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.
The first time I hit the wax it was the news of my block
Everybody in my neighborhood said "Puba don't stop"
It was a four-man crew, Don Barren
My Mighty Shabazz, Dr. Who, and me, Grand Pu
Things started blowing up on a quick fast
Doing shows, buying clothes, getting crazy cash
I still stayed the same, ran around with my hair nappy
Matter of fact I'm doing good, made the jealous ones unhappy
"I knew you would make it" was their favorite line
But "Fuck that, I hope he fall" is really on their mind
Just because I found a way to make my pockets stay fat
Now a new thing: "Puba thinks he's all that"
Yes, but there's a found way to better my condition
"Bad luck, bad luck" is what the jealous ones keep wishing
Oh a crew broke up? I knew they wouldn't last
But I refuse to lose so I bounce back on that ass
One for all, Brand Nubian
Yeah, that's the new thing, now they back up on my ding-a-ling
Run and tell my girl, "Yo, Puba did this
He did that," cause they nose is in my crack
Like a reporter, but they don't earn a quarter
To do that (Yo, they just jealous, black)
You know the flavor, of that jealous behavior
I'm just like Jesus Christ cause I'm you're modern day savior
So hon knock it off, worry about your own shit
Just because your man ain't shit, there ain't no need to rhyme
Same ones that used to wave, now they sticking up their finger
But I guess that's the price you pay when you become a rap singer
I work hard, word to God, with supreme motivation
To find a way out since '85, try to jam my situation
But that's okay because my old Earth told me
"Keep on moving, don't stop, hon"
Now I'll be damn if Grand Pub don't get it done
I've no time to slow my roll on a jealous one
See I love to help others because Puba cares
I do more for my people than WIC or Welfare
Next time you see a brother down, stop and pick him up
'Cause you might be the next one stuck
Word is bond, let's move on
And we building on the situation of that in lyrics
Always trying to hold the black man back
We can't live like that, we gotta help each other
You know what I'm saying? Brother to brother
Sister to sister, know what I'm saying?
Stay out my business, worry about your own, know what I'm saying?
Worry about your own, knowledge knowledge
Everybody in my neighborhood said "Puba don't stop"
It was a four-man crew, Don Barren
My Mighty Shabazz, Dr. Who, and me, Grand Pu
Things started blowing up on a quick fast
Doing shows, buying clothes, getting crazy cash
I still stayed the same, ran around with my hair nappy
Matter of fact I'm doing good, made the jealous ones unhappy
"I knew you would make it" was their favorite line
But "Fuck that, I hope he fall" is really on their mind
Just because I found a way to make my pockets stay fat
Now a new thing: "Puba thinks he's all that"
Yes, but there's a found way to better my condition
"Bad luck, bad luck" is what the jealous ones keep wishing
Oh a crew broke up? I knew they wouldn't last
But I refuse to lose so I bounce back on that ass
One for all, Brand Nubian
Yeah, that's the new thing, now they back up on my ding-a-ling
Run and tell my girl, "Yo, Puba did this
He did that," cause they nose is in my crack
Like a reporter, but they don't earn a quarter
To do that (Yo, they just jealous, black)
You know the flavor, of that jealous behavior
I'm just like Jesus Christ cause I'm you're modern day savior
So hon knock it off, worry about your own shit
Just because your man ain't shit, there ain't no need to rhyme
Same ones that used to wave, now they sticking up their finger
But I guess that's the price you pay when you become a rap singer
I work hard, word to God, with supreme motivation
To find a way out since '85, try to jam my situation
But that's okay because my old Earth told me
"Keep on moving, don't stop, hon"
Now I'll be damn if Grand Pub don't get it done
I've no time to slow my roll on a jealous one
See I love to help others because Puba cares
I do more for my people than WIC or Welfare
Next time you see a brother down, stop and pick him up
'Cause you might be the next one stuck
Word is bond, let's move on
And we building on the situation of that in lyrics
Always trying to hold the black man back
We can't live like that, we gotta help each other
You know what I'm saying? Brother to brother
Sister to sister, know what I'm saying?
Stay out my business, worry about your own, know what I'm saying?
Worry about your own, knowledge knowledge
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Mind Your Business Lyrics as written by John Dajani Dante A. Ross
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/