Meaning and Lyrics of Zim Zim by Billy Boyo

Song Lyrics meaning of Zim Zim by Billy Boyo

About Billy Boyo

Billy Boyo
Billy Boyo was a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist who burst onto the scene in the early 1980s. Born in 1969 in Kingston, Jamaica, he quickly made a name for himself as a youthful prodigy in the burgeoning dancehall genre. Known for his charismatic vocal delivery and infectious rhythms, Boyo’s music captured the raw energy and innovative spirit of the early dancehall era. One of his most iconic tracks is “Zim Zim”, a song that exemplifies his ability to blend catchy melodies with sharp, streetwise lyrics. Despite his initial rise to prominence, Boyo’s career was relatively short due to personal challenges and the changing musical landscape of the time. Yet, his impact on the genre’s evolution remains undeniable. Billy Boyo’s contribution to reggae and dancehall continues to resonate with fans and artists alike, highlighting the enduring appeal of his youthful, vibrant style.

Meaning of Zim Zim by Billy Boyo

“Zim Zim” by Billy Boyo is a reggae track that showcases the artist’s unique style and lyrical flow. The song’s chorus, with its repetitive and catchy “Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee” line, sets the energetic tone for the track.

The refrain about ‘Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar’ adds a playful element to the song, introducing characters like Pinky Lou and Boy Blue, hinting at a playful and possibly mischievous atmosphere.

In the first verse, Billy Boyo cleverly uses numerical references and wordplay to emphasize the message of not taking on more than one can handle. The mention of cashews as his favorite nuts adds a personal touch to the lyrics. The verse also delves into themes of identity and potential conflict with lines like “Temper in her eye, it black an’ blue”.

As the song progresses to the second verse, the lyrics take on a more assertive and confident tone, highlighting a sense of power and authority. The reference to music being “charged for” indicates a deep connection to the art form and possibly a commentary on the commercial aspect of the music industry.

The third verse continues the theme of not exceeding one’s limits and touches on geography and socioeconomic status, referencing Mountain View and Saint Andrew. This verse emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s boundaries and limitations.

The chorus repeats throughout the song, maintaining a consistent rhythm and adding to the overall vibe of the track. The refrains and verses create a dynamic interplay, showcasing Billy Boyo’s storytelling prowess and ability to weave intricate wordplay into his lyrics.

In the later verses, the song takes a more introspective turn, with references to personal journey and acknowledgment of one’s roots and faith. The inclusion of geographical locations adds a sense of place and context to the narrative, enriching the storytelling aspect of the song.

The outro ties the song together with a sense of celebration and completion, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing individuality. The repetitive nature of the outro creates a sense of continuity and closure, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

Overall, “Zim Zim” by Billy Boyo is a rich tapestry of musical and lyrical elements, showcasing the artist’s talent and creativity in blending reggae rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics and infectious hooks.

Lyrics of Zim Zim by Billy Boyo

Intro
Rabi-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-tit (Ti-ti-ti-tit)
A great song called

Chorus
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee

Refrain
Who stole di cookie from the cookie jar?
Who mi, yes you, couldn't mi, then is who?
Must be di girl where dem call Pinky Lou
Who mi, yes you, couldn't mi, then is who?
Who stole di cookie, mussi Pinky Lou

Verse 1
Eleven an' eleven, dat are twenty two
Twenty one an' twenty one, dat are forty two
Forty one an' forty one show a eighty two
You must not bite what you can't chew
Mi favorite nuts, dat are cashew
I'm Billy Boyo, him just a pass through
One, say two, operator dat are you
Temper in her eye, it black an' blue
She say, "I can go fi eradication fi you"
What cyaan do is eradication do?
Don't tell no one, dem have the same problem too

Chorus
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee (Hey)
Zim-zim-zim in a different stylee (Hey)

Verse 2
Who, what, dem don't know dem style-a
Who, what, we are super-duper
Who, what, dem no know dem style-a
Who, what, we are murderer (Rabbit-a)
Who, what, music we charged for

Chorus
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee

Refrain
Who stole di cookie from the cookie jar?
Who mi, yes you, couldn't mi, then is who?
Who stole di cookie, mussi Pinky Lou
Who mi, yes you, couldn't mi, then is who?
Must be di youth weh dem call Boy Blue

Verse 3
Eleven an' eleven, dat are twenty two
Love part one, but mi prefer part two
Must not bite what you can't chew
Mi favorite nuts, dat are cashew
Ask her where she live at, up at Mountain View
Di richest set of people live at Saint Andrew

Chorus
Zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee
Zim-zim-zam, di dance have fi ram
Zim-zam, di dance have fi ram (Bam)
Zim-zam, di session have fi ram
Man in a buckles, an' di girls-dem in a tam
Don't eat di sheep, but we eat up di ram
Favorite dish, dat are ackee an' yam
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee (Hey)

Refrain
Who stole di cookie from di cookie jar
Who mi, yes you, couldn't mi, then a who?
Must be di girl weh dem call Pinky Lou
Who stole di cookie, mussi one Boy Blue
Eleven an' eleven dat are twenty two (Rabbit-a)
(Tell 'em-a, ku-sheng-peng)

Chorus
Say, who, yes, it is me
Di classical MC name Boyo Billy
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee (Hey)
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee

Verse 4
On my way I go to Brixton city
Some Babylon stop mi, dem ask mi weh mi name
Mi tell 'em Billy Boyo music is my game
An' anywhere mi go, I say, mi have a lot of fame

Chorus
​​Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee
A who mi pray to, a just to God almighty
Everyday I give Jah thanks for his majesty

Chorus
Zim-zim-zim, zim man Stagger Lee
Him fire Billy Boyo in a different stylee
Zim-zim-zim, zimma stylee

Verse 5
Long time dem no hear it from mi
Cah, long time dem no hear it from mi
Cah, man, if you flash dem in a number are one-one-three
In a alphabet dat are A-B-C
Some say Billy Boyo, some say Boyo Billy

Outro
Zim, zam di dance have fi ram
Bim, bam di beat have fi ram
Zim, zam, zim man Stagger Lee (Hey)

Discography Billy Boyo

Zim Zim

Release: 2003-01-01
Label: Silver Kamel Audio
Popularity: 👏
1. Jamaica Nice
2. Dub Freeze
3. Zim Zim
4. Stagolee Stylee
5. Dreadlocks Party
6. Dread Skank
7. Every Mockell Tell
8. Got to Say It
9. Iron Woman
10. Vote For Me
11. I like Your Something
12. B.B.’s Posse
Tracklist Collapse
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x