The band's rap-rock hybrid style was influential on several groups, such as Rage Against the Machine and a late 1980's tour with the Beastie Boys was what convinced the latter group to return performing their own instruments. UDS' single "Deeper Shade of Soul" was a hit in the United States, peaking at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Band members:
Rudeboy Remington (real name: Patrick Titon) (vocals)
Tres Manos (real name: René van Barneveld) (guitar)
Silly Sil (real name: Silvano Matadin) (bass)
Magic Stick (real name: Michel Schoots) (drums)
DJ DNA (real name: Arjen de Vreede) (turntable)
Official UDS website: www.uds.nl
Prayer For My Demo
Urban Dance Squad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
finished the touch, hope for the best
behind my back, uds the band
forcin' a priest to bless my cassette
dealin' with armies of unbelievers
leave us, deceive us, with rolled gold
though the bubble-'o-soap ain't bursting
who'll relieve us of the burden
Hold a banner, panel of fans nod head
judge unanimous for my interpretation
ten for my manner of speech my man
I should be happy as a clam
I feel perspiration, sweat from my neck to my hands
hands shake, though I hold a mojo-rope
I know the big dome heard my jam
but his eyes are fixed on the other side of the globe
too much pressure is too much
I tap a fan's back to be my bro'
while the rhymes are bust, it's you I trust
just say a little prayer for my demo
The opening lines of "Equipped and packed with a funky jam, finished the touch, hope for the best" reveal the singer has just finished recording a demo and is optimistic the final product will be well-received. However, the following lines indicate the singer's anxiety, as they describe "dealing with armies of unbelievers" and worrying that "my style's getting old." The singer is seeking validation and support from their fans, asking them to "hold a banner" in support of their music. The lines "I feel perspiration, sweat from my neck to my hands, hands shake, though I hold a mojo-rope" indicate the intense pressure the singer is feeling as they wait to see if their demo will be successful. In the end, they turn to their fans, asking them to "just say a little prayer for my demo."
Overall, the song depicts the struggles of an up-and-coming musician trying to make it in an industry that can be harsh and unforgiving. The singer is aware of the obstacles they face, but remains hopeful and determined to succeed. They also recognize the importance of having a supportive fan base and are willing to depend on them to help achieve their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Equipped and packed with a funky jam
I have created a great song with a funky groove and I am ready to share it with the world.
Finished the touch, hope for the best
I have put the finishing touches on my song and I hope it is well-received by listeners.
Behind my back, uds the band
I have the support of my band Urban Dance Squad, even when they are not physically present.
Forcin' a priest to bless my cassette
I am so desperate for success that I am willing to resort to superstition, such as having a priest bless my demo tape.
Deal with armies of unbelievers
There are many people who doubt my talent and potential for success in the music industry.
Leave us, deceive us, with rolled gold
Others may try to deceive us with false promises of wealth and fame if we compromise our values and artistic integrity.
Though the bubble-'o-soap ain't bursting
Despite my current level of success and popularity, I worry that it may not last and could suddenly disappear.
Who'll relieve us of the burden
I am searching for someone or something that can help me cope with the stress and pressure of being a musician.
My style's getting old
I am concerned that my musical style and approach may be becoming outdated or unoriginal.
Hold a banner, panel of fans nod head
I am performing for a crowd of fans who are supportive and enthusiastic about my music.
Judge unanimous for my interpretation
The fans are all in agreement that they appreciate and enjoy my artistic expression and interpretation of music.
Ten for my manner of speech my man
My fans particularly enjoy my lyrical style and the way that I convey my message through my music.
I should be happy as a clam
I have reason to be content and satisfied with my success, but I still feel anxious and uncertain about the future.
I feel perspiration, sweat from my neck to my hands
I am nervous and anxious about my performance, which is causing me to sweat and feel physically uncomfortable.
Hands shake, though I hold a mojo-rope
Even though I have a good luck charm, I am still feeling nervous and unsure about my performance.
I know the big dome heard my jam
I am confident that important industry figures and decision-makers have heard my music and are paying attention to me.
But his eyes are fixed on the other side of the globe
Despite the fact that my music is being heard, the industry may be more interested in international or mainstream artists than in my work.
Too much pressure is too much
The stress and pressure of making music and trying to achieve success is becoming overwhelming and difficult to bear.
I tap a fan's back to be my bro'
I am reaching out to my fans for support and encouragement, hoping that they can help me through this difficult time.
While the rhymes are bust, it's you I trust
Even when my lyrics and delivery may not be perfect, I trust in the loyalty and love of my fans to support me.
Just say a little prayer for my demo
I am asking my fans to pray for the success of my demo tape and my career as a musician and artist.
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Clyde Smith
UDS for LIFE...I first heard these guys in 1990 or 91 on the US TV show Pump it Up and they played the No Kid video...been a fan ever since and I LOVE this clip and this is proof that UDS invented the perfect fusion of hard rock and hip hop well before RATM etc
vergedrums
Saw you guys at Cabaret Metro in Chicago back around 1990-91. What a fantastic show! I've been a big fan ever since, and still listen to UDS regularly!! Also, I love your new thing with "Woke"!!
Rodolfo Batista
Grande Banda conheci eles pelo clipe da música "Deeper shade of soul" que vi na antiga MTV Brasil, depois descobri os outros álbum que são muito bons, por sinal comprei uma bateria por causa da banda, queria ter visto eles tocando ao vivo, quem sabe no futuro próximo.✌️🙏
The Undisco Kidd
This album and seeing you guys on Pinkpop 1990....just wow.
That1Guy
Saw you guys playing with the Limbo Maniacs in like 89-90 at the Stone in San Francisco. It was life changing for everyone there! Thanks for the music
visionthng69
ago) in Times Square, NYC in support of their 2nd lp. They were Blistering Live! My theory is that each member was so different in style/age/influences, etc. That when they finally gelled together after a couple of songs They became a living breathing Beast of a Band... It's tragic They didn't get more recognition
Emilio dakafka Croes
Demo sounds nice ❤
Marie Laure
I spinned your records on a radio and Saw you in Bordeaux in the 90's i still love your music
🤘
Kevin Krochak
It's Mental Floss for the Brain!!! Thank you for posting this masterpiece!
SGtem
Saw these guys at Trees in Deep Ellum Dallas Tx 1990 .. crazy!!! This brief first wave of Rapp Rock before they called Nu Metal was so much fun!!!!