The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
I can't stand rockin' when I'm in here
'Cause your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear
So while you sit back and wonder why
I got this fuckin' thorn in my side
Oh my god, it's a mirage
I'm tellin' y'all, it's sabotage
So, so, so, so listen up, 'cause you can't say nothin'
You'll shut me down with a push of your button
But, yo, I'm out and I'm gone
I'll tell you now, I keep it on and on
'Cause what you see, you might not get
And we can bet, so don't you get souped yet
Scheming on a thing, that's a mirage
I'm trying to tell you now, it's sabotage
Why
Our backs are now against the wall
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
But I can't stand rockin' when I'm in this place
Because I feel disgrace because you're all in my face
But make no mistakes and switch up my channel
I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle
What could it be, it's a mirage
You're scheming on a thing, that's sabotage
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
I can't stand rockin' when I'm in here
'Cause your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear
So while you sit back and wonder why
I got this fuckin' thorn in my side
Oh my god, it's a mirage
I'm tellin' y'all, it's sabotage
So, so, so, so listen up, 'cause you can't say nothin'
You'll shut me down with a push of your button
But, yo, I'm out and I'm gone
I'll tell you now, I keep it on and on
'Cause what you see, you might not get
And we can bet, so don't you get souped yet
Scheming on a thing, that's a mirage
I'm trying to tell you now, it's sabotage
Why
Our backs are now against the wall
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage
I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
But I can't stand rockin' when I'm in this place
Because I feel disgrace because you're all in my face
But make no mistakes and switch up my channel
I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle
What could it be, it's a mirage
You're scheming on a thing, that's sabotage
Lyrics submitted by piesupreme, edited by ExitLight7
Sabotage Lyrics as written by Adam Nathaniel Yauch Adam Horovitz
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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Great version of a great song,
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First of all, i dont think that "My favorite song by The Beastie Boys" and "This songs rocks!" are anything to do with the meanings of songs. You are destroying this site.
The song to me, is talking about a partner of his who is being drawn away by another guy who is using smoke and mirrors to get her away from him. He is aware of this but does she know he knows?
I agree that those 2 phrases have nothing to do with what the song is about & I think it's probably wrong to leave such a simple comment about a great song like Sabotage. But when It comes to the Beasties, anything is valid. Beastie songs are usually a collage of ideas, quotes, references, samples,........<br /> <br /> Foe example:<br /> <br /> "I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle"<br /> <br /> This line is in reference to famous drummer Buddy Rich & his "Bus Tapes". The bus tapes are recordings that a band member made secretly while riding on the tour bus with Buddy Rich. These tapes are of Buddy Rich going off on his band, telling them that they aren't good enough to keep up with him. Cursing & berating members of his band for making mistakes on stage. In one of them he actually kicks a guy off the bus in the middle of nowhere. These tapes were passed around for years & can now be heard on youtube. Quite hilarious. Worth a listen.<br /> <br /> That is for just one line in this song & I could tell you a lot more about the meaning of this song that might make you think twice about the meaning that you have drawn from Sabotage. I agree with KRS's interpretation. It's kinda like his Buddy Rich style rant. But instead of going off on his bandmates, Ad Rock is talking shit to all rapper, wanna be MC's. But whatever this song means to YOU is what's important & it doesn't necessarily have to match up with what the artist meant when they wrote it. Also, in '94 I heard this song & knew that I really liked it. But I had no idea what the song was about. Saying nothing but "this song rocks" doesn't take away from the meaning of this song or diminish this site in any way. I'm happy to know that so many other people like this song. It's definitely worthy of being a favorite by anyone. Any random comment is OK here, I think.
@Pharaoh I think it could easily mean what you said. It could also be about politics, former business partners or business rivals...basically, anyone with a power trip trying to sabotage someone else who clearly sees it for what it is.