pull up the people
MIA Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Pull up the people
Pull up the poor

Slang tang
That's the that m.i.a. thing
I got the bombs to make you blow
I got the beats to make you bang bang bang
Yeah me got god, and me got you
Everyday thinkin' bout how me get through
Everything I own is on i.o.u.
But I'm here bringing y'all something new

You no like the people
They no like you
Then they go set it off with a big boom
Every gun in a battle is a son and daughter too
Why you want to talk about who done who?
What you want to talk about?

Slang tang
That's the that m.i.a. thang
I got the bombs to make you blow
I got th ebeats to make you bang bang bang

Pull up the people, pull up the poor

I'm a fighter, fighter god
I'm a soldier on that road
I'm a fighter, a nice nice fighter
I'm a soldier on that road

Bring me the reaper
Bring me a lawyer
I'll fight I'll take em on
You treat me like a killer
I ain't never hate ya
I'm a soldier on that road

I'm a fighter, fighter god
I'm a soldier on that road




I'm a fighter, a nice nice fighter
I'm a soldier on that road

Overall Meaning

In "Pull Up the People," MIA's unapologetic lyrics urge listeners to be more critical of the societal systems that have reinforced longstanding inequality. The song starts off with a catchy hook that showcases her unique style of mixing genres, and boasts of her ability to create explosive music that will get people moving. However, she quickly shifts to the underlying message of the song, encouraging people to "pull up the people" and "pull up the poor," implying that we need to work harder to support those who are less fortunate in our society.


Throughout the song, MIA draws attention to the inherent violence that is perpetuated by our current systems. She uses vivid imagery to highlight the pervasive nature of this violence, noting that "every gun in a battle is a son and daughter too," and questioning why society is so fixated on "who done who." She also acknowledges her own challenges, referencing the fact that everything she owns is on an IOU, but her passion for creating meaningful change through her music never wavers.


At its core, "Pull Up the People" is a call to arms for listeners to critically evaluate the cultural, political, and economic structures that perpetuate inequality and violence. MIA uses her music as a vehicle for social change, and encourages her listeners to do the same.


Line by Line Meaning

Pull up the people
Let's unite and bring up the people who are struggling and are marginalized.


Pull up the poor
Let's uplift and support the ones who are living in poverty.


Slang tang That's the that m.i.a. thing I got the bombs to make you blow I got the beats to make you bang bang bang
This is the unique M.I.A. style, I have the power to blow your mind with my music.


Yeah me got god, and me got you Everyday thinkin' bout how me get through Everything I own is on i.o.u. But I'm here bringing y'all something new
I have faith in God and my community to make it through tough times. Despite not owning much, I am bringing something new to the world with dedication.


You no like the people They no like you Then they go set it off with a big boom Every gun in a battle is a son and daughter too Why you want to talk about who done who? What you want to talk about?
If you keep perpetuating hate towards others, it will only lead to violent consequences. Everyone who participates in a violent act has family and loved ones. We need to shift the focus away from who did what wrong and move towards peaceful solutions.


I'm a fighter, fighter god I'm a soldier on that road I'm a fighter, a nice nice fighter I'm a soldier on that road
I am a fighter with the strength of God. I am a determined soldier on a path to success, and I pursue it in a kind and just way.


Bring me the reaper Bring me a lawyer I'll fight I'll take em on You treat me like a killer I ain't never hate ya I'm a soldier on that road
I am prepared to face any obstacle that comes my way, including death or legal battles. Though I have been treated unfairly in the past, I still hold no ill will and strive towards my goals with a fighter's spirit.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MATHANGI ARULPRAGASAM, PAUL BYRNE, DAVID JAMES ANDREW TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions