One of the best known American power pop bands, the group's biggest hits over the years include "I Want You to Want Me", "Surrender", "Dream Police", "Don't Be Cruel" (a cover of Elvis Presley's hit), and "The Flame". Their most recent release, The Latest, has gained critical acclaim. They also wrote and performed the theme song for "The Colbert Report" as well as "That 70s Show", both tunes being fan favorites.
Nielsen and Petersson originally formed the group as Fuse in 1967, with Carlos joining the group several years later; however, when Zander joined as vocalist in 1972, the group was renamed Cheap Trick. Zander is considered one of the best hard rock vocalists of his era. For their part, Tom Petersson has been known for playing custom made 8, 12, and even a 18 string custom bass made by Modulus for Tom in 1981 and Rick Nielsen also has a penchant for unusual instruments. He owns and plays a five-necked solidbody electric guitar (it can be seen in the video for the song "She's Tight" among others).
Studio Albums
(1977) Cheap Trick [a.k.a Cheap Trick (1997)]
(1977) In Color
(1978) Heaven Tonight
(1979) Dream Police
(1980) All Shook Up
(1980) Found All The Parts
(1982) One on One
(1983) Next Position Please
(1985) Standing on the Edge
(1986) The Doctor
(1988) Lap of Luxury
(1990) Busted
(1994) Woke Up With A Monster
(1997) Cheap Trick [a.k.a Cheap Trick (1997)]
(2003) Special One
(2006) Rockford
(2009) The Latest
(2016) Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello
(2017) We're All Alright!
(2021) In Another World
[Live Albums]
(1978) At Budokan
(1978) Budokan II
(1998) At Budokan: the Complete Concert
(1999) Music for Hangovers
(2001) Silver
Up the Creek
Cheap Trick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just like the one's that got away,
Supposedly if so far.
I threw my hook into the water,
I nearly gotta.
House design now
[I'm up the creek]
Although I lost a little ground
[I'm up the creek]
I know that time is on my side
[I'm up the creek]
Don't you go pull the plug on me.
[I'm up the creek]
There more than one fish in the sea.
I'm not about to let it be.
I know that I am up the creek.
Hey, hey
The foreign legions always there. I need a holiday.
Daydream in the dessert, with no pressure, that's the way, cause
[I'm up the creek]
Although I've lost a little ground.
[I'm up the creek]
I know that time is on my side.
[I'm up the creek]
Don't you go pull the plug on me.
[I'm up the creek]
There more than one fish in the sea.
I'm not about to let it be.
I know that I'm up the creek.
[I'm up the creek]
Without a paddle.
[I'm up the creek]
But that don't matter at all.
[No matter at all]
No matter at all.
[No matter at all]
[I'm up the creek]
Without a paddle
[I'm up the creek]
I'm learning to paddle it all,
[Don't mention at all]
[Don't mention at all]
paddle it all.
[Don't mention at all]
oh
Hey, hey
I'm, up the creek
I'm, up the creek
[I'm, up the creek]
Here I go! You want to go?
[I'm, Up the creek]
Help me! Help me! Help me!
[I'm, up the creek]
[I'm, up the creek]
Watch it! Wow!
[I'm, up the creek]
[I'm, up the creek]
"Up The Creek" by Cheap Trick is a song about being in a challenging and uncertain situation, often used to describe feeling stuck or in trouble. The lyrics use the metaphor of being up a creek without a paddle to convey this sense of difficulty and helplessness.
In the first verse, the singer mentions the ones that got away, implying missed opportunities or failed attempts. They acknowledge that they have thrown their hook into the water, symbolizing their effort to navigate through life's challenges. However, they feel overwhelmed and almost give up.
The chorus emphasizes the feeling of being up the creek, meaning in a difficult situation, with no clear solution in sight. The lyrics suggest that although the singer may have lost some ground or made mistakes, they believe that time is on their side and they can recover. They ask others not to abandon them or give up on them.
The second verse introduces the concept of the foreign legions, which could represent external pressures or obstacles that the singer is facing. They express the need for a break or holiday to daydream and relieve the pressure. Despite the setbacks, they still believe that time is on their side and they can overcome the challenges they face.
The bridge further emphasizes the idea of being up the creek without a paddle, meaning being in a difficult situation without any means of control or direction. However, the singer doesn't see this as a problem, stating that it doesn't matter because they are learning to paddle and handle their situation on their own.
Overall, the song "Up The Creek" reflects the struggle of being in a challenging situation and the determination to overcome it. It encourages persistence and highlights the belief that there are always more opportunities available if one doesn't give up.
Line by Line Meaning
Watch it!
Be careful and pay attention!
Just like the one's that got away
Similar to the opportunities or chances that were missed
Supposedly if so far
Assuming that things have not gone well
I threw my hook into the water
I took a chance and put myself out there
I nearly gotta
I almost caught something
House design now
The situation is turning against me
Although I lost a little ground
Even though I've faced setbacks
I know that time is on my side
I believe that things will eventually turn in my favor
Don't you go pull the plug on me
Please don't give up on me or abandon me
There more than one fish in the sea
There are other opportunities and options available
I'm not about to let it be
I won't allow it to just pass by
Hey, hey
An expression of enthusiasm
The foreign legions always there. I need a holiday
The responsibilities and pressures are overwhelming, I need a break
Daydream in the dessert, with no pressure, that's the way
I want to disconnect and imagine a stress-free environment
Although I've lost a little ground
Even though I've faced setbacks
Don't you go pull the plug on me
Please don't give up on me or abandon me
Without a paddle
Without any means of control or direction
But that don't matter at all
It's not a significant issue or concern
I'm learning to paddle it all
I'm figuring out how to navigate and overcome challenges
oh
An expression of surprise or realization
Here I go! You want to go?
I'm ready to take action, do you want to join me?
Help me! Help me! Help me!
I need assistance and support
Watch it! Wow!
Pay attention! It's amazing!
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