Lyrical Breakdown of Shadrach - A Journey through Words and Rhymes

Welcome to the detailed analysis of "Shadrach" on Lazyjot. Here, we unravel the lyrical complexity and artistic brilliance that define this iconic song.

Lyric Overview: Witness how Beastie Boys weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "Shadrach" is a testament to masterful songwriting.
Rhyme and Rhythm Analysis: Our Lazyjot editor highlights the ingenious use of multi-syllabic rhymes and the rhythm pattern that Beastie Boys employs. Understand the construction of each verse and how it contributes to the song's overall impact.
Syllable Pattern Insights: Dive deeper into the structural elements of the lyrics. See how the syllable count varies across the song, adding a unique rhythm and flow to Beastie Boys's narrative.

This lyrical analysis of "Shadrach" not only celebrates Beastie Boys's artistic prowess but also serves as an educational tool for aspiring songwriters. If this analysis inspires you and you'd like to see your own songs analyzed in this way, join the Lazyjot community. Register at Lazyjot and start exploring the full potential of your lyrical creativity. Turn your thoughts into rhymes and your rhymes into songs with Lazyjot!

Hey, hey, hey, hey

Riddle me this, my brother, can you handle it?

Your style to my style, you can't hold a candle to it

Equinox symmetry and the balance is right

Smokin' and drinking on a tuesday night

It's not how you play the game, it's how you win it

I cheat and steal and sin, and I'm a cynic

For those about to rock, we salute you

The dirty thoughts for dirty minds we contribute to

I once was lost, but now I'm found

The music washes over, and you're one with the sound

Well, who shall inherit the earth? the meek shall

And, yo, I think I'm starting to peak now, Al

And then the man upstairs, well, I hope that he cares

If I had a penny for my thoughts, I'd be a millionaire

We're just three emcees, and we're on the go

Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego

Shadrach, Mesach, Abednago

Hey hey hey hey

Only twenty-four hours in a day

Only twelve notes, well, a man can play

Music for all, but not just one people

And now we're gonna bust with the Putney Swope sequel

More Adidas sneakers than a plumber's got pliers

Got more suits than Jacoby & Meyers (wow)

If not for my vices, and my bugged out desires

My year would be good just like Goodyear's tires

'Cause I'm out picking pockets at the Atlantic antic

And nobody wants to hear you because your rhymes are damn frantic

I mix business and pleasure way too much

You know, wine and women and song and such

I don't get blue, I got a mean red streak

You don't pay the band, your friends, yo, that's weak

Get even like Steven (even) like pulling a Rambo

Well, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego (you know)

Shadrach, Mesach, Abednago

Hey hey hey hey

Steal from the rich, and I'm out robbing banks

Givin' to the poor, and I always give thanks

Because I've got more stories than J.D.'s got Salinger

I hold the title, and you are the challenger

I've got money like Charles Dickens

I've got the girlies in the coupe like the Colonel's got the chickens

And I'm always going out dapper like Harry S. Truman

I'm madder than Mad's Alfred E. Newman

Oh, never gonna let them say that I don't love you

Shadrach, Mesach, Abednago

Well, my noggin is hoggin' all kinds of thoughts

And Adam Yoggin is yauch, and he's rockin' of course, wow

Smoke the holy chalice, got my own religion

Rally round the stage and check the funky dope musicians

Like Jerry Lee Swaggart or Jerry Lee Falwell

You love Mario Andretti cause he always drives his car well

Vicious circle of reality since the day you were born

And we love the hot butter (say what?) the popcorn

Sippin' on wine and mackin'

Rockin' on the stage with all the hands clappin' (yeah)

Ride the wave of fate, it don't ride me, Homes

Being very proud to be an emcee

And then the man upstairs, well, I hope that he cares

If I had a penny for my thoughts, I'd be a millionaire

Amps and crossovers under my rear hood

Because the bass is bumping from the back of my fleetwood

They tell us what to do? hell no

Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego

Hey, hey, hey, hey