Stand Deliver
Adam The Ants Lyrics
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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!
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
Stand and deliver your money or your life!
Stand and deliver your money or your life!
(repeat)
"Stand and Deliver" by Adam and the Ants is a classic 80s hit that addresses the idea of a highwayman. The first verse focuses on the singer's identity as a "dandy highwayman," implying that he is both fashionable and skilled at armed robbery. He spends money on his appearance and is not afraid to stand out. In the next line, he calls out anyone who might be scared to talk about him. The following line tells the listener that the highwayman is only interested in stealing their possessions and not their lives. Lastly, the highwayman insults the listener's appearance, implying that they are old and unattractive.
The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, with a catchy melody reminding the listener of the stakes at hand. The highwayman is demanding either "your money or your life," but he's willing to let you choose which one. The line "try and use a mirror no bullet or a knife!" warns potential victims of the danger they might face if they resist the highwayman.
The second verse starts with the highwayman's disdain for people who follow easy fashion trends. He criticizes people who wear "clumsy boots" and have dyed hair roots that peek through. The highwayman's motive in robbing people is called into question. He asks what the point is when there's nothing of value to take. Then he reminds listeners that it's pointless to try and rob someone who looks like a "scruff" because they don't have anything worth stealing.
In the bridge, the highwayman addresses the listener's soul and conscience. The lyric "even though you fool your soul, your conscience will be mine" implies that the highwayman will take away your moral compass if you hesitate to give him your money.
Finally, in the third verse, the highwayman and his group are tired of people spouting deep philosophies and losing to capitalism. They're inviting people to join their "insect nation" and throw their safety overboard. The chorus repeats and the song ends with a strange instrumental section.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the dandy highwayman who you're too scared to mention
I am a fashionable criminal that people are afraid to talk about.
I spend my cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention
I use my money to dress stylishly and draw attention to myself.
The devil take your stereo and your record collection! (oh-oh)
I don't care about stealing your music collection.
The way you look you'll qualify for next year's old age pension!
You look old and out of style.
Stand and deliver your money or your life!
Give me your money or I'll hurt you.
Try and use a mirror no bullet or a knife!
Don't try to resist with violence.
I'm the dandy highwayman so sick of easy fashion
I'm tired of people following easy and unoriginal fashion trends.
The clumsy boots, peek-a-boo roots that people think so dashing
People think that wearing boots and showing off their roots is fashionable, but I disagree.
So what's the point of robbery when nothing is worth taking? (oh oh)
I'm starting to question the point of robbing people because they don't have anything valuable.
It's kind of tough to tell a scruff the big mistake he's making
It's hard to convince someone who's poorly dressed that they are making a fashion mistake.
And even though you fool your soul, Your conscience will be mine, All mine
I may be able to trick you into giving me your money, but I'll still have control over your conscience.
We're the dandy highwaymen so tired of excuses
We're a group of stylish criminals who are fed up with excuses.
Of deep meaning philosophies where only showbiz loses
We don't care about deep philosophies, we just care about looking good and making money.
We're the dandy highwaymen and here's our invitation (oh oh)
We are inviting others to join our group of fashionable criminals.
"Throw your safety overboard and join our insect nation"
Leave your safe and boring life behind and join us in a dangerous and fashionable lifestyle.
Stand and deliver your money or your life!
Give me your money or I'll hurt you.
Qua qua da diddley qua qua da diddley
N/A
Stand and deliver your money or your life!
Give me your money or I'll hurt you.
Stand and deliver your money or your life!
Give me your money or I'll hurt you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARCO PIRRONI, ADAM ANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AppleMan531
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
Sounds fantastic. Is there any video of this?
@ksy4747
Wow!! Amazing experience 🔥🔥🔥 lucky you!!
@AlvesterGarnett
WOW!
@Optics21
No way,that’s too sick
@tracygeene4710
Damn would have loved to have seen that love Adam
@marcomb8785
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
So sorry but I hope that this song brings back happy memories of him for you.
@yoda9862
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
Would have been put down as a Covid death today after testing positive in hospital.