion
Like a champion
Champions of London
Champions of London
Champions of London
In the city, city of undone
Champions of London
Champions of London
Champions of London
In the city, city of undone
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion
Bassline drama, cuts through your armour
Dobson to Brixton, the friction
Bassline drama, cuts through your armour
Dobson to Brixton, the friction
Champions of London
Champions of London
Champions of London
In the city, city of undone
Champions of London
Champions of London
Champions of London
In the city, city of undone
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion
Like a champion
Like a champion
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Civil unrest
Grab the bullet proof vest
Civil unrest
Grab the bullet proof vest
Civil unrest
Grab the bullet proof vest
Civil unrest
Grab the bullet proof vest
The Prodigy's "Champions of London" is a song about power and dominance. The repetition of the phrase "Like a champion" in the beginning sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics "Champions of London" are repeated throughout the song, suggesting that the band, like so many others, have a sense of pride in their hometown. It could also be interpreted as the band's assertion that they are the champions of the London music scene or that London itself is the champion city. The line "In the city, city of undone" suggests that while London may have great potential, it is also a place of chaos and failure.
The rest of the song seems to be about the energy and intensity of bass-heavy music, punching through the chaos of the city. The lyrics "Bassline drama, cuts through your armour, Dobson to Brixton, the friction" gives an idea of the hard, driving beats that seem to be penetrating the very soul of London, from the affluent Dobson to the rough and tumble of Brixton. The imagery here is of a powerful force that is unstoppable, a force that creates champions. The lyrics "Watch the rhythm like a champion, done" are a reminder that to be a champion, you must always stay attuned to the rhythm and the beat.
Overall, "Champions of London" is an anthem for the power of music and the pride of place, with an undercurrent of rebellion and resistance. The song suggests that even in the chaos of the city, there is a force that can bring people together and make them champions.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a champion
With the skill and confidence of a winner
Champions of London
We are the best in this city
In the city, city of undone
In a chaotic, turbulent urban environment
Watch the rhythm like a champion, done
Pay close attention to the beat and move skillfully
Bassline drama, cuts through your armour
The powerful bass sound breaks through your defenses
Dobson to Brixton, the friction
The tension and conflict between different parts of the city
Civil unrest
Society is in turmoil and upheaval
Grab the bullet proof vest
Prepare for violence and protect yourself
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Liam Howlett, Keith Flint, Keith Palmer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind