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.
Wind It Up
The Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wind it up!
Equal rights and justice in this time.
Wind it up!
Equal rights and justice in this time.
Wind it up!
Equal rights and justice in this time.
Wind it up
We go around.
We go around.
The lyrics to The Prodigy's song Wind It Up are a rallying cry for equal rights and justice. The repetition of the phrase "Wind it up!" at the beginning of every line emphasises the urgency and importance of the message. The phrase "Equal rights and justice in this time" is repeated three times in the chorus, driving home the point that these issues cannot be ignored or put off until later. The line "We go around" is a call to action, urging listeners to take part in the fight for equality and justice.
This song was released in 1992 as part of The Prodigy's debut album, Experience. The album and the song were both hugely successful, with Wind It Up becoming a hit on dancefloors across the globe. The song's combination of pounding beats, catchy melody, and socially conscious lyrics made it stand out from other club anthems of the time. Interestingly, the phrase "Wind it up!" was actually a sample from an old funk track called "Let It Loose" by the group Jimmy Castor Bunch.
Line by Line Meaning
Wind it up!
Let's get this party started and get everyone moving!
Wind it up!
Keep the energy high and the excitement flowing!
Equal rights and justice in this time.
We need fairness and equality for all, and we demand it now!
Wind it up!
Let's keep the momentum going and have a great time together!
Equal rights and justice in this time.
We cannot ignore the struggles faced by marginalized groups, and we must work towards a better future.
Wind it up!
Don't let the music stop and keep the rhythm going strong!
Equal rights and justice in this time.
The fight for social justice is ongoing and we will not stop until everyone is treated fairly.
We go around.
Life keeps moving and we need to keep pushing forward and experiencing new things.
We go around.
The world keeps turning and we must adapt and change with each passing day.
We go around.
Time waits for no one, so let's make the most of every moment and live life to the fullest.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LIAM HOWLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@freethinker4liberty
We all grew up in an age when we did not want to. I always wish I was born either years before or years after I was, just not when I actually was, and it's very true. 200 years ago, 2000 years ago, perfect.. 2000 years in the future.. great.. now? the worst time in history, but the 60s-90s make it worth while, at least we can listen and enjoy. I lived the 90s in my late teens and loved it, but still wanted to be elsewhen.
@pinkartist1210
Pioneers of modern dance. Heroes who lead by example and stayed true to there origins- UK rave. X
@xmoiox_
2021?
@jkrenz77
This was my gateway drug if you will
@VladimirTolochko-ei4sp
2022 !!!
@user-gc6pb8gh6v
R.I.P. Keith
@teglarakas
Today and forever... 🖤❤
@uve2bjoking
BREAKBEAT RAVING 90's... LUV THIS SHIT!
@christopherpalmer7879
Prodigy. Says it all.
@Provadd
Why was the track "Wind It Up" removed from streaming platforms on the "Experience" album?😢😢😢