The Contenders
The Kinks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got to see what it's like on the world outside
Got to get out of this life somehow
Got to be free, got to be free now
I don't want to be a constructor of highways
A sweeper of sidewalks, I've got to do it my way
I'm too ill-equipped for a mathematician
A shrewd politician, a maker of decisions
We're not the greatest when when we're separated
But when we're together I think we're going to make it
I don't want to be like a fascist dictator
A saint or a sinner, I want to be a winner
In The Kinks's song "The Contenders," the singer is voicing his desire to break free from society's expectations and forge his own path in life. He tells his mother not to cry as he sets out to explore the world beyond the confines of his current situation. The singer expresses his dissatisfaction with a conventional career, rejecting the idea of being a constructor of highways or sweeper of sidewalks. He wants to do things his way, which he believes is the only way he can achieve true freedom. He acknowledges that he may not be suited to certain professions, such as a mathematician or politician, but he is determined to make his own decisions and succeed on his terms.
The song is ultimately a celebration of individuality and a rejection of conformity. The singer asserts that he doesn't want to be like anyone else, whether that's a fascist dictator or a saint. He simply wants to be a winner - someone who has achieved success on their own terms. The lyrics suggest that this isn't an easy path to follow, but it's one that's worth pursuing nonetheless. It's a message that resonates with many people who feel stifled by societal expectations and want to make their own way in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Hush little mammy don't you cry
Comforting a maternal figure who may be worried about the singer's plans.
I've got to see what it's like on the world outside
Desire to explore beyond the comfortable confines of home.
Got to get out of this life somehow
Acknowledgment that the current trajectory is untenable.
Got to be free, got to be free now
Unstoppable urge to chase personal freedom and fulfillment.
I don't want to be a constructor of highways
Rejection of a mundane, predictable career path.
A sweeper of sidewalks, I've got to do it my way
Disdain for menial labor that doesn't align with personal goals.
I'm too ill-equipped for a mathematician
Lack of aptitude for certain intellectual pursuits.
A shrewd politician, a maker of decisions
Recognizing the potentially corrupting influence of power.
We're not the greatest when when we're separated
Admission that teamwork and collaboration are important.
But when we're together I think we're going to make it
Belief in the power of unity and cooperation.
I don't want to be like a fascist dictator
Disavowal of authoritarian or suppressive tactics.
A saint or a sinner, I want to be a winner
Preferring winning by one's own terms rather than moralistic ideals.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
johnny zell
Hush little mammy don't you cry
I've got to see what it's like on the world outside
Got to get out of this life somehow
Got to be free, got to be free now
I don't want to be a constructor of highways
A sweeper of sidewalks, I've got to do it my way
I'm too ill-equipped for a mathematician
A shrewd politician, a maker of decisions
We're not the greatest when when we're separated
But when we're together I think we're going to make it
I don't want to be like a fascist dictator
A saint or a sinner, I want to be a winner
비정한세상
The Contenders
The Kinks
Produced by Ray Davies
Album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One
[Verse 1]Hush little mammy don't you cry
Got to see what it's like on the world outside
Got to get out of this life somehow
Got to be free, we got to be free now
[Verse 2]I don't want to be a constructor of highways
A sweeper of sidewalks, I got to do it my way
I'm too ill-equipped for a mathematician
A shrewd politician, a maker of petitions
[Verse 3]We're not the greatest when when we're separated
But when we're together I think we're going to make it
I don't want to be like a fascist dictator
A saint or a sinner, I want to be a winner
Stephen Reed
Hush little mammy don't you cry
Got to see what it's like on the world outside
Got to get out of this life somehow
Got to be free, we got to be free now
[Verse 2]
I don't want to be a constructor of highways
A sweeper of sidewalks, I got to do it my way
I'm too ill-equipped for a mathematician
A shrewd politician, a maker of decisions
[Verse 3]
We're not the greatest when when we're separated
But when we're together I think we're going to make it
I don't want to be like a fascist dictator
A saint or a sinner, I want to be a winner
Antonio Stefanini
Kinks, a gold mine of rock and roll.
Randall Kennedy
Perfect comment
Bob Hill
One of the best albums!
Wes Matthews
My favorite Kinks album, and that’s saying something.
SalfordBlue
The intro brings to mind late sixties Stones. The main riff is pure Zeppelin.
... and yet it still remains oh so very Kinks. Love the hell out of this.
Neeps
I heard The Band during that intro myself.
J A
This album have some excellent RIFFS !! This song , Powerman, Rats, etc
John Harrison
Top of the Pops, Lola.
gary henderson
One of my all time favorite Kinks songs!
RedGoldGreen-Dub1975
Fantastic song 😎✌