Meaning of "Root Down" by Beastie Boys

The lyrics of "Root Down" convey the Beastie Boys' love and dedication to their craft. They kick it "root down," meaning they wholeheartedly put their energy and essence into their music. They assert that their talent and innovative style should not be underestimated or diminished. They reference the Stone Alliance and Dick Hyman as a way to establish their credibility and reputation for dropping science, or sharing knowledge and insights through their lyrics. The line "Never let you down with the stereo sound" further emphasizes their commitment to consistently providing great music. The lyrics also touch on their origins and influences, with references to downtown Brooklyn, The Meters, the Zulu Beat Show, Kool Moe Dee, and Busy Bee. These references showcase their love for hip-hop and the roots of their music. The Beastie Boys also pay tribute to Bob Marley, recognizing him as a prophet for the freedom fight and the power of music. Overall, "Root Down" is a celebration of their passion for music and a declaration of their unique style and talent.