Stand and Deliver
Adam And The Ants/Adam Ant Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Stand and deliver

I'm the dandy highwayman who you're too scared to mention
I spend my cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention
The devil take your stereo and your record collection (oh-oh)
The way you look you'll qualify for next year's old age pension

Stand and deliver your money or your life

Try and use a mirror no bullet or a knife

I'm the dandy highwayman so sick of easy fashion
The clumsy boots, peek-a-boo roots that people think so dashing
So what's the point of robbery when nothing is worth taking? (oh oh)
It's kind of tough to tell a scruff the big mistake he's making

Stand and deliver your money or your life
Try and use a mirror no bullet or a knife

And even though you fool your soul
Your conscience will be mine
All mine

We're the dandy highwaymen so tired of excuses
Of deep meaning philosophies where only showbiz loses
We're the dandy highwaymen and here's our invitation (oh oh)
"Throw your safety overboard and join our insect nation"

Stand and deliver your money or your life
Try and use a mirror no bullet or a knife

And even though you fool your soul
Your conscience will be mine
All mine

Qua qua da diddley qua qua da diddley
Qua qua da diddley qua qua da diddley
Qua qua da diddley qua qua da diddley
Qua qua da diddley qua qua da diddley

Stand and deliver your money or your life
Stand and deliver your money or your life
Stand and deliver your money or your life
Stand and deliver your money or your life
Stand and deliver your money or your life
Stand and deliver your money or your life
Stand and deliver your money or your life
Stand and deliver your money or your life

Stand and deliver your money or your life
Stand and deliver your money or your life

Overall Meaning

"Stand and Deliver" is a song by Adam and the Ants/Adam Ant, released in 1981. The song is about a dandy highwayman who uses his looks and charm to rob people. He spends his money on looking fashionable and grabbing attention. The lyrics convey the message that people are willing to be robbed because they are so mesmerized by the dandy highwayman's appearance. The song also touches upon the idea that stealing material possessions doesn't necessarily impact the dandy highwayman's conscience.

The chorus, "Stand and deliver your money or your life," is a classic hold-up demand. The dandy highwayman wants people to hand over their money without resistance. He warns them to use a mirror instead of a weapon to avoid getting hurt. The lines "And even though you fool your soul, your conscience will be mine, all mine" implies that regardless of the material possessions the highwayman steals, he gets into their heads and their conscience becomes his.

The song's whimsical, almost comical delivery, masks the darker themes of robbery and the concept of stealing from the rich. It reflects the trend in the early 1980s toward the "New Romantics" movement who embraced flamboyant fashion and theatrical performance. The song was a commercial success and has since become an iconic anthem of the era.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm the dandy highwayman who you're too scared to mention
I am the fashionable thief that people fear speaking of

I spend my cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention
I spend my money on extravagant clothing to get noticed

The devil take your stereo and your record collection (oh-oh)
I will steal your music collection as well

The way you look you'll qualify for next year's old age pension
You dress like an old person already

Stand and deliver your money or your life
Give me your money or face the consequences

Try and use a mirror no bullet or a knife
Don't try to fight, just give me the money

I'm the dandy highwayman so sick of easy fashion
I am tired of common fashion and strive to stand out

The clumsy boots, peek-a-boo roots that people think so dashing
People find quirky fashion appealing, but I do not

So what's the point of robbery when nothing is worth taking? (oh oh)
Robbery is pointless when there is no valuable loot

It's kind of tough to tell a scruff the big mistake he's making
It is difficult to convince someone of their fashion mistakes

And even though you fool your soul
Even if you try to deceive yourself

Your conscience will be mine
I will still have power over your morality

All mine
Completely under my control

We're the dandy highwaymen so tired of excuses
We are fed up with people justifying their lack of style

Of deep meaning philosophies where only showbiz loses
People prioritize entertainment over deeper meaning

And here's our invitation (oh oh)
Join us as part of our group

Throw your safety overboard and join our insect nation
Put aside your comfort and join our fashion revolution

Qua qua da diddley qua qua da diddley
Nonsensical sounds

Stand and deliver your money or your life
Give me your money or face the consequences

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARCO PIRRONI, ADAM ANT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@AppleMan531

2y↑822

I remember when this song was released, Adam & The Ants played on the West Side of New York City next to the Intrepid Ship. The band came down the Hudson River on a pirate ship hanging from the ropes and blowing off cannons. The Pirate ship docked next to a stage next to the Intrepid, and the band then ran on to the stage, grabbed their instruments and started playing "STAND AND DELIVER". It was the most Amazing stage entrance I've ever seen by any band ever!

@hamishatkinson8745

1y↑28

Sounds fantastic. Is there any video of this?

@ksy4747

1y↑12

Wow!! Amazing experience 🔥🔥🔥 lucky you!!

@AlvesterGarnett

1y↑8

WOW!

@Optics21

1y↑11

No way,that’s too sick

@tracygeene4710

1y↑16

Damn would have loved to have seen that love Adam

31 More Replies...

@marcomb8785

4y↑915

My mate was the biggest fan of the Ants back in the 80s. He died of a muscle disease at age 18. This was his fav song. RIP Frederik!

@stephaniemerlin1

4y↑43

So sorry but I hope that this song brings back happy memories of him for you.

@yoda9862

3y↑27

Ah mate having something like this to remember your mate years later is the definition of the only good thing we are capable of as humans . If that makes sense . Top man

@CelticSaint

3y↑9

Would have been put down as a Covid death today after testing positive in hospital.

@TheBuilderize

3y↑26

@@CelticSaint Topical and redpilled but damn man have some respect for the dead.

@Maverick4023

2y↑9

That's really sad to hear but one thing's for certain, the man had brilliant taste in music.

15 More Replies...

@jackdubz4247

2y↑520

I would say "They don't make them like this anymore" but they really didn't make them like this back then. Such a unique sound.

@TheChipmunk2008

26w↑6

don't tread on an ant

@Christopher-rk6gl

25w↑3

Yea well he wasn't the most famous but he is unique and weirdly good he like playing dressuo a little to much but to each his own

@scottnever8732

25w↑2

in a time of skinhead/ mod/ newromantic/punk ?

@grahambanner7118

22w

Osnt

@grahambanner7118

22w

Illiant

14 More Replies...

@Ken_luxury

30w↑119

I was the only black kid here in North Hollywood banging this on my Sony Walkman running home to watch Yo MTV raps! The best times.

@burkhardraum1956

13w↑1

Weil done 😀😀😂🎉🇩🇪

@richardscott3442

13w↑3

Same here. I jammed KROQ loud and proud. I lived in the Venice area at the time.

@jimorleans4694

11w

THE ONLY BLACK MAN IN HOLLYWOOD fckin LOL

@MedievalFolkDance

9w↑1

Kudos! You do you, & the very best of luck doing it, I say!

@Principessa180

9w↑2

You sound like my story haha

5 More Replies...

@nickmurray9151

1y↑585

One of the most flamboyant, charismatic pop stars of all-time. Great songs, brilliant videos, amazing look...love him to bits.

@teresadownes2422

1y↑9

He was 27 in this video

@olafmuller5019

1y↑1

"Charismatic"...😂

Why? How?

Cause he wear's in the eightys lippgloss??? The story of the videos is completly senseless ....typical for this time and i love the eightys.

@johnortega8078

51w↑4

He’s one of a kind and a special person… I prefers listening to his songs all day and night, much respect ❤. Which is your favorite song of his?

@josephkissel6062

44w↑4

His body of work is so inspiring to me ...

@josephkissel6062

44w

@@johnortega8078 All of them! Did I say he was wonderful ?

14 More Replies...

@deckard9271

5y↑2.5K

i was in a pottery class in 1981 I got given detention for drawing a clay line across my nose and standing on my desk and shouting stand and deliver. my mum got called into school to see the teacher. haha

@patcom1013

5y↑161

That was worth a detention Deckard.

@EgoShredder

5y↑37

Top lad! I just wonder if you also got grounded for enacting Killer In The Home as well!? :-D

@andrewmatthews6861

5y↑30

Deckard good on ya Deckard

@blue_ranger

5y↑40

Ah, 80s music and school detentions, I got one for inciting half the class to bang on the table and stomp the floor like in JoBoxers Boxerbeat [Bam! Bam!]

@minniemoo8193

5y↑23

Hahaha so cool, you rebel lol

102 More Replies...

@M.Wenzel

3w↑4

Bin ein 1969 Jahrgang und finde Stand and Deliver auch heute noch gut 👍

@user-fw8rm1yv3i

34w↑40

Saw him in 1982 at 14 years old-I was such a starstruck nerd in my black “Members Only” jacket which was plastered in several dozen Adam Ant pins. Great entertainer he was-I was so disappointed not to have caught the sweaty leg-warmer (remember those 80’s kids?) that he generously flung into the crowd. I remember racing to the phone to call my best friend and fellow Ant-Fan every time one of his videos popped up on the MTV. Ah the good old days!

@user-bj8jw5km9f

33w

Okay Boomer!

@user-fw8rm1yv3i

32w↑6

Not a “boomer” but thanks for the reply!

@alexrivera3251

4y↑762

One of the MOST UNDERRATED ARTISTS OF ALL TIME!!!he BROUGHT his own sound and look at the time!!COOLSHIT!!!!MY VOTE FOR ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!

@jennifero7189

3y↑7

Indeed!

@thegreatest3303

3y↑6

For sure!👍

@markjohntowse5347

3y↑39

He wasnt underated, these guys were massive in the UK when I was growing up!

@conshea7382

3y↑4

Hear hear

@magicalmystery1964

3y↑12

Are you kidding? They only admit rappers into the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame now

30 More Replies...

@LJY08

4y↑803

"Stitched up by a postie, that's not glamorous...that's lame".

@dexterparker138

4y↑3

Woooooòoooooow

@curtismegan411

4y↑29

That’s not John Palmer’s hand, that’s Dick Turpin’s he cried!

@VALIS538

Xfm?

@carolinewatts2117

4y↑1

I love your way of putting things. Lol.

@KatieJones-iq1qj

3y↑5

No more stand and deliver you'll remember this I hope

5 More Replies...

@chrono903

19w↑89

I’m 56, watched this on MTV when we race home from school to watch it. Still one of my favorite songs.

@kathleensalazar5222

18w↑4

I'm 74 & miss when MTV still played videos, not the crap todsy! my dj husband played this song in 80's new wave alternative club back then! music was so damn great then! 😊

@user-wx4po2by8h

16w↑1

I m 56 ,and love 80'

@luispylramirez1347

16w↑2

58 and still gives me goosebumps...

@ashcoops6962

8w↑27

Back at primary school in the early 80's, they had a big poster in the canteen which had Adam Ant on it under the words "Adam Ant Says Don't Smoke!". So I never did. Thanks Adam!

@somebodyelse714

3w↑2

don't drink, don't smoke - what do you do?

@whatsanenigma

@@somebodyelse714Eat brownies?

@izabelle3045

4y↑3.5K

I ran away to Yorkshire, changed my name to John Palmer. Was sent to prison after stealing chickens from a farmer.

@idiotsassemble5698

4y↑408

Wrote a letter to my family, a plea it did relate, the postman saw the envelope and here's the twist of fate...

@loz5190

4y↑89

@@idiotsassemble5698 he had taught me how to write so he knew I'd lied.."thats not john parmer..that's dick turpin!" He cried

@gummygoo2

4y↑276

@@loz5190 was a vicious highwayman, my crimes had brought me fame! was stitched up by a postie, thats not glamorous- thats lame

@stocktonfamily819

4y↑27

Izabelle From horrible history’s

@emilysheil4168

4y↑105

@@gummygoo2 no more stand and deliver, you'll remember this i hope

107 More Replies...

@cheregoddard7217

3y↑728

bloody hell he was handsome...I think Johnny Depp stole a lot of his moves for Pirates of Caribbean

@carrotbaby123day5

3y↑28

He was handsome i really like him

@jasonlashmun2793

3y↑1

And no one butter to look towards

@adambrandon1

3y↑8

he was inspired by keith richards

@meesalikeu

3y↑12

no keith richards but i cant believe he didnt watch this a million times too ha

@theghostinthemirror8158

3y↑37

Rather fitting, especially because highwaymen were contemporaries with pirates. Charming to think that while Captain Jack was out on the sea swashbuckling The Dandy highwayman was in some woodland shouting “ Stand and deliver!”

23 More Replies...

@michaelkluko3660

2y↑34

This dude was hella good looking !

@Pheebs77

50w↑38

He had such fabulous bone structure. I still remember being at primary school here in the UK and doing Prince Charming up and down the hall on lunch times :D

@eon14873

46w

And the white face paint lol

@uberbeast113

30w↑1

agree. Gorgeous guy quite unusually androgenous. Suits make up. Me not so much. My eyes look a bit too starey and intense with it. Interestingly my younger sister doesn't seem to suit black eyeliner either.. It's too dramatic - with her eyes she ends up looking like big doe-eyed Princess Diana whereas I just look like a bloody vampire lol
I've been meaning to revisit Prince Charming all day. Now I'm finally going to do it, so I know what you're talking about - because I've got one or two images in my head now ranging from foxtrot ONE TWO ONE TWO with crossed forearms all the way to goose stepping up and down the hall, like Siouxsie Sioux

@emilyfoster4272

4y↑2.6K

I wonder how Adam Ant feels about the Horrible Histories version.

@dexterparker138

4y↑32

Good

@KimberRose16

4y↑44

Emily Foster omg 😂 I legit just watched episode like not even a day ago

@carlosalmonacid8958

4y↑17

Or Over the Garden Wall for that matter

@19seventy97

4y↑76

Probably loves it, the royalties he’d have earned from it.

@dtj4232

4y↑6

He probaly feels nothing about it, because hes dead

43 More Replies...

@NorthSea_1981

4y↑292

This video just screams "early 80s new wave!!" like crazy...the camera angles, head movements, make-up...lol
Absolutely fantastic

@rommix0

2y↑11

It screams New Romantic as well.

@clairestevenson5192

2y↑2

Fab

@JPVanderbuilt

1y↑1

@@rommix0 What does "New Romantic" mean?

@DGmMstr

1y↑1

The reason i come back here haha!

@dopplerdog6817

1y↑3

@@JPVanderbuilt it's what the uk + Commonwealth countries called this music movement: visage, ultravox, etc

1 More Replies...

@sublime12201

1y↑60

You see that boys and girls???? That's charisma 💥

@ERINYES10

2y↑118

I turned 54 today. I still cant believe its been 40 years since I fell in love with this video and the music for the first time.

@julianb5844

2y↑7

54 in a few days. Agree.

@randy5655

2y↑6

65 and still loving it!

@jennifermcinteer7491

2y↑4

Ditto. Hearing and seeing this song in the summer of 1981 literally changed my life. I turned down a path of individuality and creativity and music and I never looked back.

@torotits

2y↑7

falling in love with this at 14 now. hope i'll still be listening in 40 years

@jeanettecarnell8933

2y↑4

59 and still loving it,as well as the rest!

14 More Replies...

@rocker76m88

5y↑232

I was so obsessed with Adam Ant in the 80s. I still get giddy watching him in 2019. What a gorgeous man

@laralengel2214

5y↑8

I concur completely.

@bibphil5078

4y↑8

rocker 76\m/ ooo yes and those hip swivels , such a good dancer plus witty, what’s not to love.

@fionamorris9634

4y↑4

That’s a yes from me too. I saw him live as a 16 yr old girl. I wrapped a black ribbon around my hand and wrist and swore I’d never take it off. 😂. It drove my teachers mad. 😊 it’s such a shame he’s bald nowadays, oh well I’m fat so I can’t talk.😂😂😊

@DevilDoll1369

4y↑1

@@fionamorris9634 Search Adam Ant 2020, also Washington DC Sept. And 2019 tour.. He's back!

@jolenecarney7514

4y↑1

Fiona Morris I did the ribbon thing too!!! I forgot about that!!!

@yds2m

5y↑2.2K

I became a highwayman was daylight robbery
I was no Prince Charming nothing dandy about me

@miked4309

5y↑13

were you once a press darling? : p

@victorwaddell6530

5y↑89

Are you Dick Turpin?

@MrEdwardmarlowe

5y↑56

I'd guess that pardoy is the reason for an awful lot of traffic on this video. ;-)

@sarahcollins8580

5y↑14

YES

@Melvinshermen

5y↑15

lee horrible histories

25 More Replies...

@jerryhenson3916

2y↑20

"Prettiest man I ever saw." - Curly Bill

@kimberlyfinch6055

9w↑5

Here in 2024 and still luving it ❤ Adam is still good looking 😊

@eggarts9158

3y↑1.7K

Why can’t we have cool music videos like this anymore?

@ayh.what.4307

3y↑41

GOOD QUESTION. 🤔

@bigdenver7325

3y↑121

@egg arts Because the powers that be in the music industry think the only things that sells music is scantily clad females and profanity.

@beaulieuonnp593

3y↑56

@@bigdenver7325 and needs to appeal to the dull US market

@thematthewexpress5999

3y↑58

yeah these 80s songs are so cool, those modern songs with wailing Americans are so annoying!

@georgeschwartz7760

3y↑31

Because the United Khaliphate is a muslim country now?

123 More Replies...

@davidalbizo

3y↑722

This song is officially 40 years old today.

@stevetrue5337

2y↑20

I'm officially living on borrowed time and soon will be parallel for delivery

@oilmustflow

2y↑9

Indeed it is wow

@anneallen7771

2y↑18

😮😮😮 were did the years go😢

@stephanlarsen8169

2y↑6

Phawk. I'm.52..first.show.adam.ant..san francisco.civic auditorium. Now. A Dead Jerry Head Rasta Floyd Allman's Jah Herb Jah love Jah Jerry Jah rastafari praises blessings respectfully Tucson Arizona Sonoran 🏜️ Jah sisters Jah Trey Jah Duane Africa Ethiopia Addis Ababa Selassie I Jah

@lynnhettrick7588

2y↑23

And as a Gen Xer, I still know every word to this song despite not knowing why I walked into the kitchen.

18 More Replies...

@mackybmx

2y↑60

I absolutely loved Adam and the Ants when I was a kid... I still do!! I was a crazy, mad little BMX punk fan kid... When I was about 5 or 6 years old, I went to the infant's school fancy dress party, dressed as Adam Ant (thanks to my big sister) and I actually won the fancy dress!! 😄

@uberbeast113

30w↑3

That sounds like an EPIC night!! I was 9, and I remember going round my freinds and we'd put it on his parent's super loud HIFI and we'd be bouncing around jumping up and down on the sofas like the lunatic little sh*ts we were. The song somehow super-aroused our excitement. Liberating! And of course his looks and the costumes, such wonderful campy dressing up. I'm 53 now and still think he looks wonderful in this video. If I could fit...I'd wear!! (I'm 6 foot 2 with 36 inch waist and size 14 boots...I don't think I'm fitting into Adamant's wardrobe anytime soon haha

@Edgar_Randolph

13w↑1

Lol! 😂 it's funny, peculiar, aging, how people can relate to a point in time. I was a big fan of Adam & the ants too. Now grey, big feet & yep, 36 waist, lol! @uberbeast113

@annasandberg4862

31w↑11

I'm 42. I was alive in the 80s and never really knew anything other than goody two shoes, which I didn't like. I just re-listened in my late 30s and thought it was great. I'm exploring the rest of his stuff now, in my 40s, and he's so great. Sorry it took me so long. Missed out

@sunnyd4734

31w↑2

I'm 57. This video was on MTV every day in 1982. Those were the days. 😅

@mayam4830

3y↑543

wow this guy does such a good impression of mat baynton

@lm-il8ou

3y↑9

lmao

@ll-zc8ph

3y↑4

LMAOAJDDN

@s4150uk

2y↑10

Mat Baynton was 1 year old when this song came out

@definitelynotbrucewayne8535

2y↑19

So we ARE all here because of that

@cvnnamxxn-chan5516

2y↑4

@@definitelynotbrucewayne8535 not everyone but some people

4 More Replies...

@smlfan2087

5y↑562

When I was younger I loved the way he dressed and the way he danced. I was so into the men wearing make up and frilly shirts. The new romantics era was beautiful.

@itsjeffy8815

5y↑6

akira doe ikr😍

@tsopmocful1958

5y↑9

Yes, but also a bit gay.

@rocker76m88

5y↑2

I can relate🤘

@MrHAPPYHAWAIIAN

5y↑3

tsopmocful
A bit , how about a lot🤯🦄

@kimberlyhaines107

5y↑11

tsopmocful Which is why so much of it bopped.

19 More Replies...

@Keyspoet27

15w↑17

I was turned onto Adam and the Ants by my older sister, and what we both loved was not just their sound, but their self-effacing and eccentric senses of humor, which absolutely made the music AND the videos.

Great stuff.

@sammencia7945

34w↑22

Adam had an incredible run from end of 1980 to early 1982.
Kings of Wild Frontier, Stand & Deliver, Prince Charming, Ant Rap, Goody Two Shoes.

He was on a manic high working 18 hours a day cranking out hit after hit.
Great videos.

@damisaurus_rex

5y↑4.7K

Wow! This is a pretty good horrible histories parody!

@livviharris1420

5y↑115

ThatSideOTheInternet horrible historys took inspiration from this song actually >_<

@jayy4651

5y↑516

That's...the joke...

@sci-figeek1354

5y↑145

Livvi and Lailax r/woooosh

@zeldapinwheel7043

5y↑67

Actually he was about 2 years ahead of his time. And I still love him dearly.

@bonniebianco5918

5y↑20

Hh was first ? Lol. How did hh not have to pay royalties ?

104 More Replies...

@dazauto1400

3y↑89

A glorious time 40 years ago when this guy ruled Great Britain!

@Subilon

3y↑4

Absolutely bar none!The greatest group.

@SpringismySeason

1y↑11

The 80's FOREVER!

@StaffsTransport

2y↑134

How can anyone not love this? Never fails to make me smile, feel energetic and nostalgic at the same time, and wish I could still jump out of trees like Adam.

@brendadrumm9451

2y↑2

Im 72 loved him lol x

@ceciliagirotto6202

35w

This is exactly how I feel, jumping out of the trees

@danieljohnson2005

3y↑398

This is legitimately one of the best songs ever made. Most people could be proud for having written this alone, but he has an entire library of brilliant music on top of it.

@BlueHopi144

2y↑4

their whole albums ( and his solo ones ) were all fantastically well crafted & produced . Unique Musical genius madness

@MrMagusperde

2y↑2

The Albums are full of brilliant songs...apart from well known commercial stuff.

@VaingloriousVampire

correct

@musikkunstetc.8465

1y↑3

When this 7" single came out ... I could NOT stop playing it! Still a great track decades later....

@skudlugs

1y↑4

listen to more music , haha

1 More Replies...

@mikewazowski350

4y↑134

I'd like to go back to the 80's and live it all over again

@ursulabklyn_mia6148

4y↑6

Mike Wazowski the best time of my life.

@fredahouston2395

4y↑1

@@ursulabklyn_mia6148 Mine too.

@Lengsel7

I'd spend a shitload less time blowing weed the second time around, that's for sure.

@johntheclyde2816

Me too! Me too! :)

@hp67c

3y↑1

You must have forgotten about Thatcher and Reagan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLllFMF-OkQ might refresh your memory... (but I do know what you mean)

2 More Replies...

@ibrahimvevo224

9w↑7

WERE MAKING OUT OF THE 1980'S WITH THIS ONE 🗣🗣🗣🗣💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🥶🥶🥶🥶

@CarriedAwayWithDolls

2y↑24

I'm 44 and how am I only discovering this gorgeous man and his music?! He needs a movie made about him. Not the documentary, I've seen that and its amazing in its own right but there needs to be a blockbuster movie about this genius.

@coyclown

10y↑12

Had SUCH a crush on him ever since the age of 6. He was the most beautiful thing my young eyes had ever before seen!

@coyclown

10y↑6

Such a yummy piece of eye candy!

@ringo688

2y↑182

Me and a mate saw Adam and the Ants playing Sydney in 1982 when we were both 14.I think we were almost the only males in the crowd and we kept getting our bums pinched, it was awesome.

@Toast0808

2y↑9

I was 14 in 1982 as well. Cheers!

@Charle4217

Um, excuse me? Your bums kept getting pinched?

@many.things9055

2y↑10

i saw adam in concert a few days ago. my first rock gig at 13!!!

@inessalamanca6249

2y↑5

@@many.things9055 how was it? I’m 17 and going in three weeks! I’m so excited :D

@many.things9055

2y↑7

@@inessalamanca6249 it was amazing!!! would definitely go again if the chance arises. me and my friends managed to push to the front and there were some people around us who were absolutely shit-faced, but i guess its all part of the experience. very fun 10/10 lol

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@mattgroom1

43w↑8

This is punk music.
Glorious glorious punk music from the punk era.
I know you were not there in the punk era, I was and this is definitely punk era music.
That short era was so influential on rock and roll and heavy metal going forward.

Matthew

@Nuessi62

2y↑16

His videos are absolutely epic. pure irony.
the guy had a good sense of humor

@bobcooper5687

3y↑198

Bought his album when I was like 17 now 56 ... and he's still incredible!!

@gunpowdercreek45

3y↑10

same here

@louisb5563

3y↑8

I was about 18 or so, and am 56 now as well👍

@wendymontie5660

2y↑2

He still puts on an amazing show. He recently had some health issues, but will be touring or is back out there. (and I am barely behind you in age, still have all of my Adam Ant pins from back in the day!)

@sunnyd4734

2y↑5

I'm glad I'm not the only 56 year old that still listens to Adam and the Ants! This was such a fun MTV video in the early 1980s. I still remember watching this video on MTV as late as 1988 and feeling sad because I knew music was about to change in the 1990s but I never expected all of the grunge bands to emerge.

@chrisvos5423

2y↑2

Fully agree, Bob. Bought the albums when I was in my teens ... 56 now and still loving it !!

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@nseight

4y↑72

Adam Ant is still my imaginary boy friend-from the age 9 to 48 :-) *

@ajaxlewis7664

2y↑9

I live next to the pub that Dick Turpin (the legendary highwayman) frequented.

It's very loud because of the planes from Heathrow, but I love it.

@timrogers2449

2y↑16

It's interesting, I'm a Renaissance Actor, and in my Renaissance Guild we had a couple that looked exactly like the Noble Couple in this video and this happens to be their favorite Adam Ant video as well ...
"Stand And Deliver"! ...🤘😎🎶🎵🎸

@MST785

8y↑329

Amazing how fresh this still sounds in 2016. It was like a sonic assault in 1981.

@raborian

6y↑2

yep .. pre new romantic rules... bow wow wow another kick ass band

@felixauclairtendland4766

6y↑6

seandublinxxxxx bro it’s 2018 and i’m still waking up to thid

@sonniesays

5y↑5

Add 2019 to that too... still rocking to this tune!

@tbsgjack2555

5y↑5

Here in 2019 It's still better than mainstream music

@artteachernc9119

5y↑3

Heard it first in London, brought it home along with Duran Duran and Depeche Mode. Great times.

@weaslebee5831

3y↑411

I can't be the only one who thinks he's attractive

@Dawndylion

3y↑47

You are not alone.He is gorgeous!! That smile.. Those eyes.. *wishes I was 12 again staring at my wall to wall Adam Ant room!

@helenterry6163

3y↑23

He is still hot now in his mid 60’s

@KS-yp1jl

3y↑35

He's ridiculously handsome

@xXBuckOFiveXx

3y↑12

He looks like my ex-girlfriends older sister lol

@lilyofthevalley5586

3y↑22

That's an understatement! He's stunningly gorgeous! Perfection!

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@RACGaming123

24w↑12

These guys r legends of the 80s no doubt about it

@Him_He_Me

4w↑1

Apparantly this band had two full drum sets playing at the same time. Very unique. I love Adam Ant

@duanneaschton-terminusworl8644

2y↑229

He was definitely one of the first creators/adopters of the "New Romantic" look - it got a lot more polished and less "historical" after, but he rocked it hardcore

@BWater-yq3jx

And he hated being associated with it. 😖

@johnhareiel5118

1y↑7

@@BWater-yq3jx lol. That's like Poison trying to say they weren't a hair band when they were the ground zero of hair bands. Same with Adam Ant getting all mad about it when he created the sh*t. May as well own it

@makkamcpheeenglandlovemanc6984

45w

Romantic look he was a pratt in real life posh boy silver spoon up his arse lol 😂😂😂😂😂

@jfjx_dsa

44w↑3

Except everyone knows Bowie created the New Romantic movement

@rhyfelwrDuw

10y↑66

No one could wear lip gloss or eyeliner like Adam Ant! So gorgeous! I loved AA when I was a teen! :)

@rhyfelwrDuw

10y↑12

I too get hot and bothered lol! He was such a sex symbol,,,

@MagpieMcGee23

10w↑4

I've only just discovered him and ... ugh. I wish they'd made even just a few more like him! I hope he knows he's still so incredible,

@HarryYT22

1y↑17

One of my favourite 80s songs ever! So brilliant! Love the Dick Turpin from Horrible Histories which is based on this song.

@whatsanenigma

1y↑5

I thought the eyeliner on Mat Baynton was so random until I saw this video. Now it all makes sense!

@niseplank4527

47w↑1

Guyliner on Baynton is not ever a mistake. Ahem.

@whatsanenigma

47w↑2

@@niseplank4527 Trufax. Ahem, indeed.

@katsujinkin60

3y↑30

I saw Adam and the Ants at The Palladium in New York in 1981. This guy had charisma up the wazoo! Ruffles and leather and ribbons in his hair, Oh My!

@joewedlake6882

8y↑145

Adam Ant, killer front man and song writer.

@OskaRusty

6y↑1

Legend

@philipsanders469

22w↑3

When you could have fun... remember that?

@angelikaryburn5340

7w↑2

Saw him in Bloomington IL. Those were the best years! Awesome show of course! MEMORIES 😊

@SamRyder_music

Hello, how are you doing it's nice meeting you here

@RavenWillliams

4y↑401

I may be straight but even I can say Adam is a good looking bloke

@bonk254

4y↑5

i know, even his voice matches the original video

@miascoltock973

4y↑17

the horrible history’s version was hotter

@bonk254

4y↑4

Mia Scoltock true,,,

@cleoldbagtraallsorts3380

4y↑14

He was beautiful.

@thelastcarriage6270

4y↑11

@@miascoltock973 yes Matt keeps me bi otherwise I'd be a full on lesbian

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@clarelusher

6y↑76

First record I ever bought. I was 9 (NINE!!) years old. Went into the record shop in Muswell Hill and asked the intimidatingly cool 80s punk girl behind the counter for Adam Ant! Handed my pennies over. I had a homemade record player in my bedroom and I swear I played that 7 inch record so many times it must have disintegrated at some point. I loved him so much! That and Tubby the Tuba got played to death. 😆😂 I moved on to tape and mini disc fairly quickly, but this will always be the first record in my now extensive 80s and 90s vinyl collection. ❤

@jimboxreads4165

@dave setchell I do!!! Share :-)

@jimboxreads4165

Love that story I can picture the scene!! Absolutely great song!!

@jimboxreads4165

@dave setchell oh my goodness. .. (Googles Terry Wogans Floral Dance) haha thanks for sharing dude :-)

@daddyplaysfortnite

5y↑1

My first single too. I was also 9 years old. I still love it. 😎

@RockDove5212

@dave setchell used to love that song when I was 8 or 9! In school in Friday assemblies we were allowed to listen to a song on the record player. The choice was mull of kintyre or floral dance. Loved them both.

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@jimmbear3998

2y↑56

This may be my favorite but Adam and the Ants had many great songs. They were huge when i was in junior high but seems like people have kind of forgotten about them when it comes to 1980’s bands. Other than being talented and having great songs one of the things I like best about them is that they are probably one of the most unique and original bands ever. No one else from the past or present looks or sounds like Adam and the Ants. A true original.

@MegzGMissMeganne

1y↑8

I'm teaching an English class, doing poetry, and focusing on Dick Turpin and my God...this is perfect

@whatsanenigma

1y↑2

Too late for this class, but if you teach it again, look up the Horrible Histories version with Mat Baynton.

@HoboHeaven

5y↑310

Dang, we have 2019 and I still love Adam and the Ants. Timeless

@gaynorlinder5967

5y↑6

He's still fit as....i refuse to believe he's 64!

@TonyEnglandUK

5y↑4

@How Marvellous Am I Yes he is

@dellafentov1437

4y↑3

@@gaynorlinder5967 I've got tickets to see him next year. Who cares about his age - I'm sure he'll put on a good show regardless! !

@justrandom8766

4y↑4

November 9th. 2019. I love Adam and the ants😃

@arfer

5y↑178

Yes younglings, this made complete sense at the time.

@RA-VEN8

4y↑2

👌

@jagoda3714

4y↑7

IT HAS NO SENSE BUT IT'S BRILLIANT

@Sillimant_

4y↑9

Look me in the eye and tell me with s straight face drugs weren't involved and this always made sense

@mrbody1629

4y↑5

@@Sillimant_ no drugs. Adamant was just goofy as hell by nature

@mariajukejax9649

4y↑3

@@Sillimant_ No drugs. This was a completely normal thing. And I bet after the video, they went to a greasy spoon for a fry up and a cup of tea. I'm not joking.

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@Vampyre453

26w↑2

Adam Ant is hot af, and I'm straight. The way he did his make up on this video is 🔥

@Youngtinman

22w↑4

🎵I became a highway man was daylight robbery🎵

@missmax73

7y↑163

He is just so bloody beautiful........

@scarlethawk110

5y↑4

He is kinda hot actually

@leslieschmidt4744

5y↑3

his lips are soooo mmmmmm, lickable

@tastyanddeliciousfood2003

5y↑1

U know that's a woman right

@momentumstocks3493

5y↑1

Shame what happened to him later on.....but he was good!

@DinsdalePiranha67

5y↑4

I'm a guy, and as straight as they come.... and yet I find Adam Ant very attractive.

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@vickiebunch5703

3y↑18

Was there ever a man so beautiful? I could drown in those eyes! He was way ahead of his time with the videos he did, they were great!

@jameswilker1774

32w↑1

Just one of those songs that makes you smile the moment it starts.

I type this smiling and hope you’re smiling as well.

@ERINYES10

2y↑3

This video changed the entire life of a lonely, nerdy teen-aged boy. I am forever grateful.

@jacquelinefortune8621

9y↑22

He was so gorgeous back then and Kings of the Wild Frontier was the biz!!!

@roomark2

4y↑134

This fella is 65 today...
Just let that sink in .
Where the f*** did time go ? 😰🤣

@adc2327

4y↑2

So am I. I can't believe I am an old ass now. What happened?

@MLs_Space

4y↑5

Yeahhhh...I can’t figure out how I’m 53???!!! High school dressed up like this face paint and all! I mean...we all already had the big perms 😄

@roomark2

4y↑1

Lol
Perms looking back 🙈🙈 especially the home made tight things just Wow 🤣🤣
Had the perm at the back myself hair down to the shoulders at the back lol

@michaelengle9062

4y↑2

And until this covid b.s. started, he was touring and putting on a pretty decent show

@elmerfudd6305

3y↑1

Time stands still for no one., and we all know the ending.. 1981 wow long time ago..!!

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@lynnpurcell5225

29w↑6

He's so cute!

@angeladawn805

8w↑2

They'll all be knocking 60 now. Tunes of my teens, and a look not too distant from Jonny Depp❤😊

@315weirdcore

7y↑939

Still more historically accurate than Braveheart.

@tommypwood672

6y↑13

ha ha ha good one

@guslakis

6y↑8

hilarious!

@MaskedMan66

Accurate to what? This scenario is completely made up.

@paulturner5128

6y↑28

So was a lot of Braveheart

@MaskedMan66

6y↑5

+Paul Turner But it was based on history. This is just a total bit of fiction, unless Adam is supposed to be Dick Turpin.

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@Shaden0040

4y↑36

When Adam says "Mine. Mine." All I can picture are the Seagulls from Finding Nemo screaming "MINE MINE MINE MINE!" lol

@christinecolgate7884

Hello English

@christinecolgate7884

No pension at 60

@TheLMC323

23w↑4

2023 IT'S TIME TO STAND AND DELIVER!

@listen2100

7w↑4

I WANT MY MTV! 😭❣️

@toothfairy10133

5y↑136

Literally nobody:
Me and all the other commenters: HORRIBLE HISTORIES

@laurahall6993

Yeahh!!

@firstnamesurname2542

5y↑22

He sure was something to look at back in the day. I watched a documentary about him not long ago. He actually is quite a nice guy, too.

@revacohen

But didn't he spend time in a hospital for mental illness? I heard he threatened to assault a group of people once.

@Discover-Ireland

6w↑2

I remember jumping up and down on the disco floor to this one. Jes life was different and good back then.
BEAM ME UP SCOTTY

@technohamster4783

36w↑3

First single I ever bought with my own money.

@randy5655

36w↑1

Money well spent.

@DamaramuHQ

6y↑19

I love how terrified Adam looks whenever he's jumping off stuff...

@ERINYES10

3y↑32

Is no one going to mention the perfectly synced dog yawn?

@vickiebunch5703

3y↑4

One of my fave parts! Johnny Depp is very handsome but Adam was and is drop dead beautiful😃

@amandab8433

5w↑1

Can't wait to FINALLY to get to see him live! My 1980's crush 😜

@hitenshah5227

1y↑6

My father bought this tape for me and he has passed away on 24 December 2022, I use to sing to him YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE, I always got money

@johnortega8078

51w

He’s one of a kind and a special person… I prefers listening to his songs all day and night, much respect ❤. Which is your favorite song of his?

@robbiereilly

8y↑246

His closeups are contagiously fun! I love when he glances in the mirror, then tosses the gun aside with that fake worried smile! Lol 00:45. This whole video really seems like he's having such a blast. Boy, I really miss the 80s, when stuff like this was our mainstream music. Such creativity. Such variety. Boy, we didn't know how good we had it then.

@stevepafford5501

6y↑3

Interviewed Adam Ant a couple of times. Here's a bit of audio of the first one: http://stevepafford.com/six-legs-good-adam-ants-antbox/

@jr9249

6y↑13

I just watched the video and thought he was humorously making Blondie-like facial expressions at the camera like she did in her videos apparently to be humorously sexy and I thought that was really funny. This was done in 1981 and Blondie was wildly popular in Britain from the mid 70s to a little bit after this video came out, so I think that must have been what he was doing. I was looking through the comments to see if anyone else thought that too.

@davidmarchant9386

6y↑7

Music is dead now only being born 85 i was lucky to catch the last end of the golden music now it kills my ears mainstream music

@nightcollapse

6y↑8

There's still good music if you take the time to look for it. Literally, just download indie music on your phone or something. The music on there is new and amazing.

@alistaircooke3233

Robbie R. Esq. So true dude

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@marykent1496

4y↑339

i love how the whole comment section is about horrible histories..........im not complaining

@pareidolist

3y↑3

I am

@jimyelektric1126

3y↑1

THATS WHAT I JUST SAID MARY.ITS THE ADAM ANT HATE CLUB.(WHY ARE THEY LISTENING THEN?🐗

@caramelchi4807

3y↑2

I am : )

@russelltuckett5254

@@jimyelektric1126 b h

@sandrachesworth805

2y↑6

Just been to John Palmer's grave..... I wonder how he'd feel about being a dandy highway man? Adam is and will always be amazing. ❤️

@sandragorlitz3685

9w↑1

My first Tape 1984, my First Inspiration, my First Pirate...he and other following Musicans save my mental Life!!!

@Forensource

9y↑112

Back in the day, Adam Ant was thought of as a dangerous influence on UK youth.

@Xcorgi

8y↑11

+Forensource Hard to believe since the main line in this song was repeated as "We're the DANDY highway men"! LOL! You know what "ruffians" those DANDY boys can be. LOL!!!

@Forensource

8y↑4

In the late 60s, "Street Fighting Man" from the Rolling Stones was considered an incitement song.

@gregheltcel3574

He is Australian

@bbianchi8909

6y↑3

@@gregheltcel3574 No he is not.

@gregheltcel3574

I stand corrected

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@jolenecarney7514

4y↑10

Omg I am 51 years old now and this was my favorite band growing up!!!! When I listen to it I can literally feel the energy of my youth!!!! I am in tears with emotion!!!!

@stephanlarsen8169

2y↑1

52.. first.show..thirtteeen Year.old.1983 San Francisco.civic..imsect Nation

@mackchannel6348

2y↑2

Adam Ant was a completely glorious bastard.

@laurabornicke6095

2y↑7

I wish we could get the music back that was worth listening to

@telboy1965

3y↑13

Adam and the ants complete 1980s legends end of story 🤘

@keithhurley8401

3y↑13

I'm still listening to Adam and the ants,grew up with the new romantics etc, the 80s will still be listened to in 20yrs time,best decade for music in the world EVER, and my life,big up the 80s

@morriselliott7004

2y↑8

I miss my MTV. I haven't heard this in decades, but once I streamed this I was right back into that time period. A great song I forgot I loved. OG shit mate.