No Scrubs is one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s , and its cultural impact continues to resonate to this day. Released by TLC in 1999, this powerful R&B ballad quickly became a feminist anthem that challenges the norms of modern relationships. No Scrubs’ lyrics address the fight for women’s emotional and economic autonomy , promoting the idea that one should not settle for partners who do not add value to their lives. Its blend of infectious beats and harmonious vocals not only catapulted it to the top of the charts, but also cemented it as a timeless classic. In this article, we will explore the lyrics of No Scrubs in depth , offer a translation , and break down the meaning behind this powerful piece of music that continues to inspire new generations.
Lyrics and translation into Spanish
No Scrubs
Oh, oh
A scrub is a guy that thinks he’s fly
And is also known as a buster
Always talkin’ about what he wants
And just sits on his broke ass, so
No, I don’t want your number
No, I don’t wanna give you mine, and
No, I don’t wanna meet you nowhere
No, I don’t want none of your time, and
No, I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
Well, a scrub’s checkin’ me, but his game is kinda weak
And I know that he cannot approach me
‘Cause I’m lookin’ like class and he’s lookin’ like trash
Can’t get wit’ a deadbeat ass, so
No, I don’t want your number
No, I don’t wanna give you mine, and
No, I don’t wanna meet you nowhere
No, I don’t want none of your time
No, I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
If you don’t have a car and you’re walkin’
Oh yes, son, I’m talkin’ to you
If you live at home with your momma
Oh yes, son, I’m talkin’ to you
If you have a shorty but you don’t show love
Oh yes, son, I’m talkin’ to you
Wanna get with me with no money?
Oh, no
I don’t want, no, oh
No scrub
No scrub, no, no
No scrub, no, no, no, no
No scrub, no, no
No, I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
See? If you can’t spatially expand my horizons (horizons)
Then that leaves you in the class with scrubs, never risin’ (risin’)
I don’t find it surprisin’ if you don’t have the G’s (G’s)
To please me and bounce from here to the coast of overseas
So (so), let me give you somethin’ to think about (think about)
Inundate your mind with intentions to turn you out (turn you out)
Can’t forget the focus on the picture in front of me (in front of me)
You as clear as DVD on digital TV screens (digital TV screens)
Satisfy my appetite with somethin’ spectacular (spectacular)
Check your vernacular, and then I’ll get back to ya (back to ya)
With diamond-like precision, insatiable is what I envision (envision)
Can’t detect acquisition from your friend’s expedition
Mister (mister) Big Willy, if you really wanna know (know, know)
Ask Chilli, could I be a silly ho? (Ho, ho) not really
T-Boz and all my señoritas are steppin’ on your FILA’s
But you don’t hear me though (but you don’t hear me though)
No, I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hangin’ out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Tryin’ to holla at me
Translation of No Scrubs
Oh, oh
Un “scrub” es un chico que piensa que es atractivo
Y también es conocido como un “buster”
Siempre hablando de lo que quiere
Y solo se sienta en su trasero roto, así que
No, no quiero tu número
No, no quiero darte el mío, y
No, no quiero encontrarte en ningún lado
No, no quiero nada de tu tiempo, y
No, no quiero un “scrub”
Un “scrub” es un chico que no puede obtener amor de mí
Colgando del lado del pasajero
Del auto de su mejor amigo
Tratando de coquetear conmigo
No quiero un “scrub”
Un “scrub” es un chico que no puede obtener amor de mí
Colgando del lado del pasajero
Del auto de su mejor amigo
Tratando de coquetear conmigo
Bueno, un “scrub” me está mirando, pero su juego es un poco débil
Y sé que no puede acercarse a mí
Porque me veo como clase y él se ve como basura
No puedo quedarme con un “deadbeat”, así que
No, no quiero tu número
No, no quiero darte el mío, y
No, no quiero encontrarte en ningún lado
No, no quiero nada de tu tiempo
No, no quiero un “scrub”
Un “scrub” es un chico que no puede obtener amor de mí
Colgando del lado del pasajero
Del auto de su mejor amigo
Tratando de coquetear conmigo
No quiero un “scrub”
Un “scrub” es un chico que no puede obtener amor de mí
Colgando del lado del pasajero
Del auto de su mejor amigo
Tratando de coquetear conmigo
Si no tienes un auto y estás caminando
Oh sí, hijo, te estoy hablando a ti
Si vives en casa con tu mamá
Oh sí, hijo, te estoy hablando a ti
Si tienes una chica pero no le muestras amor
Oh sí, hijo, te estoy hablando a ti
¿Quieres salir conmigo sin dinero?
Oh, no
No quiero, no, oh
No “scrub”
No “scrub”, no, no
No “scrub”, no, no, no, no
No “scrub”, no, no
No, no quiero un “scrub”
Un “scrub” es un chico que no puede obtener amor de mí
Colgando del lado del pasajero
Del auto de su mejor amigo
Tratando de coquetear conmigo
No quiero un “scrub”
Un “scrub” es un chico que no puede obtener amor de mí
Colgando del lado del pasajero
Del auto de su mejor amigo
Tratando de coquetear conmigo
¿Ves? Si no puedes expandir espacialmente mis horizontes (horizontes)
Entonces eso te deja en la clase con novatos, sin ascender nunca (ascendiendo)
No me sorprende que no tengas los G (G)
Para complacerme y rebotar de aquí a la costa de ultramar
Así que (así que), déjame darte algo en lo que pensar (pensar)
Inundar tu mente con intenciones de echarte (echarte)
No puedo olvidar el enfoque en la imagen frente a mí (frente a mí)
Tú tan claro como un DVD en las pantallas de televisión digital (pantallas de televisión digital)
Satisface mi apetito con algo espectacular (espectacular)
Revisa tu vernáculo y luego te responderé (te responderé)
Con precisión de diamante, insaciable es lo que imagino (imagino)
No puedo detectar la adquisición de la expedición de tu amigo
Señor (señor) Big Willy, si realmente quieres saber (sé, sé)
Pregúntale a Chilli, ¿puedo ser una tonta? (Ho, ho) En realidad no
T-Boz y todas mis señoritas están pisoteando tus FILA
Pero no me escuchas (pero no me escuchas)
No, no quiero ningún scrub
Un scrub es un tipo que no puede obtener ningún amor de mí
Pasando el rato en el lado del pasajero
Del vehículo de su mejor amigo
Intentando gritarme
No quiero ningún scrub
Un scrub es un tipo que no puede obtener ningún amor de mí
Pasando el rato en el lado del pasajero
Del vehículo de su mejor amigo
Intentando gritarme
No quiero ningún scrub
Un scrub es un tipo que no puede obtener ningún amor de mí
Pasando el rato en el lado del pasajero
Del vehículo de su mejor amigo
Intentando gritarme
No quiero ningún scrub
Un scrub es un tipo que no puede obtener ningún amor de mí
Pasando el rato en el lado del pasajero
Del vehículo de su mejor amigo
Intentando gritarme
Analysis of the song No Scrubs by TLC
Production and musical style
No Scrubs was written by Kandi Burruss , Tameka “Tiny” Cottle , and Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs . Production was handled by the latter, who brought an innovative approach to the song’s sound. Musically, No Scrubs is characterized by its fusion of R&B with hip-hop elements , which translates into an infectious beat and rich instrumentation. The use of synthesizers, electronic percussion, and a prominent bass stand out, creating a nostalgic yet modern atmosphere . This style marked a benchmark within the genre, combining catchy melodies with empowering lyrics.
Meaning of the lyrics
The lyrics of No Scrubs focus on self-worth and female independence . Through their message, TLC conveys the idea that women should not settle for partners who do not add value to their lives, often referred to as “ scrubs .” These characters are described as men who are dependent on others and lack ambition, highlighting the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who contribute positively to our existence.
Furthermore, the song invites reflection on the dynamics of modern relationships . It forbids any kind of relationship with those who do not have their own aspirations, reinforcing the message that respect and equality are fundamental in a relationship. This approach empowers listeners to demand more and not accept less than they deserve in their personal relationships.
Finally, No Scrubs can also be interpreted as a social critique of traditional masculine stereotypes . The rejection of “scrubs” not only emphasizes the value of economic and emotional independence , but also challenges cultural expectations about what it means to be a man in a relationship. This twist reinforces the importance of equality in relationships, regardless of gender, showing that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect .
Comparison with other songs of the decade
Released in 1999 , “No Scrubs” stands out as a feminist anthem and a declaration of independence in a decade filled with musical innovations and social issues. Unlike hits like Nirvana’s “ Smells Like Teen Spirit, ” which reflected the disillusionment of youth, “No Scrubs” addressed female self-affirmation in an urban context. While Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” emanated powerful romantic emotionality, TLC’s proposition was clear: self-love and the rejection of toxic relationships . In an era dominated by the rise of R&B and hip hop , “No Scrubs” not only managed to position itself on the charts, but also set a precedent for the representation of women in music. With catchy melodies and incisive lyrics, it established itself as a timeless classic that continues to resonate in popular culture today .
Impact and legacy of No Scrubs
TLC’s “No Scrubs” has left an indelible mark on music and pop culture. With its empowering message rejecting men who rely on other people for their success, it became a feminist anthem that resonated deeply with audiences. Its blend of R&B and hip-hop , along with its distinctive chorus, catapulted it to stardom, achieving multiple awards and ranking at the top of the charts.
Today, “No Scrubs” remains relevant, often cited in discussions about female independence and relationships. Its influence extends to contemporary artists who have sampled or referenced the song , proving that its themes and sound continue to inspire new generations. TLC’s legacy lives on , and its message continues to resonate in today’s culture.
Personal opinion
As a 90s music enthusiast, I’ve always felt a special connection to TLC’s “No Scrubs.” Not only does this song stand out for its catchy beat, but also for its empowering lyrics that call for female autonomy . The tune evokes nostalgia in me , remembering a time when music was an authentic reflection of the fight for equality . Every time I listen to it, I feel a boost of confidence and the need to surround myself with people who truly value what I have to offer. TLC’s rich production and signature vocal harmonies make it a timeless anthem that resonates deeply in my heart, reminding me of the importance of setting my own standards .
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