Us3's "You Can't Hold Me Down" is a groovy and infectious track that masterfully fuses jazz and hip-hop elements, creating a musical experience that's both nostalgic and contemporary. Released in 1993 as part of Us3's debut album "Hand on the Torch," this song is a standout example of the group's pioneering work in the realm of jazz-infused hip-hop.
**Us3:**
Us3 is a British jazz-rap group formed by producer Geoff Wilkinson. Their music is characterized by its innovative use of jazz samples and live instrumentation combined with hip-hop beats and lyrics. "Hand on the Torch" is considered a seminal album in the jazz-rap genre.
**Background:**
"You Can't Hold Me Down" is one of the key tracks on "Hand on the Torch," which itself is a landmark album that introduced the world to the fusion of jazz and hip-hop. The album sampled extensively from classic Blue Note jazz recordings, providing a rich foundation for the group's unique sound.
**Musical Style:**
The song features a hypnotic jazz piano riff sampled from Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island." This instantly recognizable melody is complemented by a laid-back hip-hop beat and smooth vocal delivery. The combination of these elements creates a groove that's impossible to resist.
**Sampling Mastery:**
"You Can't Hold Me Down" exemplifies Us3's sampling mastery. The group skillfully integrated jazz samples into their hip-hop compositions, effectively bridging the gap between these two distinct genres. The result is a track that pays homage to jazz classics while infusing them with a fresh, urban energy.
**Lyrics and Message:**
The song's lyrics touch on themes of self-empowerment and breaking free from constraints. The message of resilience and defiance is delivered with a confident and assertive flow, perfectly complementing the song's infectious rhythm.
**Cultural Impact:**
"You Can't Hold Me Down" and "Hand on the Torch" as a whole had a significant impact on the music landscape. It not only brought jazz to a new generation but also paved the way for the incorporation of live instrumentation and jazz samples into hip-hop, a style that would influence countless artists in the years to come.
**Timeless Appeal:**
Despite being released in the early '90s, "You Can't Hold Me Down" retains its timeless appeal. Its infectious groove, skillful sampling, and lyrical message continue to resonate with music lovers of all generations, making it a classic that transcends time and trends.
In conclusion, "You Can't Hold Me Down" by Us3 is a musical gem that represents the perfect marriage of jazz and hip-hop. It's a testament to the group's innovative approach to music, their sampling prowess, and their ability to create a sound that's both sophisticated and accessible. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, a hip-hop fan, or simply someone who appreciates the fusion of genres, this track remains a must-listen, reminding us that music has the power to break boundaries and create something truly unique.
You Can't Hold Me Down
Us3 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't hold me down
Why you all want to stress me for?
Can't a young man have fun anymore?
Been to more places than you ever saw
Why you always want to keep me poor?
Can't my world be cooler than yours?
Or is it my job to point out my flaws
Just because you got your mind on pause?
'Cause I ain't got no time tonight
For all the things that just ain't right
Like traffic lights and crowded trains
Tonight it just won't be the same
You can't hold me down
Ain't gonna be pushed around
You can't hold me down
Ain't gonna be pushed around
Why you always want to try and stop me?
I don't think you can really top me
Can't my car be quicker than yours?
Or is it my job to always wipe floors?
Don't blame me for the way I live
My work is done, it's time to give
I don't think you should get all mad
Just because I want to groove so bad
You can sit down and let the world
Bring you down in that spiral twirl
You can't penetrate the crust
And rise above the ice like us
'Cause I ain't got no time tonight
For all the things that just ain't right
Like traffic lights and crowded trains
Tonight it just won't be the same
You can't hold me down
Ain't gonna be pushed around
You can't hold me down
Ain't gonna be pushed around
Why you always look at me so wrong?
Just because I wear my hair so long?
Can't my world be bigger than yours?
Or is it my job to always break laws?
Can't my talk be smoother than yours?
Why you always want to shut your doors?
I ain't got no time for your wars
You don't have to worry about me no more
'Cause I ain't got no time tonight
For all the things that just ain't right
Like traffic lights and crowded trains
Tonight it just won't be the same
You can't hold me down
Ain't gonna be pushed around
You can't hold me down
Ain't gonna be pushed around
You can't hold me down
Ain't gonna be pushed around
You can't hold me down
Ain't gonna be pushed around
The first couple of lines of Us3's song You Can't Hold Me Down conveys the message that the singer is feeling stifled by the expectations of the world around him. He's tired of being stressed out and wants to be able to have fun without being told what to do. The singer has experienced much of the world and has a different perspective than those trying to bring him down. He's allowed to live his life the way he wants, and he's not going to let them control him.
The following lines of the song describe how the singer wants to break free from the constraints society has placed on him. He wants to drive a fast car, talk how he wants to, and smoke if he wants to. He's tired of being blamed for how he lives his life, and he's ready to enjoy himself without any interference from others. The chorus emphasizes that he won't be pushed down or held back by anyone.
The last lines of the song convey the message that the singer doesn't need anyone else to worry about him, he's going to live his life how he wants regardless of anyone else's opinion. He's not going to let anyone else drag him down into their problems; he's going to rise above it all.
Overall, You Can't Hold Me Down is a song about breaking free from the expectations of society and living life on one's own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't hold me down
I can't be controlled or restricted by anyone
Why you all want to stress me for?
Why do you constantly try to hassle me and cause me anxiety?
Can't a young man have fun anymore?
Is it a crime for a young man to enjoy himself?
Been to more places than you ever saw
I've traveled to more locations and seen more things than you have
Why you always want to keep me poor?
Why do you constantly try to keep me financially restricted?
Can't my world be cooler than yours?
Is it wrong for my lifestyle and interests to differ from yours?
Keep a smoke in between my jaws
I like to smoke cigarettes and it's my choice to do so
Or is it my job to point out my flaws
Are you criticizing me in order to make yourself feel better?
Just because you got your mind on pause?
Is it because you lack motivation or have a narrow-minded perspective?
'Cause I ain't got no time tonight
I'm too busy to waste my time on this
For all the things that just ain't right
Things that are unfair, unjust or not aligned with my values and beliefs
Like traffic lights and crowded trains
Everyday mundane things that I find frustrating or annoying
Tonight it just won't be the same
I'm going to do what I want tonight and it won't be the same as the past
Ain't gonna be pushed around
I refuse to be bullied, coerced, or dominated
Why you always want to try and stop me?
Why do you feel the need to prevent me from doing something I want to do?
I don't think you can really top me
I don't believe you can surpass me in anything
Can't my car be quicker than yours?
Can't I have or do something better than you?
Or is it my job to always wipe floors?
Is it my duty to always do the menial jobs while you reap the benefits?
Don't blame me for the way I live
I'm not responsible for how you perceive or judge my lifestyle
My work is done, it's time to give
I've finished what I have to do, now I want to enjoy myself and give back to myself
Just because I want to groove so bad
Just because I want to dance, relax and have a good time
You can sit down and let the world bring you down in that spiral twirl
You can choose to let the world and its problems bring you down in a never-ending cycle
You can't penetrate the crust and rise above the ice like us
You can't break through the hard outer layer and rise to the top like we can
Why you always look at me so wrong?
Why do you always give me disapproving or judgmental looks?
Just because I wear my hair so long?
Just because I don't conform to traditional hairstyles or grooming habits
Or is it my job to always break laws?
Is it my responsibility to always challenge authority and break rules?
Can't my talk be smoother than yours?
Is it wrong for me to articulate or communicate differently from you?
Why you always want to shut your doors?
Why are you trying to distance yourself from me and what I represent?
I ain't got no time for your wars
I'm not interested in engaging in conflict or drama with you
You don't have to worry about me no more
You don't have to be concerned with my life choices or well-being
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: GEOFFREY WILKINSON, MICHAEL WADDELL, NATHANIEL EDWIN ADDERLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind