Inspiration Behind Breakdown:
Breakdown was conceived out of blending spiritual urgency with a party vibe. The lyrics don’t hesitate, immediately challenging the listener, pointing to a need for inner transformation. If you’re heart, soul and or mind isn’t in the right place, it’s hard to muster any type of enthusiasm. However, when your life begins to turn around for the better, joy will naturally flow out of you, a reason to celebrate.
Biblical Application:
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father, Luke 15:17-20.
Exegesis of Breakdown:
They say don’t try to fix what i-i-isn’t broke
But I see that you need a fix in your soul
We, we don’t like to play politics, it’s a joke
So we pu-pu-pushin’ envelopes, envelopes
A common saying about life. Upon further review, your soul needs mending. I’m not talking from a political view, but a spiritual one.
Ain’t nobody stoppin’ the music
Until we fill up the floor
It’s the type of music he created
So you need to let go, go, go, go, go
Certain types of music can soothe your soul or serve as a distraction from life.
See the flashin’ lights, woah
Clock is losin’ time, woah
Gotta shake it off, this feelin’s takin’ off
‘Cause everybody’s waiting for the breakdown
Group One Crew uses a car breaking down to illustrate that people also have breakdowns internally.
You can, you can make it, make it
Happen while we rappin’, rappin’
See the flashin’ lights and camera, camera
So let’s have some action
Having fun like going out dancing can be good for you from time to time.
You can find me in a black SC goin’ over 60
With the windows down
Am image of crusing with your favorite song blasted in your vehicle.
Anybody thinkin’, ooh who’s he? Wit the do-do-dope beat
Tell me, what’s that sound?
Trying to impress others of your taste in music.
G1C witta chopped up beat goin’ back crazy
You can see it, see it
We so, so sick wit’ a boom, boom hit, gotta do, do it
‘Cause we need it, need it
Sometimes human beings need an added boost to start their day like a cool hip hop song.
Ain’t nobody stoppin’ the music
Until we fill up the floor
It’s the type of music he created
So you need to let go, go
The adrenaline that fills you when listening to upbeat music.
See the flashin’ lights, woah
Clock is losin’ time, woah
Gotta shake it off, this feelin’s takin’ off
‘Cause everybody’s waiting for the breakdown
Human beings give off certain signals that lead to a breakdown. Either internally or the desire to let your guard down for a little while to dance and have a good time.
See the flashin’ lights, woah
Clock is losin’ time, woah
Gotta shake it off, this feelin’s takin’ off
‘Cause everybody’s waiting for the breakdown
Repeating the chorus to instill a desire to act.
It’s impossible to put a stop on this trio
And if you haven’t heard, make sure that you let someone know
Get the sunblock ’cause we hot, a unique breed is unlocked
We on the block ’cause we rock hard like the school of knocks
A stanza to promote and tell others about Group One Crew’s music.
This ain’t ya typical, typical group that you heard, it’s a miracle
Little bit a punk wit’ a whole lotta soul
That’ll bump da bump on ya radio
Hyping up this new sound that they created in Breakdown.
Simmer, simmer down all you haters
Didn’t lose our style, we just got better
Beat so cold, did my verse like brrr
Still spiting life so forget what you heard
Likely a stanza to address their critics on social media.
See the flashin’ lights, woah
Clock is losin’ time, woah
Gotta shake it off, this feelin’s takin’ off
‘Cause everybody’s waiting for the breakdown
Perhaps suggesting that people are waiting to see how you dance or how you’ll handle your next ordeal and trail in life.
See the flashin’ lights, woah
Clock is losin’ time, woah
Gotta shake it off, this feelin’s takin’ off
‘Cause everybody’s waiting for the breakdown
Images to create a sense of urgency to change before you have a mental breakdown.
The flashing lights of life
The clock is losin’ time
Waiting for the breakdown
Be on guard and alert.
Do it, gotta feel free
Let the music take you away
‘Cause everybody’s waiting for the breakdown
Let this music lift up your soul so you can start ro have fun in life again.
Final Thoughts:
My oldest two sons got into hip-hop when they became teenagers. Knowing the unwholesome lyrics that occur in many secular groups, I discovered Group One Crew while I was still teaching. Subsequently, while driving I would play songs like Breakdown on the way to school. This particular song became one of Daniel’s favorites. I went on to create mixes so that my kids could listen to music on the way to their next competition to set their minds in the right place before getting out of the car. This is how Breakdown has impacted my life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 