Young M.C. (born Marvin Young, May 10, 1967) is a British-American hip-hop … Read Full Bio ↴Young M.C. (born Marvin Young, May 10, 1967) is a British-American hip-hop artist who was most popular for his 1989 hit "Bust a Move", which won him the 1990 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance and helped to push rap music as a whole into the mainstream. His first album, 'Stone Cold Rhymin'', is generally seen as a brilliant pop rap album. It was released on Delicious Vinyl Records and re-issued by Rhino Records. After he left Delicious Vinyl Records, his career took a dive from which he never recovered.

He was born on May 10th, 1967 in London, England, but was raised in Queens, New York. After graduating from Hunter College High School in New York City, he moved to the opposite coast to attend the University of Southern California, where he earned his bachelor's degree in economics. His debt album found him working with seminal producers such as the Dust Brothers and earned him the #9 spot on the Billboard 200 top albums chart, with other singles "I Come Off" and "Principal's Office" also receiving considerable airplay.

As well as devising "Bust a Move", he also co-wrote the hits "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina" by Tone Loc. Young M.C. has also appeared in Taco Bell commercials and other occasional TV spots. For example, in 2006, Young M.C. returned to the spotlight by appearing on VH1's 'Celebrity Fit Club 3'. His iconic song, although saddling him with the label of being a 'one-hit-wonder', has been included in numerous multi-artist collections and has also been often covered by artists, notably including the Glee Cast.

Inside My Head
Young M.C. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Chorus 1: (spoken)
This song will discuss four main parts of the brain.
The cerebrum, the cerebellum, the limbic system and the brain stem.
And one individual's use or misuse of these parts.

Inside my head, or inside my brain
Is that part of me which keeps me sane
Which helps me discern between right and wrong

And other things I'm gonna talk about in this song
It's time for the people to know, so now I tell 'em
What goes in my cerebrum and my cerebellum
The though process that helps me get dressed
Get up and go to school, sit down and take a test
It helps me determine if a girl is fine
And the steps necessary to make her mine
It tells me if something is cold or hot
And I don't mess it up with crack, coke, or pot
It helps my hearing, taste, touch and sight
And smell so that I can tell that everything's alright
It tells me when to get up and when to go to bed
This is some of what goes on inside my head
Inside my head, I wonder what might happen
If the day came and I stopped rappin'
Would I still have friends or be all alone
Do they like me for me or for the microphone
And also, when I go on a date
To a fancy restaurant, a hundred dollars a plate
And people stare, is it because they recognize me
Or are they knee-jerk reacting to what they see
I'm sorry, let me make it somewhat clear
Do they look with joy or do they look with fear
Do they think 'oh wow, Young MC is near'
Or do they think, 'yo, get that nigga out of here'
I don't know, it's an unfortunate case
That I can't read your mind when I see your face
But on the other hand, you can't read mine
So I guess that the status quo's just fine
For instance, say I'm in a tall building
Looking out the window, what if I illed and
Jumped out, would it really matter to some
And if they had my funeral, just who would come
Would they cry for me after I was gone
Well don't worry, that's not how I'm gonna move on
'Cause I want to go to heaven after I am dead
But this is what I goes on inside my head

Chorus 2: (spoken)
The cerebrum is the part of the brain which is responsible for thinking,
reasoning, problem solving, and initiating responses to external stimuli. It
is comprised of four lobes: the frontal, which is concerned with speech and
voluntary muscle activity. The partietal, which is concerned with the
interpretation of sensory stimuli, the temporal, which is concerned with
auditory stimuli or hearing. And the occipital lobe, which is concerned with
the interpretation of visual stimuli. It is the development of the cerebrum
in humans which distinguishes us from other living creatures. Only whales
and dolphins have comparable cerebral development.

Inside my head, pretty women reign supreme
Because they enter my live and dominate my dreams
I see one walking down the avenue freely
And I look her up and down hoping that she don't see me
Then I wonder, what if the girl just stopped
Threw me on the ground and she got on top
And moved and grooved until our bodies were slick
Then I stop and say 'man, that's sick'
But I'm not alone in this train of thought
A lot of people think it, but they don't get caught
They just live their lives and keep it all inside
Another secret that the brain will hide,
Right, I wonder what it's like to live life wild
I wonder which women will have my child
Will I be a good parent, or will I be cold
Then I imagine I'm five years old
I'm running down the street without a care in the world
Puberty's later, so I don't think about girls
Mom and Dad will do whatever I say
They think it's really cute to see their son play
Responsibility is like a four letter word
They say they told me something, I'll say I never heard
Forget growing up, I'll be a kid instead
Because this is what goes on inside my head

Chorus 3: (spoken)
The cerebellum is located below the occtipal lobe and behind the brain stem.
It takes impulses from the rest of the brain and helps translate them into
coordinated muscle movements. Any muscular activity, from brute strength to
a steady hand, requires a high degree of cerebellum input. The brain stem is
located just above the base of the skull, and is the continuous connection
between the brain and the spinal cord. The lowest part of the brain stem or
The medullah oblongata actually becomes the spinal cord at the medullah's
lowest point and is concerned with the waking and sleeping states.

Inside my head, there are so many questions to answer
And self-doubt grows in my mind like cancer
But I make sure that my thoughts are pure
And my self-confidence is like a cancer cure
So someone tell me why I think I'm fat
When none of my friends ever think like that
And could it be I'm not as ugly as I feel
Because a lot of women think I've got sex appeal
And is it true, that I'm just too commercial
Not black enough cause I'm not controversial
Is it true what religious fanatics tell
If I don't go to your church then I'm going to hell
And is it true, that I'm obliged to try
To please everyone with music I supply
And is it true, that it will make me strong
If I sleep with a women cause she likes my song
And is it true that I'm not a real black man
If I fall in love with somebody who needs a tan
And is it true that I have to try to be
Some type of superhero, cause I'm Young MC
And is it true, that I have to watch myself
Because I think about sex more than anyone else
And is it true, that every women is fake
'cause she don't like me for me but for the money I make
And is it true that I must be out of place
Since pop radio likes me, I'm ignoring my race
And is it true what some people will complain
That since I made this song I must be insane
Hell no, these are just negative thoughts
And I just ignore them so I won't get caught
I let my heart lead and my brain be led
Because this is what goes on inside my head

Chorus 4: (spoken)
The limbic system or the visceral brain is located in the area above the
brain stem and below the cerebrum. It is concerned with emotional tone,
habitual tendencies, sexual behavior and desires, and is closely associated
with the cerebrum. This association provides an inhibition for the raw
emotional output of the limbic system. It is the artist's opinion that the
concept of self-control rests upon the cerebrum's ability to regulate the

uninhibited emotional impulses of the limbic system. And for me, the
struggle continues.

Overall Meaning

The song "Inside My Head" by Young MC is a deep and introspective look into the artist's thoughts and musings about his own brain and its various parts. The lyrics of the song are divided into four parts, each discussing a different part of the brain and its function. The cerebrum is responsible for thinking, problem-solving, and interpreting external stimuli. The cerebellum helps with coordinated muscle movements, and the brain stem is the continuous connection between the brain and spinal cord, helping with waking and sleeping states. Finally, the limbic system is concerned with emotional tone, sexual behavior and desires, and is closely associated with the cerebrum.

Throughout the song, Young MC muses about various things that go on inside his head, including wondering if people like him for him or just for his microphone, questioning his own self-image, and pondering what it would be like to live life wild. He also dives into deeper and more controversial topics such as religion, race, and sex, questioning the need to please everyone and recognizing negative thoughts that he must ignore so as not to get caught up in them.

The song clearly showcases Young MC's knack for introspection and self-awareness, as his lyrics are both thoughtful and reflective. While the song may seem simple on the surface, the deep introspection and exploration of such complex topics make it a truly insightful piece of music.

Line by Line Meaning

Inside my head, or inside my brain
The internal part of me that controls my thoughts and actions

Is that part of me which keeps me sane
It is responsible for maintaining my mental stability

Which helps me discern between right and wrong
Enables me to differentiate between what is morally correct and incorrect

And other things I'm gonna talk about in this song
As well as various other topics I will discuss in this song

It's time for the people to know, so now I tell 'em
It is important for others to understand, so I share it with them

What goes in my cerebrum and my cerebellum
The thoughts and processes that occur in my cerebrum and cerebellum

The thought process that helps me get dressed
The mental process that assists me in choosing my attire

Get up and go to school, sit down and take a test
Enables me to attend school and perform academically

It helps me determine if a girl is fine
Aids in my assessment of a girl's attractiveness

And the steps necessary to make her mine
And the actions I need to take to establish a romantic connection

It tells me if something is cold or hot
Allows me to perceive temperature sensations accurately

And I don't mess it up with crack, coke, or pot
And I refrain from impairing it with drug abuse

It helps my hearing, taste, touch and sight
Enhances my ability to perceive and interpret auditory, gustatory, tactile, and visual stimuli

And smell, so that I can tell that everything's alright
And olfaction, enabling me to assess the safety and well-being of my environment

It tells me when to get up and when to go to bed
Regulates my sleep-wake cycle and daily routine

This is some of what goes on inside my head
These are just a few of the processes occurring within my brain

Inside my head, I wonder what might happen
Internally, I contemplate potential outcomes

If the day came and I stopped rappin'
If the day arrived when I no longer pursued rapping

Would I still have friends or be all alone
Would I maintain my friendships or become isolated

Do they like me for me or for the microphone
Do they appreciate me as an individual or solely for my musical talent

And also, when I go on a date
Furthermore, when I engage in a romantic encounter

To a fancy restaurant, a hundred dollars a plate
To an upscale dining establishment with expensive cuisine

And people stare, is it because they recognize me
If people gaze at me, is it due to recognizing me

Or are they knee-jerk reacting to what they see
Or are they simply responding instinctively to my appearance

I'm sorry, let me make it somewhat clear
Apologies, allow me to clarify my point

Do they look with joy or do they look with fear
Do they exhibit happiness or fear in their expressions

Do they think 'oh wow, Young MC is near'
Do they have a positive reaction of 'wow, Young MC is in proximity'

Or do they think, 'yo, get that nigga out of here'
Or do they possess a negative sentiment of wanting me to leave

I don't know, it's an unfortunate case
I am uncertain, it is a regrettable situation

That I can't read your mind when I see your face
I am unable to discern your thoughts when observing your facial expression

But on the other hand, you can't read mine
Similarly, you cannot comprehend my thoughts

So I guess that the status quo's just fine
Therefore, I suppose the current state of affairs is acceptable

For instance, say I'm in a tall building
For example, imagine I am in a skyscraper

Looking out the window, what if I illed and
Observing the view from the window, what if I succumbed

Jumped out, would it really matter to some
Leapt from the building, would it have any significance to certain individuals

And if they had my funeral, just who would come
And if they arranged my funeral, who would attend

Would they cry for me after I was gone
Would they shed tears for me once I have departed

Well don't worry, that's not how I'm gonna move on
However, do not fret, as that is not my intended path

'Cause I want to go to heaven after I am dead
As I desire to reach heaven upon my demise

But this is what goes on inside my head
Nevertheless, these are the thoughts occurring within my mind

Inside my head, pretty women reign supreme
Within my thoughts, attractive women hold great influence

Because they enter my life and dominate my dreams
As they enter my life and occupy my dreams extensively

I see one walking down the avenue freely
When I observe a woman strolling along the street without restraints

And I look her up and down hoping that she don't see me
I examine her appearance in the hope that she does not notice my gaze

Then I wonder, what if the girl just stopped
Subsequently, I contemplate the scenario where the girl suddenly halts

Threw me on the ground and she got on top
Throws me to the ground and assumes a dominant position

And moved and grooved until our bodies were slick
And engages in vigorous movements until our bodies become sweaty

Then I stop and say 'man, that's sick'
But then I pause and express a sense of disbelief, saying 'wow, that's outrageous'

But I'm not alone in this train of thought
However, I am not the only one who entertains such thoughts

A lot of people think it, but they don't get caught
Many individuals have similar thoughts, but they manage to keep them private

They just live their lives and keep it all inside
They simply continue with their lives, concealing these thoughts internally

Another secret that the brain will hide
Yet another secret that the mind conceals

Right, I wonder what it's like to live life wild
Indeed, I ponder the experience of living a carefree and uninhibited existence

I wonder which women will have my child
I contemplate the idea of fathering children with different women

Will I be a good parent, or will I be cold
Am I destined to be a nurturing and supportive parent or distant and uninvolved

Then I imagine I'm five years old
At that moment, I envision myself as a child of five years old

I'm running down the street without a care in the world
I am sprinting along the street, completely carefree

Puberty's later, so I don't think about girls
As puberty has yet to occur, I am not preoccupied with thoughts of romance

Mom and Dad will do whatever I say
My parents diligently obey my every command

They think it's really cute to see their son play
They find joy in observing their son engaging in childish activities

Responsibility is like a four letter word
The concept of responsibility is perceived as burdensome

They say they told me something, I'll say I never heard
If they claim to have informed me of something, I deny ever hearing it

Forget growing up, I'll be a kid instead
Rather than embracing adulthood, I prefer to maintain a childlike mindset

Because this is what goes on inside my head
Because these are the thoughts that occupy my mind

Inside my head, there are so many questions to answer
There exists a multitude of unanswered questions within my mind

And self-doubt grows in my mind like cancer
Feelings of uncertainty and lack of confidence increase rapidly

But I make sure that my thoughts are pure
However, I strive to ensure that my thoughts remain virtuous

And my self-confidence is like a cancer cure
My strong belief in myself acts as a remedy for insecurity

So someone tell me why I think I'm fat
Consequently, I want someone to explain to me why I perceive myself as overweight

When none of my friends ever think like that
Despite the fact that none of my friends share this belief

And could it be I'm not as ugly as I feel
Perhaps I am not as unattractive as I perceive myself to be

Because a lot of women think I've got sex appeal
Considering that many women find me sexually attractive

And is it true, that I'm just too commercial
Is it accurate to say that I am overly focused on commercial success

Not black enough 'cause I'm not controversial
Am I considered less authentically black since I do not court controversy

Is it true what religious fanatics tell
Are the assertions made by religious extremists accurate

If I don't go to your church then I'm going to hell
That if I do not attend a specific church, I will be condemned to hell

And is it true, that I'm obliged to try
Furthermore, am I obligated to attempt

To please everyone with music I supply
To satisfy every individual with the music I create

And is it true, that it will make me strong
Is it valid to claim that this will make me emotionally resilient

If I sleep with a woman 'cause she likes my song
That engaging in sexual relations with a woman because she enjoys my music will empower me

And is it true that I'm not a real black man
Is it accurate to assert that I do not embody the essence of black masculinity

If I fall in love with somebody who needs a tan
If I develop romantic feelings for someone with a lighter complexion

And is it true that I have to try to be
And am I required to make an effort to become

Some type of superhero, 'cause I'm Young MC
A sort of superhero because of my identity as Young MC

And is it true, that I have to watch myself
Is it necessary for me to constantly monitor my actions

Because I think about sex more than anyone else
Due to me having more frequent thoughts about sexual matters than others

And is it true, that every woman is fake
That all women are deceitful or inauthentic

'Cause she don't like me for me but for the money I make
Since she is only attracted to me because of the wealth I possess

And is it true that I must be out of place
Is it accurate to claim that I am out of sync with my surroundings

Since pop radio likes me, I'm ignoring my race
As mainstream radio stations appreciate my music, I am disregarding my racial identity

And is it true what some people will complain
Do the complaints made by certain individuals hold any truth

That since I made this song I must be insane
That my creation of this song implies my mental instability

Hell no, these are just negative thoughts
Absolutely not, these are simply pessimistic thoughts

And I just ignore them so I won't get caught
Instead, I choose to disregard them to avoid being consumed by them

I let my heart lead and my brain be led
I allow my emotions to guide me while my intellect follows

Because this is what goes on inside my head
Because this is the inner workings of my mind

Inside my head, there are so many questions to answer
Within myself, numerous inquiries remain unresolved

And self-doubt grows in my mind like cancer
Meanwhile, uncertainty and lack of confidence intensify within me

But I make sure that my thoughts are pure
Nevertheless, I make a conscious effort to ensure my thoughts remain virtuous

And my self-confidence is like a cancer cure
In turn, my strong belief in myself serves as a remedy for insecurity

So someone tell me why I think I'm fat
Hence, I seek an explanation as to why I have the perception of being overweight

When none of my friends ever think like that
Despite the fact that none of my friends share this belief

And could it be I'm not as ugly as I feel
Possibly, I am not as unattractive as I perceive myself to be