Work It
by Missy Elliott
What is “Work It” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Work It” by Missy Elliott is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Work It' by Missy Elliott is a vibrant declaration of self-confidence and sexual empowerment, encouraging listeners to own their identity and flaunt their unique qualities.
So… what’s this song really about?
In 'Work It,' Missy Elliott delivers a dynamic expression of confidence, weaving sexual empowerment with themes of personal agency. The song challenges traditional norms and pushes the envelope on expressions of female sexuality in music, marked by Elliott's playful manipulation of lyrics and sounds, including reversing her own words. This technique not only showcases her innovative musical style but also serves as a metaphor for overturning societal expectations. The lyrics promote self-assurance and resilience, making a bold statement about controlling one's destiny and enjoying one's sexuality without inhibition.
Elliott's message transcends mere self-expression, branching into a broader commentary on cultural diversity and the representation of women in media. References to iconic figures like Halle Berry and playful nods to various male and female roles suggest a deeper dialogue about identity and perception in society. Through 'Work It,' Elliott empowers her audience, especially women, to embrace their power and challenges them to lead in crafting their own narratives. The track is celebratory yet thought-provoking, inviting listeners to rethink the boundaries of self-expression while dancing to its catchy, rhythmically inventive beats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Work It' by Missy Elliott released?
'Work It' was released in 2002.
Q: What is the significance of the reversed lyrics in 'Work It'?
The reversed lyrics in 'Work It' showcase Missy Elliott's creativity and playfulness with sound, while symbolically challenging conventional norms and expectations.
Lyrics to “Work It”
127 Contributors
[Chorus]
Is it worth it? Let me work it
I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP
If you got a big— let me search ya
And find out how hard I gotta work ya
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP (C'mon)
[Verse 2]
If you a fly gal, get your nails done
Get a pedicure, get your hair did
Boy, lift it up, let's make a toast-a
Let's get drunk, that's gonna bring us closer (Okay)
Don't I look like a Halle Berry poster?
See the Belvedere playing tricks on ya (Ah)
Girlfriend wanna be like me, never
You won't find a bitch that's even better (Ah)
I make you hot as Las Vegas weather
Listen up close while I take it backwards
sdrawkcab ti ekat ot ekil yssiM yaw eht hctaW
I'm not a prostitute, but I could give you what you want
I love your braids and your mouth full of fronts
Love the way my ass go ba-bum-bum-bum-bum (Huh)
Keep your eyes on my ba-bum-bum-bum-bum-bum (Okay)
You think you can handle this? Ga-dunk-a-dunk-dunk (Woo)
Take my thong off and my ass go boom (Ugh)
Cut the lights on so you see what I could do (C'mon)
[Chorus]
Is it worth it? Let me work it
I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP (Ooh)
If you got a big— let me search ya
And find out how hard I gotta work ya
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP (Huh)
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP (C'mon, c'mon)
[Bridge]
Boys, boys, all type of boys
Black, white, Puerto Rican, Chinese boys (C'mon)
Why-thai, thai-o-toy-o-thai-thai
Why-thai, thai-o-toy-o-thai-thai (C'mon)
Girls, girls, get that cash
If it's nine to five or shaking your ass (Aha)
Ain't no shame, ladies do your thing (C'mon)
Just make sure you ahead of the game
[Verse 3]
Just 'cause I got a lot of fame super
Prince couldn't get me change my name, papa
Kunta Kinte a slave again, no sir
Picture Blacks saying, “Oh yes-a, massa”
Picture Lil' Kim dating a pastor
Minute man, Big Red could outlast ya
Who is the best? I don't have to ask ya
When I come out, you won't even matter (Ugh)
Why you act dumb like, yeah, duh?
So you act dumb like, uh, duh
As the drummer boy go ba-rom-pop-pom-pom (Ooh)
Give you some-some-some of this cinna-bun (C'mon)
[Chorus]
Is it worth it? Let me work it
I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP (Ooh)
If you got a big— let me search ya
And find out how hard I gotta work ya
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP
ti esrever dna ti pilf ,nwod gniht ym tuP (C'mon)
[Outro]
To my fellas (Ooh, good God)
I like the way you work that (Uh-huh, la-la-la-la)
To my ladies (Woo)
You sure know how to work that (Good God)