Beastie Boys

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I'ma set it straight, this Watergate
I can't stand rocking 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 fucking thorn in my side
Oh my god, it's a mirage
I'm telling y'all, it's sabotage

[Verse 2]
So, so, so, so listen up, 'cause you can't say nothing
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

[Verse 3]
'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

[Pre-Chorus]
Why?
(Our backs are now against the wall)
[Chorus]
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

[Verse 4]
I can't stand it, I know you planned it
I'ma set it straight, this Watergate
But I can't stand rocking 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

Sabotage by Beastie Boys is a standout track from their fourth studio album, Ill Communication, released on May 31, 1994. This iconic song was the first single off the album and instantly captivated listeners with its rapcore sound, combining traditional rock instrumentation, turntable scratching, and deeply distorted bass guitar riffs. The Beastie Boys, known for their innovative and boundary-pushing music, showcased their versatility and creativity through the genre fusion displayed in this track.

The lyrics of Sabotage were inspired by the band's then-producer, Mario Caldato Jr. In the Beastie Boys Book, Ad-Rock humorously reveals that he wrote the lyrics as a playful jab at Mario, portraying him as someone trying to sabotage the group's artistic endeavors. This playful narrative adds an intriguing layer to the song, showcasing the band's ability to infuse humor into their music while maintaining their signature style.

Sabotage's impact and influence are undeniable, as it has garnered critical acclaim and accolades over the years. Rolling Stone magazine recognized its brilliance by placing it at number 480 on their esteemed list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Furthermore, Q magazine ranked it at number 46 in their compilation of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. VH1's 100 "Greatest Songs of the 90s" also acknowledged Sabotage's cultural significance, listing it at number 19. Pitchfork Media included the track in their Top 200 Tracks of the 90s list, solidifying its status as an essential song of the era.

The music video for Sabotage became an instant classic and achieved widespread popularity on MTV. Directed by Spike Jonze, the video pays homage to 1970s-style police shows, featuring the Beastie Boys as the characters in a fictional crime drama. Inspired by iconic series such as Hawaii Five-O and The Streets of San Francisco, the video seamlessly captures the energy and rebellious spirit of the band while showcasing their acting chops. The video's retro aesthetic and high-octane pace perfectly complement the intensity of the song.

From live performances and concerts to comics and visual representations, Sabotage has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The song has been performed in 237 known concerts, testifying to its enduring appeal and popularity among fans worldwide. Moreover, artist Derek Langille has immortalized the song in comic form, bringing it to life through vivid illustrations and storytelling.

About Sabotage

Sabotage stands as a prime example of the Beastie Boys' ability to seamlessly blend genres and push musical boundaries. The rapcore elements, characterized by the use of rock instrumentation, turntable scratching, and heavily distorted bass guitar riffs, create a unique sonic experience that captivates listeners from the very first note. The band's mastery of their respective instruments is evident in the way they effortlessly fuse rap and rock, demonstrating their versatility and innovation.

Lyrically, Sabotage offers a tongue-in-cheek narrative centered around the band's then-producer, Mario Caldato Jr. In a humorous twist, Ad-Rock pens lyrics portraying Mario as an antagonist, playfully accusing him of sabotaging their artistic endeavors. This lighthearted approach adds an entertaining layer to the song, showcasing the Beastie Boys' ability to infuse their music with wit and creativity.

The critical acclaim and recognition received by Sabotage further solidify its place in music history. Rolling Stone magazine's inclusion of the song in their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time is a testament to its enduring impact. Q magazine's recognition of the guitar-driven elements within the track showcases the band's ability to excel not only in rap but also in the realm of guitar-driven rock. VH1's acknowledgment of Sabotage as one of the greatest songs of the 90s highlights the song's cultural relevance and popularity during that era.

The music video for Sabotage, directed by Spike Jonze, adds a visual dimension to the song's already captivating sound. The video's homage to 1970s crime dramas, with the band members portraying characters from a fictional police show, perfectly complements the energetic and rebellious nature of the song. Spike Jonze's direction captures the band's dynamic performance while conveying the essence of the song's lyrics and message.

Sabotage's enduring popularity is further reinforced by its numerous live performances. The song has been performed in 237 known concerts, showcasing its status as a fan favorite. Its timeless appeal and ability to captivate audiences in a live setting speak to the enduring legacy of the Beastie Boys and their music.

Artist Derek Langille's comic interpretation of Sabotage offers yet another perspective on the song. Through vivid illustrations and storytelling, Langille brings the song to life visually, demonstrating its impact beyond the realm of music.

In essence, Sabotage by Beastie Boys is a genre-defying masterpiece that showcases the band's creativity, innovation, and ability to entertain. Its fusion of rap and rock elements, coupled with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics, has solidified its place in music history. From critical acclaim to iconic music videos and live performances, Sabotage continues to captivate audiences and influence the music landscape, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

• Release Date: January 28, 1994
• Artist: Beastie Boys