M.I.A.

Lyrics

[Intro]
YALA
YALA

[Hook]
Go low, go slow
Roll like a pollo
Up and down a pole
Like you’re glowing up a yo-yo
Go low, go slow
Roll like a pollo
Up and down a pole
Like you’re glowing up a yo-yo

[Interlude]
Yeah yeah, YOLO
Yeah yeah, YOLO
Alarms go off when I enter the building

[Bridge]
YALA
YALA
YALA

[Verse 1]
I drink some Cointreau
Keep it in my poncho
Light up like Castro
Blow it up from get go
Pro when I set, go
Grow like an afro
Play like Ronaldo
Hard like I'm Death Row
Weight in kilo
Light as a pillow
Dance on my tip-toe
Like I tae-box though
[Pre-Hook]
Yeah we come come come
Yeah we come with some some
Get a glass of rum
With a gun and some pun pun
Oh fun fun fun
Let's get 'em undone
Take a hit on the bong
It’s been so long since we hung

[Hook]
Go low, go slow
Roll like a pollo
Up and down a pole
Like you’re glowing up a yo-yo
Go low, go slow
Roll like a pollo
Up and down a pole
Like you’re glowing up a yo-yo

[Bridge]
YALA
YALA

[Verse 2]
Anti war war
M.I.A. underscore
I got the law law
Searching for me on tour
Bankin offshore
Take a trip to Singapore
I need to earn like
I'm Julianne Moore
For the hour poor
Don’t wanna ignore
That’s why I say shit
So they can explore
My baby, I amore
My mommy I adore
I tried to stay pure
Can’t take it anymore
[Pre-Hook]
Yeah we come come come
Yeah we come with some some
Get a glass of rum
With a gun and some pun pun
Oh fun fun fun
Let's get 'em undone
Take a hit on the bong
It’s been so long since we hung

[Hook]
Go low, go slow
Roll like a pollo
Up and down a pole
Like you’re glowing up a yo-yo
Go low, go slow
Roll like a pollo
Up and down a pole
Like you’re glowing up a yo-yo

[Interlude]

[Bridge]
YALA
YALA
YALA
[Verse 3]
YALA, YALA
I’m rolling solo
You can't take a photo
I’mma keep it raw raw

[Bridge]
YALA
YALA

[Pre-Hook]
Yeah we come come come
Yeah we come with some some
Get a glass of rum
With a gun and some pun pun
Oh fun fun fun
Let's get 'em undone
Take a hit on the bong
It’s been so long since we hung

[Hook]
Go low, go slow
Roll like a pollo
Up and down a pole
Like you’re glowing up a yo-yo
[Outro]
YOLO? I don’t even know anymore, what that even mean though
If you only live once why we keep doing the same shit
Back home where I come from we keep being born again and again and again
That’s why they invented karma

Y.A.L.A. is a popular club banger and the fourth single off of M.I.A.'s "Matangi" album. The song cleverly plays off the infamous phrase Y.O.L.O. (You Only Live Once) by twisting it into Y.A.L.A., an acronym for You Always Live Again. By doing so, M.I.A. taps into Hindu religio-cultural beliefs regarding reincarnation as a counter to Judeo-Christian philosophy.

About Y.A.L.A.

"Y.A.L.A." is a song that deftly combines eastern and western cultures to create an amalgamation of sound that is both catchy and thought-provoking. The lyrics urge listeners to break out of the cycle of repetitive behavior and to live life to the fullest. M.I.A.'s unconventional use of language sets the song apart from conventional pop songs and offers a fresh perspective on the philosophy of life and death. The track features production from Dutch DJ duo The Partysquad and is known for its frenzied, heart-pumping beats.

At its core, "Y.A.L.A." is a song about seizing the moment and making every second count. M.I.A.'s artistic genius is on full display as she infuses the track with themes of human mortality, reincarnation, and the cyclical nature of life. The song challenges listeners to reject the status quo and to make their mark on the world while they still can.

The song is a stark contrast to its predecessor, "Bad Girls," which focused on themes of female empowerment and socio-political issues. "Y.A.L.A." is a departure from that more serious tone, offering a lighter, more carefree side to M.I.A.'s music. The song makes use of M.I.A.'s unique lyrical style, combining eastern and western sounds to create a truly dynamic listening experience.

With its infectious beat and thoughtful lyrics, "Y.A.L.A." has become a fan favorite and a hit in the club scene. The song's music video is equally innovative, featuring M.I.A. and her dancers sporting neon outfits and performing intricate choreography on a soundstage. The video has amassed millions of views on YouTube, further solidifying the song's status as a cultural phenomenon.

In the end, "Y.A.L.A." is much more than just a club anthem. It's a song with a message that encourages listeners to embrace life and all its experiences, both good and bad. M.I.A.'s unique perspective and artistic style set her apart from other artists in the industry, and "Y.A.L.A." is a prime example of her creative genius.

Bottom Line

With its irresistible beats and thought-provoking lyrics, "Y.A.L.A." is a must-listen for fans of both pop and world music. M.I.A.'s artistic vision shines through in every aspect of the song, from the production to the lyrics to the music video. By playing with language and combining cultures, M.I.A. has created a truly unique piece of art that is both entertaining and impactful. "Y.A.L.A." is more than just a song; it's a celebration of life and a call to action for all those who listen.

• Release Date: October 21, 2013
• Artist: M.I.A.