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.
Get Up Get Off
The Prodigy Lyrics
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If you want to get
I hate people that ain't movin' their shoes
And I hate everybody that I see not feelin' my groove
I like rhymes that be quick as we be takin' the bar
But I hate everybody that don't like electric guitars and I
Hate people who think they can dose up their medicine fuckin' with venom and I twista
Only model with the ones that got the wickedest drawers
Kick it with y'all
But I hate phony ass people
And I hate having no dro
And I hate bitchy-ass clubs that don't be having no bitches that break it down to the floor
And I hate when I can't help somebody
And I hate when I ain't got dough
And I hate everyone feeling twista and prodigy rockin' music party music control
You've got to get up
If you want to get off
Keep your eyes open
So I can stop you from blinking
Make you feel
Try to see what you're thinking
Through the hole in your dome while I'm holding my own
Get so cold in the zone I'm destroying my clone
I can fill the fucking room up with torture and pain
Lyrical is coursing my veins
It's the trilogy of terror
From my era
Agility that I scare ya because I hate ya'll
The lyrics to The Prodigy's song Get Up Get Off urge listeners to move and get into the groove. The song celebrates music and the energy it brings, but it also conveys a sense of anger and frustration towards people and situations that prevent individuals from enjoying themselves. The opening lines of the song clearly state the message: "You got to get up if you want to get off." This command echoes throughout the song and encourages listeners to participate in the music and dance.
The lyrics go on to express the singer's dislike of people who are not moving and engaging with the music. The sense of frustration is palpable, and The Prodigy's signature intensity is on full display. The singer is passionate about music and dislikes anyone who does not share this same enthusiasm. The lyrics also convey a desire to connect with listeners and bring them into the music in a meaningful way. The chorus urges listeners to open their eyes, feel the music, and even try to anticipate the singer's next move.
Overall, the lyrics to Get Up Get Off express a deep-seated love of music and a frustration with people who do not appreciate it. The song is a call to action, encouraging listeners to get lost in the beat and leave their problems behind.
Line by Line Meaning
You got to get up
You need to take action in order to achieve your goals.
If you want to get
Achieving success requires hard work and perseverance.
I hate people that ain't movin' their shoes
I dislike those who are not dancing or enjoying the music with me.
And I hate everybody that I see not feelin' my groove
I dislike those who do not appreciate or enjoy the music that I am creating.
I like rhymes that be quick as we be takin' the bar
I appreciate and enjoy fast-paced and clever lyrics in music.
But I hate everybody that don't like electric guitars and I
I do not like those who do not appreciate or enjoy rock music that has electric guitars in it.
Hate people who think they can dose up their medicine fuckin' with venom and I twista
I dislike those who abuse prescription medications and recreational drugs.
Show them the force I'd like to see somebody talkin shit get turned up a corpse
I want to demonstrate my power and ability to those who criticize or disrespect me.
Only model with the ones that got the wickedest drawers
I only associate with those who have the best skills and abilities in their field.
Kick it with y'all
I enjoy spending time with those who appreciate and enjoy the same things as me.
But I hate phony ass people
I dislike individuals who are fake or insincere.
And I hate having no dro
I do not like being without marijuana or other drugs.
And I hate bitchy-ass clubs that don't be having no bitches that break it down to the floor
I am not a fan of clubs that do not have a lively and energetic crowd.
And I hate when I can't help somebody
It bothers me when I am unable to assist or support someone in need.
And I hate when I ain't got dough
I do not like being broke or without money.
And I hate everyone feeling twista and prodigy rockin' music party music control
I dislike those who do not appreciate or enjoy the music that Twista and I create.
Keep your eyes open
Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what's happening.
So I can stop you from blinking
I want you to be completely focused on what I'm doing or saying, so don't blink.
Make you feel
I want to elicit an emotional response from you through my music or words.
Try to see what you're thinking
I want to understand your thoughts and feelings in order to connect better with you.
Through the hole in your dome while I'm holding my own
I am trying to understand your perspective while maintaining my own opinions and ideas.
Get so cold in the zone I'm destroying my clone
I am so focused on my craft and creating art that I am destroying any imitations or copies of my work.
I can fill the fucking room up with torture and pain
I can create a powerful and emotional atmosphere with my music or words.
Lyrical is coursing my veins
Music and lyricism run deep through my being and make me who I am.
It's the trilogy of terror
My music or words represent a series of powerful, overwhelming emotions.
From my era
My art reflects the time and culture in which I create it.
Agility that I scare ya because I hate ya'll
My quick wit and clever rhymes may intimidate or scare those who do not appreciate my art.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHAHIN BADAR, LIAM HOWLETT, JULIET LEWIS, CARL(TWISTA) MITCHELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind