These lyrics are from the song "Shut Down" by The Beach Boys, released in 1963. The song captures the excitement and adrenaline rush of a drag race, and each line reflects different aspects of the race and the competition between the singer and their opponent. Let's break down the lyrics line by line:
"Tack it up, tack it up": The phrase "tack it up" likely refers to getting ready for the race, possibly adjusting something on the car. It sets the stage for the race to begin.
"Buddy, gonna shut you down": The singer is expressing confidence that they are going to beat their opponent in the race and "shut them down."
"It happened on the strip where the road is wide": The race takes place on a wide road or drag strip, which is a common location for drag racing.
"Two cool shorts standin' side by side": Describes the two cars lined up next to each other, ready for the race.
"Yeah, my fuel injected Stingray and a four-thirteen": The singer is driving a "fuel-injected Stingray," which is a type of high-performance car, and they are racing against a "four-thirteen," likely another powerful car model.
"A revvin' up our engines, and it sounds real mean": Both cars are revving their engines, creating a powerful and aggressive sound as they prepare for the race.
"Tack it up, tack it up": Repeating the phrase to emphasize the anticipation and preparation for the race.
"Declinin' numbers at an even rate": Suggests that the cars are gradually moving forward or approaching the starting line.
"At the count of one we both accelerate": The race begins with both cars accelerating as soon as the countdown reaches "one."
"My stingray is light, the slicks are startin' to spin": The singer's car, the Stingray, is lightweight, and the rear tires are starting to spin due to the intense acceleration.
"But the four-thirteen's really diggin' in": The opponent's car, the four-thirteen, is getting a good grip on the road and accelerating rapidly.
"Gotta be cool now, power shift, here we go": The singer is preparing for a gear shift to gain more speed during the race.
"Superstock dodge is windin' out in low": Mention of another car, a "Superstock Dodge," which is also racing and reaching its top speed in a lower gear.
"But my fuel injected Stingray's really startin' to go": The Stingray is picking up speed and performing well.
"To get the traction, I'm ridin' the clutch": The singer is using the clutch pedal to control the traction of the car, a common technique in drag racing.
"My pressure plate's burnin', that machine's too much": The intensity of the race is causing stress on the car's clutch, and the machine is performing at its limits.
"Pedal's to the floor, hear the dual quads drink": The accelerator pedal is fully pressed down, and the car's dual carburetors are delivering maximum fuel to the engine.
"And now the four-thirteen's lead is startin' to shrink": The Stingray is catching up to the four-thirteen as the race progresses.
"He's hot with ram induction, but it's understood": The opponent's car has a ram induction system, which enhances performance, but the singer remains confident.
"I got a fuel-injected engine sittin' under my hood": Emphasizing the power and performance of the singer's car's fuel-injected engine.
"Shut it off, shut it off, Buddy, now I shut you down": The singer triumphantly declares victory as they finish the race and shut down their opponent.
The lyrics vividly capture the adrenaline, competition, and technical aspects of a drag race, making it a classic song in the world of car enthusiasts and rock 'n' roll.
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