Dukes Up
Modest Mouse Lyrics
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Sit and think for a while and you'll realize that you'll still die.
If you're not thinking at all I don't know why you're alive.
Ping-pong
The lyrics of Modest Mouse's song "Dukes Up" seem to comment on the futility of life and the importance of introspection. The repeated lines of "Ping-pong" throughout the song can be interpreted as a metaphor for the back-and-forth nature of life and how it can feel as if we are merely bouncing between conflicting thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The lines "Sit and think for a while and you'll realize that you'll still die" suggest that we must confront the inevitability of death in order to truly understand the value of our time on earth. The following line "If you're not thinking at all I don't know why you're alive" emphasizes the importance of active engagement in life and critical thinking in order to find meaning.
The verses of the song offer a more detailed exploration of these themes, touching on the concept of mortality ("Death may come if I can't get it right") and the idea that success and validation in life can be fleeting ("You can hold your breath until you turn blue, but they'll never give a damn"). The repeated line "They can't tell you what you already know" suggests that true understanding must come from within and cannot be dictated by external factors.
Overall, "Dukes Up" can be seen as a commentary on the human experience and the importance of reflection, introspection, and engagement in life to find meaning and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Ping-pong
Repetition of the phrase 'ping-pong' to indicate a break in thought or a change of topic.
Sit and think for a while and you'll realize that you'll still die.
Reflecting on one's mortality and the inevitability of death when taking time to ponder life's purpose.
If you're not thinking at all I don't know why you're alive.
Questioning the value of existence without thought and introspection, suggesting that life is meaningless without reflection.
Ping-pong
Returning to the use of 'ping-pong' to signal a change in thought or topic once again.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dann Gallucci, Isaac Brock, Jeremiah Green
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@abrahamluviano8580
[Verse 1]
So you wonder how
Get 'em up, put 'em up
Get your dukes up now
Got no time no money, that's why
Get 'em up, put 'em up
Get your dukes up now
[Verse 2]
Soda fountain crowd
Button up, shut 'em up
Gettin' fed up now
Got no time, no money, knock out
Get 'em up, put 'em up
Get your dukes up, now
@Karmy.
I want more of the guitar on this song and just this song in general, it's way too short for how catchy it is
@Obamaisterrorist
this is great. I think the amateur sound is much more pleasant sounding rather than the over produced garbage.
@Apeekachu
This comment is still relevant.
@BraidenVennum
@Joey Cape I agree with both this comment and your response
@Chase-nc1nk
@Braiden Vennum I agree with their comment, your comment, and my comment as well.
@BraidenVennum
@YungXanHoe ! we are all on the same page!
@robbesworkshop
theres a time and place for production, but not here. i agree
@abrahamluviano8580
[Verse 1]
So you wonder how
Get 'em up, put 'em up
Get your dukes up now
Got no time no money, that's why
Get 'em up, put 'em up
Get your dukes up now
[Verse 2]
Soda fountain crowd
Button up, shut 'em up
Gettin' fed up now
Got no time, no money, knock out
Get 'em up, put 'em up
Get your dukes up, now
@funstick3000
theres so much music these days you cant say what happend to it... you just gotta find it
@DOZGraff
Modest Mouse still performs, and there are plenty of new artists such as Hyro Da Hero and JD McPherson. Also, there are still plenty of old artists who still perform, such as Primus and The Pixies. Just gotta pay attention.