M.I.A.

Lyrics

[Intro]
Where were you in '92?
Where were you in '92?
Where were you in '92?
Where were you in '92?
'92? '92? '9-'9-'92?

[Verse 1]
This is how we do it in the XR2
The boys look fine, stereos Alpine
20/20, Thunderbird, 12:09
Took a pill, good time, all the time
This is how we do it in the XR2
The boys look fine, stereos Alpine
20/20, Thunderbird, 12:09
Took a pill, good time, all the time

[Verse 2]
Brick Lane Massive, we were like grime
Ladbroke Grove dance, Bagley's time
High top fades, we're never paid
Rolled-up jeans, easy Lucozade
'sace jeans, shades, and chains
We roll in there like we're late
DJ's, MC's, private raves
Keep it secret - light it, mate
[Chorus]
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go

[Verse 3]
Some of them drink Heineken and some of them drink Bacardi
Some of them talk a lot of shit and act rowdy
Some say people follow me, some say people is the key
When the music's got a beat, then that's what gets me
Some say– and some of them–
Some say– and some of them–
When the music's got a beat, then that's what gets me
Some people think we're stupid, but we not
[Verse 4]
XR2, 808
MP3, MC Eiht
XOX to MC5
MTV had ADD
NBC and BET
BBC is OAP
REM, KLF
IQ up the ICQ
CB4, CPT
BBD and ATL
PDD had BIG
NYC had RNB
OPP, YRB
TLC, SWV
Jodeci, XXX
I heart you, SL2

[Chorus]
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, go
Whistle, whistle, blow, blow
Here we, here we go, goEmbed

XR2 by M.I.A. is one of the iconic songs that transcends time, taking us back to one of the most exciting moments of music - the 90s rave scene in London. The song gives us a glimpse of the electrifying, adrenaline-fueled atmosphere that characterized the rave parties of that time, something that M.I.A. experienced first-hand.

About XR2

Released in 2007 as part of the album 'Kala,' XR2 was an instant hit, with its unique blend of dancehall and hip-hop beats. The song is a celebration of the London rave scene in the 90s, with M.I.A. sharing her experiences of partying and dancing until the sun came up.

The title 'XR2' refers to the Ford Escort XR2, a car that was popular among ravers during the late 80s, and early 90s. The car's popularity in the rave scene stemmed from its affordability, speed, and maneuverability, making it the perfect car for partying. M.I.A. references this by constantly repeating the phrase "gonna get a Esky, built-in MP3, gonna bang it in the car, gonna take it to the bar," referencing the XR2 car's sound system and mobility in the rave scene.

The driving force behind the song is its infectious beats that make you want to dance. The song features a mix of genres, primarily dancehall and hip-hop, but with a heavy influence of techno and electro, making it the perfect party anthem. The song's synth riff echoes the sound of car engines revving, adding to the overall energetic vibe of the song.

The lyrics of the song are a combination of M.I.A.'s personal experiences of raving in London, her love for music, and the music's influence on society. In the first verse, she sings about the challenges of getting into a rave and the thrill of finally making it in, "Bouncer at the door, I said to him, yo that's not fair, he said, 'there's too much of ya'll up in here." The second verse is mainly about her love and passion for music, "When the bassline drops, we're gone, we're gone, we're gone, the way we groove to that, it turns me on, it turns me on, it turns me on." The last verse references how music has the power to bring people together and change the world.

Besides its catchy beats and lyrics, 'XR2' has important cultural significance. The song celebrates the London rave scene, a subculture that played a pivotal role in shaping British youth culture in the 90s. The rave scene was a place where people from all walks of life came together to dance, party and enjoy music, regardless of their differences. It was a time when the youth were united by a common love for music and a desire to break free from societal norms.

In a way, M.I.A.'s XR2 is a nostalgic ode to a time that has come and gone but continues to inspire the youth culture. The song's blend of genres, its celebration of the rave culture, and its timeless appeal make it an anthem that transcends time and speaks to the youth of today as much as it did to the rave-goers of the 90s. M.I.A.'s XR2 is a testament to the power of music to shape culture and bring people together, no matter where they come from.

So, if you're looking to experience the raw energy and excitement of the London rave scene in the 90s, put on your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and let M.I.A.'s XR2 take you on a wild ride.

• Release Date: August 8, 2007
• Artist: M.I.A.