I’ve noticed it being used in several rock songs lately, but I’m not musically inclined enough to figure out what, if anything, changes after the singer issues this declaration. The two songs where it has caught my attention recently are
“Cowboys from Hell” - Pantera
“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” - The Clash
I’m hoping someone will know what I’m talking about, because I didn’t spot any lyrics that mentioned this specifically.
Boths songs seem to be using the word in the sense of “leave.” In the Clash song, it’s one of the title choices (i.e., “maybe I should just split”). The lyrics I found online for the Pantera song don’t show where the word “split” appears, but in the context of the rest of the song I expect it’s a warning to run away.
Got an example?
“I gotta split.” = “I’m leaving now.”
Nothing musical, just slang.
Sorry, I’m not being the least bit clear.
In neither case (or any of the ones I’ve heard) is this a word uttered in the middle of a sentence. It seems to be uttered in between verses as if he’s giving the band some sort of cue.
For example, in The Clash example:
Although in this example, I can buy that it’s a reference to the theme of the song as a whole.
With “Cowboys From Hell,” it goes:
There’s also a portion of Aerosmith’s “Train Kept A-Rollin’” (live version) which has a very similar sound and placement to it, although it sounds more like he’s saying “Shift!” or “Shook!” rather than “Split!” This happens after a portion of the song where the instruments essentially quote “The Star Spangled Banner,” for anyone who is familiar with the recording I’m referring to. It has the exact same feel to me.
Hope that helps, even if it’s just to help prove I’m crazy.
I know of no specific definition - but I have heard the various references you cite as examples. I assume it is just a cue they use - either because it is related to the lyrics, or just a signal to change the next section…
When I am playing Stray Cat Strut and it segues into the bass solo, we stretch it out until I say “Take me for walk, Mr. Bass Player” and he starts his solo. The words don’t have specific musical definitions (other than the silly pun of “walking bass” - I am just so funny) but the intent of the signal means something.
I am very open to being wrong here, but I think that is the function of “split” in those songs - not a specific musical command.
James Brown was famous for saying “Maceo - take me to the Bridge - hey!” same thing - signalling a transition…
Make like a tree and leave.
Make like a banana and split.
Let’s get the truck outa here!
James Brown said, “Good God!” but I doubt if it was a specific musical reference.