You Can't Stop the Beat
Zac Efron Nikki Blonsky Elijah Kelley and Amanda Bynes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You can't stop an avalanche
As it races down the hill
You can try to stop the seasons, girl
But you know you never will

And you can try to stop my dancin' feet
But I just cannot stand still
'Cause the world keeps spinning
'Round and 'round
And my heart's keeping time
To the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums
Then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat

Ever since this whole world began
A woman found out if she shook it
She could shake up a man
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it
The best that I can today

'Cause you cant stop the motion of the ocean
Or the sun in the sky
You can wonder if you wanna, but I never ask why
And if you try to hold me down I'm gonna spit in your eye and say
That you can't stop the beat!

You can't stop the river as it rushes to the sea
You can try to stop the hands of time, but you know it just can't be!
And if they try to stop us, Seaweed, I've got the N double A.C.P.

'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my heart's keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat!

Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman like to shake it on a Saturday night
So I'm gonna shake and shimmy it with all of my might today
'Cause you cant stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above
You can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay
'Cause you cant stop the beat!

You can't stop my happiness, 'cause I like the way I am
And you just can't stop my knife and fork when I see a Christmas Ham!
So, if you don't like the way I look, well, I just don't give a damn!

'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my hearts keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat

Ever since this whole world began
A woman found out if she shook it she could shake up a man
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it the best that I can today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean or the sun in the sky
You can wonder, if you wanna, but I never ask why
And if you try to hold me down, I'm gonna spit in your eye and say
That you can't stop the beat!

Oh, Oh, Oh
You can't stop today (No!)
As it comes speeding 'round the track (oooh, child yes!)
Yesterday is history (be gone!)
And it's never comin' back! (look ahead, 'cause)
'Cause tomorrow is a brand new day, and it don't know white from black (yeah!)

'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my heart's keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat!

Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman like to shake it on a Saturday night
So I'm gonna shake and shimmy it with all of my might today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean, or the rain from above
They can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay
'Cause you can't stop the beat!

Aah, aah, aah
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh ahh

Ever since we first saw the sign
A man or woman like to shake it when the day is ooh ooh
And so we're gonna shake and shimmy it and have some fun today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above
You can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay!
'Cause you can't stop the beat!
You can't stop the beat
You can't stop the beat




You can't stop the beat
You can't stop the beat

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "You Can't Stop the Beat" by Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley and Amanda Bynes from the film Hairspray talk about the unstoppable force of music and dance, and how it has the power to move people and change the world. The song emphasizes that no matter what obstacles may come their way, they will never be stopped and will keep dancing and moving forward to the rhythm of the beat. The lyrics inspire the listeners to let go of their inhibitions and dance like no one is watching, as the beat of the music will always keep them moving forward.


The song also references the history of dance and music, as well as social and racial justice movements. It speaks of how women discovered that they could "shake it up" and influence men, and how racial justice movements like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have fought to keep the rhythm of change and progress alive. The song exemplifies the themes of the Hairspray film, which include social justice, equality, and the power of music and dance to bring people together.


Line by Line Meaning

You can't stop an avalanche As it races down the hill
There are some things that cannot be stopped once they are set in motion.


You can try to stop the seasons, girl But you know you never will
The inevitable changes in life cannot be halted by anyone.


And you can try to stop my dancin' feet But I just cannot stand still 'Cause the world keeps spinning 'Round and 'round And my heart's keeping time To the speed of sound I was lost 'til I heard the drums Then I found my way 'Cause you can't stop the beat
No one can stop me from pursuing my passion for dance because it brings me a sense of joy and purpose that cannot be contained or stifled by anyone or anything.


Ever since this whole world began A woman found out if she shook it She could shake up a man And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it The best that I can today
Women have always had the power to make their mark and be agents of change, and I am going to use my talents and energy to make a positive impact on the world.


You can't stop the motion of the ocean Or the sun in the sky You can wonder if you wanna, but I never ask why And if you try to hold me down I'm gonna spit in your eye and say That you can't stop the beat!
The forces of nature and the universe cannot be controlled by anyone, and I am not going to let anyone suppress my spirit or undermine my goals.


You can't stop the river as it rushes to the sea You can try to stop the hands of time, but you know it just can't be! And if they try to stop us, Seaweed, I've got the N double A.C.P.
Even though there are those who may try to thwart our progress and hold us back, we have the strength and support of our community to keep moving forward.


'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round And my heart's keepin' time to the speed of sound I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way 'Cause you can't stop the beat!
The music and rhythm of life have the power to bring us together and give us a sense of purpose, even when we feel lost or uncertain.


Ever since we first saw the light A man and woman like to shake it on a Saturday night So I'm gonna shake and shimmy it with all of my might today 'Cause you cant stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above
Dancing and music have been a source of joy and connection for generations, and I am going to embrace that spirit and enjoy life to the fullest.


You can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay 'Cause you cant stop the beat!
Love is a powerful force that cannot be denied or suppressed, and we will do whatever it takes to keep our dreams and passions alive.


You can't stop my happiness, 'cause I like the way I am And you just can't stop my knife and fork when I see a Christmas Ham! So, if you don't like the way I look, well, I just don't give a damn!
I am confident and comfortable in my own skin, and I am not going to let anyone else dictate how I should feel or act.


Oh, Oh, Oh You can't stop today (No!) As it comes speeding 'round the track (oooh, child yes!) Yesterday is history (be gone!) And it's never comin' back! (look ahead, 'cause) 'Cause tomorrow is a brand new day, and it don't know white from black (yeah!)
Time marches on, and we cannot change what has already happened. It is important to look forward and embrace new opportunities and experiences.


Aah, aah, aah Ahh, ahh, ahh Ahh, ahh, ahh ahh Ever since we first saw the sign A man or woman like to shake it when the day is ooh ooh And so we're gonna shake and shimmy it and have some fun today! 'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above You can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay! 'Cause you can't stop the beat! You can't stop the beat You can't stop the beat You can't stop the beat You can't stop the beat
Life is a celebration, and we should embrace every moment with joy and enthusiasm. No one can stop the music and the rhythm of love and hope that unites us all.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Marc Shaiman, Scott Michael Wittman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@korahanah5385

Lyrics
You can't stop an avalanche
As it races down the hill
You can try to stop the seasons, girl
But you know you never will

And you can try to stop my dancin' feet
But I just cannot stand still
'Cause the world keeps spinning
'Round and 'round
And my heart's keeping time
To the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums
Then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat

Ever since this whole world began
A woman found out if she shook it
She could shake up a man
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it
The best that I can today

'Cause you cant stop the motion of the ocean
Or the sun in the sky
You can wonder if you wanna, but I never ask why
And if you try to hold me down I'm gonna spit in your eye and say
That you can't stop the beat!

You can't stop the river as it rushes to the sea
You can try to stop the hands of time, but you know it just can't be!
And if they try to stop us, Seaweed, I've got the N double A.C.P.

'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my heart's keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat!

Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman like to shake it on a Saturday night
So I'm gonna shake and shimmy it with all of my might today
'Cause you cant stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above
You can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay
'Cause you cant stop the beat!

You can't stop my happiness, 'cause I like the way I am
And you just can't stop my knife and fork when I see a Christmas Ham!
So, if you don't like the way I look, well, I just don't give a damn!

'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my hearts keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat

Ever since this whole world began
A woman found out if she shook it she could shake up a man
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it the best that I can today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean or the sun in the sky
You can wonder, if you wanna, but I never ask why
And if you try to hold me down, I'm gonna spit in your eye and say
That you can't stop the beat!

Oh, Oh, Oh
You can't stop today (No!)
As it comes speeding 'round the track (oooh, child yes!)
Yesterday is history (be gone!)
And it's never comin' back! (look ahead, 'cause)
'Cause tomorrow is a brand new day, and it don't know white from black (yeah!)

'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my heart's keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat!

Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman like to shake it on a Saturday night
So I'm gonna shake and shimmy it with all of my might today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean, or the rain from above
They can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay
'Cause you can't stop the beat!

Aah, aah, aah
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh ahh

Ever since we first saw the sign
A man or woman like to shake it when the day is ooh ooh
And so we're gonna shake and shimmy it and have some fun today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above
You can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay!
'Cause you can't stop the beat!
You can't stop the beat
You can't stop the beat
You can't stop the beat
You can't stop the beat

Source: LyricFind



@allanlima8196

Reasons to love hairspray:

1-happens in the 60's
2-music that sticks in our head
3-The movie has an interracial couple
4-has a history of overcoming prejudice
5-and one of Broadway's most famous musicals
6-fills you up
7-The cast is wonderful



@imba6291

You can't stop an avalanche
As it races down the hill
You can try to stop the seasons, girl
But you know you never will
And you can try to stop my dancin' feet
But I just cannot stand still
'Cause the world keeps spinning
'Round and 'round
And my heart's keeping time
To the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums
Then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat
Ever since this whole world began
A woman found out if she shook it
She could shake up a man
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it
The best that I can today
'Cause you cant stop the motion of the ocean
Or the sun in the sky
You can wonder if you wanna, but I never ask why
And if you try to hold me down I'm gonna spit in your eye and say
That you can't stop the beat!
You can't stop the river as it rushes to the sea
You can try to stop the hands of time, but you know it just can't be!
And if they try to stop us, Seaweed, I've got the N double A.C.P.
'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my heart's keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat!
Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman like to shake it on a Saturday night
So I'm gonna shake and shimmy it with all of my might today
'Cause you cant stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above
You can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay
'Cause you cant stop the beat!
You can't stop my happiness, 'cause I like the way I am
And you just can't stop my knife and fork when I see a Christmas Ham!
So, if you don't like the way I look, well, I just don't give a damn!
'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my hearts keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat
Ever since this whole world began
A woman found out if she shook it she could shake up a man
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it the best that I can today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean or the sun in the sky
You can wonder, if you wanna, but I never ask why
And if you try to hold me down, I'm gonna spit in your eye and say
That you can't stop the beat!
Oh, Oh, Oh
You can't stop today (No!)
As it comes speeding 'round the track (oooh, child yes!)
Yesterday is history (be gone!)
And it's never comin' back! (look ahead, 'cause)
'Cause tomorrow is a brand new day, and it don't know white from black (yeah!)
'Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round
And my heart's keepin' time to the speed of sound
I was lost 'til I heard the drums, then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat!
Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman like to shake it on a Saturday night
So I'm gonna shake and shimmy it with all of my might today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean, or the rain from above
They can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay
'Cause you can't stop the beat!
Aah, aah, aah
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh ahh
Ever since we first saw the sign
A man or woman like to shake it when the day is ooh ooh
And so we're gonna shake and shimmy it and have some fun today!
'Cause you can't stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above
You can try to stop the paradise we're dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay!
'Cause you can't stop the beat!
You can't stop the beat
You can't stop the beat
You can't stop the beat
You can't stop the beat



All comments from YouTube:

@_floradox_7375

‘Tomorrow is a brand new day and it don’t know white from black’

That line always gives me the chills. Such a beautiful message 😩🖤🤍

@kirkdale

Same here!

@laurissa1790

The new UK production changed the lyrics to say, “Tomorrow is a brand new day and it sees both white and black.”

It gives me chills. This musical has such an incredible, powerful effect.

@MonstehDinosawr

@Laurissa that's actually better lyrics.
When people say they don't see colour they're saying they don't see racial disparities

@marleyalford3376

Wow this whole time I thought it was "Tomorrow is a brand new day and it don't know what comes next" but this makes much more sense 🤦‍♀

@DoraWalTV

@Marley Alford 😂😂😂

5 More Replies...

@cc-vn7qp

John Travolta really added heart to his portrayal of Edna. That role could have turned into a massive joke but I’m so happy he really portrayed a woman learning to let go of her insecurities

@AnvilPro100

Yeah it's like weird where the casting of a man to play a big woman is a joke, but in the film itself Edna is portrayed as a strong woman with a truly loving husband and happy family

@jabronisauce6833

You believe he's a woman him and Christian really pulled off the relationship lol

@jabronisauce6833

@AnvilPro100 "no one can dance better than you" "get em" his we comments are hilarious and adds to the believability of their relationship lol

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