You know that feeling when a bassline hits and suddenly you’re back in 2004? That’s the Black Eyed Peas effect. But there’s a weird glitch in our collective memory. If you go looking for the let’s get started in here lyrics, you’re going to run into a very specific, very intentional piece of music history that most people have actually forgotten. It's not just a song; it's a Case Study in how the music industry handles "clean" vs. "explicit" content without most of us even noticing.
It's kind of wild.
Most people don’t realize that the version they hear at every wedding, Bar Mitzvah, and NBA halftime show isn't the original version. The original track, "Let's Get Retarded," was released on their 2003 breakout album Elephunk. But as the song started gaining massive traction, Interscope Records and the band realized they had a potential PR nightmare—and a massive financial opportunity—on their hands. They needed something radio-friendly. Something corporate-friendly.
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The Pivot From Elephunk to the NBA
Basically, the "Let's Get It Started" version we all know was a re-recording. It wasn't just a simple radio edit where they bleep out a word. They changed the entire hook. They re-tracked vocals. They polished the production to make it shine for the masses. When you look at the let's get started in here lyrics, you're seeing the result of a calculated move that turned a club track into a global anthem used by the NBA for their 2004 playoff commercials.
It worked. Boy, did it work.
The song won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2005. But the lyrical shift created a permanent fork in the road for fans. If you listen to the Elephunk album version, it feels grittier, a bit more chaotic, and very much a product of the early 2000s "underground-gone-pop" scene. The "started" version, meanwhile, is the quintessential "hype" song.
Why the Lyrics Actually Matter
Lyrics aren't just words; they're the vibe. In the "started" version, will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie focus on the energy of the moment. The opening lines—"And the bass keeps runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin'"—set a pace that never lets up. Honestly, the repetition is the genius of it. It’s designed to get you into a trance.
The verses are actually quite dense if you stop and read them. People usually just mumble through them until the chorus hits. Take will.i.am’s verse: "Lose control, of body and soul / Don't move too fast, people, just take it slow." It’s classic party-rocking advice. He’s telling you to let the music take over, which is a recurring theme in the Black Eyed Peas' mid-2000s catalog. They were the kings of "don't think, just dance."
Fergie’s contribution can’t be understated here. This was her era. Her vocals on the track added a layer of pop-rock edge that the group lacked when they were a strictly hip-hop trio. When she hits those high notes in the bridge, it elevates the track from a standard rap song to a stadium anthem.
Breakdown of the Most Misheard Phrases
We’ve all been there. The music is loud, the drinks are flowing, and you’re screaming something that sounds vaguely like the lyrics but definitely isn't.
- "In this context, there's no disrespect": A lot of people hear this as "In this compact" or "In this conquest." Nope. It's a disclaimer. They were literally telling the audience that the energy they were bringing was meant to be positive, not offensive.
- "Obstacles are inefficient": This is a weirdly intellectual line for a party song, right? It’s will.i.am basically saying that anything stopping the flow of the party is a waste of time.
- "The bubble-gush": No, they aren't talking about candy. It’s a reference to the bubbling energy of the crowd. Or maybe it’s just nonsense that sounded cool in the booth. With the Peas, it’s often 50/50.
The let's get started in here lyrics also feature some heavy-hitting internal rhymes that make the song incredibly catchy. "Bob your head like 24/7 / Girl, your eyes are looking like they're in heaven." It’s simple. It’s effective. It’s why the song has survived three decades of music trends.
The Social Impact of the Lyric Change
Looking back from 2026, the shift from "Retarded" to "Started" was a pivotal moment in "cancel culture" before that term even existed. It was a rare case of a brand being proactive. The Black Eyed Peas didn't wait for a Twitter (X) storm; they saw the writing on the wall. The term they originally used was becoming increasingly recognized as a slur against people with intellectual disabilities.
By changing the lyrics, they didn't just avoid a scandal—they made the song timeless. If they hadn't changed it, the song would likely be scrubbed from most modern playlists today. Instead, it’s a staple.
How to Properly Use the Song Today
If you’re a DJ or someone running a playlist at an event, the "started" version is your only real choice. It’s the version that triggers the dopamine hit.
The structure of the song is actually quite complex for a pop hit:
- The Intro: The "runnin' runnin'" loop builds immediate tension.
- The Hook: Massive, soaring, and easy to scream.
- The Verses: Fast-paced, requiring a bit of breath control if you're trying to keep up.
- The Bridge: A breakdown that lets the crowd breathe before the final explosion.
Most people forget the "Da-da-da-da-da-da-da" part toward the end. It’s the ultimate "I don't know the words but I'm still participating" moment. That's the hallmark of a perfectly written pop song. You don't need to be a linguist to feel like you're part of the performance.
The Technical Side of the Track
Musically, the song relies on a heavy, distorted bassline and a very "dry" drum sound. This was the signature of the early 2000s Interscope sound. It’s meant to sound good on car speakers and even better in a stadium. When you’re reading the let's get started in here lyrics, try to hear the syncopation in will.i.am’s delivery. He’s rapping "around" the beat, not just on top of it. It’s a technique borrowed from jazz and old-school funk, which makes sense given the album was titled Elephunk.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re looking to master this track for karaoke or just want to appreciate the craft, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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- Watch the Tempo: It’s faster than you think. Around 105 BPM. It’s easy to get winded if you start too strong in the first verse.
- Focus on the "In Here": The distinction between "Let's get it started" and "Let's get it started in here" is where the groove lives. That extra "in here" at the end of the phrase provides the rhythmic resolution.
- Check Your Version: If you're using a streaming service, make sure you've saved the "Radio Edit" or the single version if you want the clean "Started" lyrics. The album version might surprise your grandma if it's the 2003 original.
- Study the Bridge: Fergie’s "Yeah"s and "Oh"s are the secret sauce. If you’re performing this, don't ignore the ad-libs. They provide the texture that makes the song feel "live."
The legacy of the let's get started in here lyrics is a testament to the power of a good edit. It turned a potentially offensive club track into one of the most successful commercial songs of the 21st century. It’s a reminder that sometimes, moving the needle just a little bit can change the entire trajectory of a career.
Go back and listen to it again. Pay attention to the layering of the vocals. Even if you aren't a fan of pop-rap, the engineering on this track is a masterclass in how to create "energy" through sound. The way the vocals are panned—some in the center, some wide to the left and right—creates an immersive "party" environment even if you're just wearing cheap earbuds. It’s a wall of sound that invites you in.
Next time it comes on, you'll know exactly why it sounds the way it does. You'll know the history. You'll know that "In this context, there's no disrespect" was a very deliberate choice. And you'll probably still scream the "runnin' runnin'" part at the top of your lungs. That's just what this song does. It’s been twenty years, and the bass is still runnin'.