Think About the Way

“Think About the Way” by Ice MC is a powerful Eurodance anthem that carries a profound message of global unity, social awareness, and a critique of the socio-political state of the world in the mid-1990s. At its core, the song is a call to action, urging listeners to reflect on their lives and the broader state of humanity. The lyrics, delivered through a dynamic interplay between Ice MC's ragga-style rap and Alexia's powerful female vocals, implore people to recognize their shared existence and work towards peace and equality.

The song explicitly tackles themes of global diversity and the need for unity. Ice MC's verses systematically list a wide array of nationalities, from European and Asian to African and American, to illustrate the idea that “God put pan de earth all kind of man.” This celebration of multiculturalism is immediately juxtaposed with the harsh reality of global conflict, as he laments that despite widespread talk of peace, “de war ina de world man it just can’t cease.” This highlights a central tension in the song's message: the ideal of a unified world versus the reality of division and violence.

Furthermore, “Think About the Way” delves into social inequality and injustice. The lyrics speak of a world of abundance, a proverbial “land of milk and honey,” which is unjustly controlled by a powerful few (“the power man”). These powerful figures are depicted as indifferent to the suffering of the common person, ignoring “de homeless de jobless or de confusion.” The specific mention of the war in Bosnia adds a contemporary and poignant political dimension, grounding the song's general plea for peace in a real-world conflict that was a major international concern at the time. The song thus becomes a protest against systemic inequality and the negligence of those in power.

The recurring chorus, “Think about the way that we live today,” serves as the song’s central thesis, a direct and persistent call for introspection and critical awareness. It’s a plea for individuals to consider their own lives and the collective behavior of society. The phrase “how some people play” can be interpreted as a critique of the games of power, corruption, and the often-frivolous or destructive ways people live their lives, oblivious to the wider consequences.

Ultimately, the song offers a glimmer of hope. The opening lines, “Music is the vibe, so open up your eyes, time is running out, so find the feeling,” suggest that music itself can be a catalyst for change, a way to awaken consciousness and find a more positive and empathetic way of being. It's a call to find a common feeling of humanity and urgency before it's too late. Therefore, “Think About the Way” is not merely a dance track but a socio-political statement wrapped in an infectious beat, a timeless call for unity, peace, and social justice.

The song opens with an atmospheric and urgent call to awaken. The female vocalist, with a powerful and soaring voice, declares that “music is the vibe” and urges listeners to “open up your eyes” because “time is running out.” This introduction immediately establishes a sense of immediacy and a need for awareness. It’s a call to find a certain “feeling,” a state of consciousness that the music aims to induce. This prelude sets the stage for the core message that is about to unfold.

Following this, Ice MC enters with his distinctive ragga-style rap, beginning with the highly recognizable and catchy “Boom diggy diggy diggy boom diggy bang.” This phrase acts as a rhythmic anchor throughout the track. His first verse is a powerful declaration of global unity, a lyrical journey across the globe. He lists a multitude of nationalities: Italians, Spanish, Mexicans, Japanese, Germans, Colombians, Chinese, Russians, Africans, Americans, Finnish, Canadians, Dutch, Swedish, Brazilians, Syrians, Indians, and Jamaicans. This extensive list serves to emphasize the diversity of humanity, suggesting that despite geographical and cultural differences, all people were put on Earth together. The message is clear: humanity is a single, diverse family. However, this celebration of diversity is immediately contrasted with a stark reality. Ice MC observes that while “too many people dem a talk 'bout peace,” the world is still plagued by war that “just can't cease.” This highlights a deep hypocrisy and a failure to live up to the ideal of unity.

The chorus, again delivered by the female vocalist, reinforces the central theme, repeatedly imploring the listener to “think about the way that we live today.” It’s a direct and reflective prompt, asking for introspection on personal and societal levels. The line is often followed by “how some people play,” suggesting a critique of the games of power and the injustices that exist in the world. This recurring plea serves as the song's conscience, a constant reminder to evaluate our actions and the state of the world.

In his second verse, Ice MC continues the rhythmic chant of “Boom diggy diggy diggy boom diggy bang” and delves deeper into social and political commentary. He speaks of a land of “milk and honey,” a metaphor for a world of plenty and opportunity, but points out that this abundance is controlled by the “power man.” This powerful elite, he accuses, “don't give a damn 'bout the situation,” ignoring the plight of the “homeless, the jobless, or de confusion.” He makes a specific reference to the conflict in Bosnia, a major humanitarian crisis at the time of the song's release, stating, “Ina Bosnia, Lord, me know seh dem wrong.” The verse concludes with a hopeful appeal to make the future better for the youth, to ensure they have a positive world to “come through.” This section of the song grounds the universal call for unity in specific, contemporary social issues, adding a layer of political urgency to the track.

The song's structure relies on the powerful interplay between Ice MC's rhythmic, socially conscious rap and the emotive, soaring vocals of the chorus. The recurring musical and lyrical motifs, such as “music is the vibe,” “find the feeling,” and the signature “boom diggy bang,” create a hypnotic and memorable experience. The track continuously drives its message home through repetition, not just of the chorus, but of the core idea that we must reflect on our way of life. The song is not just a dance track; it's an anthem with a conscience, a call to awareness, unity, and social responsibility, all set to an infectious beat that made it a global phenomenon.

"Think About the Way" was released in March 1994 as the second single from the third album by British-Italian-based rapper Ice MC, titled "Ice'n'Green". The song was recorded in November 1993. The creative force behind the track was Italian producer Roberto Zanetti, also known by his stage names Robyx and Savage. Zanetti produced the song and is credited as a writer, often as the sole writer, though some releases also credit Ice MC (Ian Campbell) as a co-writer. The recording and mixing took place at Casablanca Recordings in Italy.

A key element of the song's success was the powerful, uncredited female vocals performed by the Italian singer Alexia Aquilani, who was a frequent collaborator with Zanetti's production team at the time. Despite her significant vocal contribution, Alexia did not appear in the official music video for the song. The video was directed by Giacomo de Simone and was filmed at Filanda Forno in Massa, Italy.

The song's style was a notable evolution for Ice MC, moving towards a raggamuffin rap style blended with Eurodance beats, a combination that proved to be highly successful. This fusion of genres was highlighted by music critics at the time as a fresh and innovative sound.

In the UK and Ireland, the single was released with the subtitle "(Bom Digi Bom...)", a reference to the catchy opening of the rap verses. The song achieved significant chart success across Europe upon its initial release. However, its cultural longevity was significantly boosted when it was featured on the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed 1996 film "Trainspotting". This inclusion led to a re-issue of the single in the UK in September 1996, where it achieved even greater chart success than its original run. The song's association with the film cemented its status as an iconic track of the 1990s.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Think About the Way" are central to its energetic and memorable character, driving its Eurodance and ragga fusion.

Rhyme Scheme:

Ice MC's rap verses employ a relatively straightforward but effective rhyme scheme. It's not a rigid, consistent pattern, but it often relies on couplets and short, impactful rhymes that give his delivery a punchy, declarative feel. For example:

“Too many people dem a talk' 'bout peace
But de war in a de world man it just cah cease”

And:

“But a who have it all dat a de power man
An dem don't give a damn' bout de situation”

The rhymes are often simple and direct, which makes the lyrics easy to follow and adds to their anthemic quality. The chorus, sung by Alexia, uses repetition more than intricate rhyme, with the key phrase “Think about the way” being the central lyrical focus.

Rhythm and Meter:

The song is built on a classic 4/4 time signature, typical of dance music, with a driving beat that emphasizes each quarter note, making it highly danceable. The tempo is a brisk 133 beats per minute (BPM), contributing to its high-energy feel.

The rhythmic structure is defined by the interplay between the steady, four-on-the-floor kick drum and the syncopated vocal rhythms of Ice MC's rap. His delivery is characteristic of raggamuffin style, with a fluid, off-beat phrasing that rides over the top of the electronic beat. This creates a compelling rhythmic tension and a groove that is both propulsive and laid-back.

The most distinctive rhythmic element is the recurring chant, “Boom diggy diggy diggy boom diggy bang.” This phrase functions as a percussive instrument in its own right, a vocal hook with a strong, memorable rhythm that is one of the song's most defining features. The rhythmic interplay between the electronic beat, the driving piano riff, and the varied vocal deliveries of Ice MC and Alexia is key to the song's dynamic and infectious nature.

“Think About the Way” is a quintessential example of 1990s Eurodance, blending several stylistic elements to create its unique and impactful sound.

Literary Techniques:

• Repetition: The song heavily relies on repetition, both lyrically and musically. The chorus, “Think about the way that we live today,” is a constant refrain that drills the central message into the listener's mind. The recurring chant “Boom diggy diggy diggy boom diggy bang” serves as a memorable hook and a structural anchor.
• Rhetorical Questions: While not posed as direct questions, the lyrics function as such, prompting introspection. Lines like “Think about the way that we live today” are designed to make the audience reflect on their own lives and the state of the world.
• Juxtaposition: The lyrics create a stark contrast between the ideal and the real. The celebration of global diversity is immediately followed by a lament about war and conflict. Similarly, the image of a world of “milk and honey” is contrasted with the reality of poverty and power imbalances. This creates a powerful tension that highlights the song's critical message.
• Direct Address: The song speaks directly to the listener with phrases like “open up your eyes,” creating an intimate and urgent tone.

Musical Techniques:

• Genre Fusion: The track is a masterful blend of Eurodance, hip-house, and raggamuffin. The high-energy, synthesized dance beat, characteristic of Eurodance, is combined with Ice MC's reggae-influenced rap style, creating a fresh and dynamic sound that was innovative for its time.
• Vocal Interplay: The song's structure is built on the dynamic interplay between the male rap verses and the powerful, melodic female vocals in the chorus. This call-and-response format creates a dynamic texture and allows the song to transition seamlessly between social commentary and an emotive, singalong hook.
• Instrumentation: The song features classic 90s dance music instrumentation, including a prominent, driving piano riff, synthesized pads, and a strong drum machine beat. The use of crescendos in the percussion adds to the track's building energy. The tempo is upbeat and danceable, typically around 133 BPM.
• Sampling/Hooks: While not heavily reliant on sampling other songs, the track creates its own highly memorable hooks, particularly the “Bom Digi Bom” vocal riff, which became so iconic it was added to the title for its UK release.

“Think About the Way” had a significant cultural impact, becoming one of the most iconic Eurodance tracks of the 1990s. Upon its release in 1994, it became a major chart hit across Europe, reaching the top 5 in countries like Italy and Belgium, and the top 20 in Germany, France, Spain, and Sweden. Its unique blend of a danceable beat, powerful female vocals, and socially conscious ragga rap made it a staple in clubs and on radio stations worldwide.

The song's most significant cultural moment came in 1996 when it was featured in the soundtrack of Danny Boyle's seminal film, Trainspotting. The scene in which the song appears, depicting the characters' move to London and immersion in a new, fast-paced life, perfectly captured the track's energetic and slightly chaotic feel. This inclusion introduced “Think About the Way” to a much wider, alternative audience beyond the Eurodance scene and cemented its place in 90s pop culture history. The success of the film and its soundtrack led to the song being re-issued in the UK, where it charted even higher than its initial release.

The track's influence extends to the music world as well. It has been remixed numerous times over the years and has been covered or adapted by other artists. Notably, the German dance band Groove Coverage released a revamped version in 2012, and Iranian-Swedish artist Arash heavily borrowed from it for his 2012 hit “She Makes Me Go,” featuring Sean Paul. This demonstrates the song's enduring appeal and the recognizability of its core musical elements.

Within Ice MC's discography, “Think About the Way” remains his most successful and well-known song, a signature track that defined his career in the mid-90s. It stands as a prime example of the Eurodance genre's potential to combine infectious rhythms with meaningful lyrical content, leaving a lasting legacy as a call for unity and awareness that still resonates on dance floors today.

“Think About the Way” employs several potent symbols and metaphors to convey its message of global unity and social critique.

• The Global Village: The extensive listing of nationalities in Ice MC's rap serves as a direct representation of the “global village” concept. By naming people from every corner of the earth—“Japanese, German an Columbian, Cinese and de Russian an de African, American, Finnish an Canadian, Dutch an de Swedish, Brazilian, to the Sirian the Indian an Jamaican”—the song symbolically breaks down borders and emphasizes a shared humanity. It's a powerful lyrical device to create an image of a single, interconnected world population.
• "Milk an Honey": The phrase “Milk an honey deh ina everyland” is a biblical allusion to the Promised Land, symbolizing a world of potential abundance, prosperity, and peace. However, this idyllic image is immediately subverted by the lyric that follows, which questions who actually controls this wealth—the “power man.” This turns the metaphor into a tool for social critique, highlighting the disparity between the potential for a good life for everyone and the reality of resource hoarding and inequality.
• "The Feeling": The recurring plea to “find the feeling” acts as a metaphor for a higher state of consciousness, empathy, and awareness. It’s not a physical sensation but an emotional and spiritual awakening. The song posits that music (“the vibe”) is the key to unlocking this feeling, which in turn can lead to positive change. It symbolizes the shift in mindset required to address the world's problems.
• "Boom diggy diggy diggy boom diggy bang": This recurring, percussive phrase can be seen as a symbolic heartbeat or a war drum for a peaceful revolution. Its repetitive, almost hypnotic quality drives the song forward and acts as a rallying cry. While it might sound aggressive, within the context of the song's message of unity, it functions more like a powerful, attention-grabbing call to awaken and unite against the true violence of war and injustice mentioned in the lyrics.

"Think About the Way" masterfully uses recurring phrases and motifs to reinforce its themes and create an unforgettable anthem. These elements are central to the song's structure and its lasting impact.

• "Think About the Way": This is the central lyrical motif and the song's title phrase. Repeated constantly in the chorus, it functions as a direct command and a philosophical prompt to the listener. Its repetition ensures that the core message of introspection and social awareness is never lost, acting as the song's conscience and its most powerful hook.
• "Boom diggy diggy diggy boom diggy bang": This iconic phrase is the song's most recognizable sonic signature. It serves as a rhythmic introduction to Ice MC's verses and a recurring percussive break. Its significance is multifaceted: it's a catchy, nonsensical hook that makes the song instantly memorable, and it also functions as a kind of tribal chant, a rhythmic call to attention that unifies the track and gives it a unique identity. Its repetition provides a sense of structure and anticipation.
• "Music is the vibe / So open up your eyes": This phrase, which opens the song, establishes the premise that music is a powerful tool for enlightenment and change. It's a recurring idea in music, but here it sets the stage for the song's serious themes, suggesting that the danceable beat is a vehicle for a deeper message.
• "Find the feeling": Repeated in the introduction and interludes, this phrase is a call to achieve a state of empathy and higher consciousness. It’s a motif that points towards the song's hopeful resolution: that by finding this common human “feeling,” the problems of war and division can be overcome.
• The List of Nationalities: While the specific list of countries is only recited once in full, the motif of global unity is a recurring theme throughout the song. This initial litany of diverse peoples creates a powerful image that lingers in the listener's mind, providing the context for the repeated calls to “think about the way we live.”

The repetition of these key phrases and musical ideas is not just for catchiness; it's a deliberate technique to create a powerful, cohesive, and memorable message that is both a call to the dance floor and a call to social action.