OutKast, an influential hip-hop duo from Atlanta, changed Southern hip-hop with innovative sounds.

Their album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below sold over 10 million copies, producing hits like “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move.”

About the Song

“Hey Ya!” is an energetic song by OutKast, blending funk, pop, and hip-hop elements to explore complex relationships.

Hey Ya! Lyrics by Outkast

Intro: André 3000

One, two, three, uh!

Verse 1: André 3000

My baby don’t mess around
Because she loves me so, and this I know for sure (Uh)
But does she really wanna
But can’t stand to see me walk out the door? (Ah)
Don’t try to fight the feeling
‘Cause the thought alone is killing me right now (Uh)
Thank God for Mom and Dad
For sticking two together ’cause we don’t know how (C’mon)

Chorus: André 3000

Hey ya! Hey ya!
Hey ya! Hey ya!
Hey ya! Hey ya!
Hey ya! Hey ya!

Verse 2: André 3000

You think you’ve got it, oh, you think you’ve got it
But “got it” just don’t get it ’til there’s nothing at all (Ah!)
We get together, oh, we get together
But separate’s always better when there’s feelings involved (Ah)
If what they say is, “Nothing is forever”
Then what makes, then what makes, then what makes
Then what makes, what makes, what makes love the exception?
So why oh, why oh, why oh, why oh, why oh
Are we so in denial when we know we’re not happy here?
Y’all don’t wanna hear me, you just wanna dance

Chorus: André 3000

Hey ya! (Uh-oh) Hey ya! (Uh-oh)
Don’t want to meet your daddy
Hey ya! (Uh-oh)
Just want you in my Caddy (Uh-oh)
Hey ya! (Uh-oh)
Don’t want to meet your mama (Uh-oh)
Hey ya! (Uh-oh)
Just want to make you cum-a’ (Uh-oh)
Hey ya! (Uh-oh)
I’m, I’m, I’m just being honest (Uh-oh)
Hey ya!
I’m just being honest

Bridge 1: André 3000

Hey, all right now, all right now, fellas (Yeah?)
Now, what’s cooler than being cool? (Ice Cold!)
I can’t hear ya
I say what’s, what’s cooler than being cool? (Ice Cold!)
All right, all right, all right, all right, all right, all right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right, all right, all right, all right
Okay now, ladies (Yeah?)
Now, we gon’ break this thing down in just a few seconds
Now, don’t have me break this thing down for nothing
Now, I want to see y’all on your baddest behavior
Lend me some sugar, I am your neighbor
Ah, here we go!

Refrain: André 3000

Shake it, sh-shake it, shake it, sh-shake it (Uh-oh)
Shake it, sh-shake it, shake it, shake it, sh-shake it (Uh-oh)
Shake it like a Polaroid picture, hey ya!
Shake it, sh-shake it, shake it, sh-shake it
Shake it, shake it (Okay), shake it, sugar
Shake it like a Polaroid picture

Bridge 2: André 3000

Now, all the Beyoncés and Lucy Lius
And baby dolls, get on the floor (Get on the floor)
You know what to do, oh, you know what to do
You know what to do

Chorus: André 3000

Hey ya! (Uh-oh) Hey ya! (Uh-oh)
Hey ya! (Uh-oh) Hey ya! (Uh-oh, hey ya!)
Hey ya! (Uh-oh) Hey ya! (Oh, oh, uh-oh)
Hey ya! (Uh-oh) Hey ya! (Uh-oh)
Hey ya! Hey ya!a!)

Hey Ya! Live Performance on CD: UK (22 Jun 2017)

Similar Songs Like Hey Ya! by Outkast

Here are similar songs by Outkast that share similar themes, musical elements or emotional tones with “Hey Ya!.”

• “The Way You Move”: A smooth track with a catchy beat, celebrating love and attraction with a soulful and funky vibe.
• “Prototype”: A soulful, laid-back song expressing deep feelings of affection and the idea of the perfect romantic partner.
• “GhettoMusick”: Energetic and bold, this song blends electronic beats with soulful melodies, reflecting on contemporary hip-hop and societal issues.
• “Elevators (Me & You)”: A relaxed track about life’s challenges and the complexities of relationships, with smooth beats and thoughtful lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Inspired OutKast’s Hit Song “Hey Ya!”?

“Hey Ya!” was inspired by the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of love, disillusionment, and the uncertainty of lasting connections.

How did “Hey Ya!” Change the Landscape of Hip-Hop Music?

The song pushed boundaries by blending funk, pop, and hip-hop, introducing new sounds and expanding hip-hop’s musical range.

What is the Meaning Behind the Lyrics of “Hey Ya!”?

The lyrics reflect the confusion and pain in relationships, questioning the idea of true love and addressing emotional struggles.

How did OutKast Blend Different Musical Styles in “Hey Ya!”?

OutKast mixed funk, pop, and hip-hop, creating a unique sound with energetic rhythms, catchy hooks, and layered, experimental production.

How did “Hey Ya!” Perform on Music Charts Worldwide?

“Hey Ya!” topped charts globally, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving widespread critical and commercial success.