“Sexy Back” lyrics salute James Brown

Timberlake echoes Prince and James Brown

I thought I’d have a look at the lyrics of Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back”? I did, and there’s not much there! It probably ranks as one of the songs with the fewest individual words in the charts. But so what? When I listen to the track and read the words, I keep hearing the ghosts of two of Timberlake’s heroes: James Brown and Prince. Timberlake’s call to “Take ’em to the bridge” and “Take ’em to the chorus” are a direct reference to James Brown’s calls in “Sex Machine”. The raw simplicity reminds me of Prince’s “Sexy Motherfucker”. Apart from that, folks, what you see is what you get!

“Sexy Back”, Justin Timberlake
I’m bringing sexy back (yeah)

Them other boys don’t know how to act (yeah)
I think it’s special, what’s behind your back (yeah)
So turn around and I’ll pick up the slack (yeah)
Take ’em to the bridge!

Dirty babe, you see these shackles, baby I’m your slave.
I’ll let you whip me if I misbehave
It’s just that no one makes me feel this way.
Take ’em to the chorus!

[Chorus: Timbaland]

Come here girl, go ahead be gone with it,
Come to the back, go ahead be gone with it,
VIP, go ahead be gone with it,
Drinks on me, go ahead be gone with it,

You see what you working with, go ahead be gone with it,
You make me smile, go ahead be gone with it,
Come here child, go ahead be gone with it,
Get your sexy on, go ahead be gone with it,
Get your sexy on, go ahead be gone with it,
Get your sexy on, go ahead be gone with it,
Get your sexy on, go ahead be gone with it,
Get your sexy on, go ahead be gone with it,
Get your sexy on, go ahead be gone with it,
Get your sexy on, go ahead be gone with it,
Get your sexy on.

[Verse 2: Timberlake]

I’m bringing sexy back
Them motherf***ers don’t know how to act
Come let me make up for the things you lack,
Cause you’re burning up, I’ve got to get it fast.
(Take ’em to the bridge!)

Dirty babe, you see these shackles
Baby I’m your slave
I’ll let you whip me if I misbehave
It’s just that no one makes me feel this way
(Take ’em to the chorus!)

[Chorus: Timbaland]

[Verse 3: Timberlake]

I’m bringing sexy back (yeah)
Them motherf***ers watch how I attack (yeah)
If that’s your girl, better watch your back (yeah)
’cause you’re burning up for me, and that’s a fact (yeah)

(Take ’em to the chorus!)