Stand and Deliver
Adam and the Ants Lyrics

Stand and deliver
The singer is demanding that the listener hand over their money.

I'm the dandy highwayman who you're too scared to mention
The singer is a fashionable criminal who is notorious and feared.

I spend my cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention
The singer uses their money to make a statement and stand out from the crowd.

The devil take your stereo and your record collection (oh-oh)
The artist will steal anything valuable from the listener, even if it has sentimental value.

The way you look you'll qualify for next year's old age pension
The listener's fashion sense is outdated and they look old.

Try and use a mirror no bullet or a knife
The singer is threatening the listener but suggests that they don't have to resort to violence if the listener cooperates.

I'm the dandy highwayman so sick of easy fashion
The singer is tired of mainstream trends and wants to stand out.

The clumsy boots, peek-a-boo roots that people think so dashing
The artist is criticizing popular fashion and mocking the listener's style.

So what's the point of robbery when nothing is worth taking? (oh oh)
The artist questions the value of material possessions and suggests that robbing the listener isn't even worth the effort.

It's kind of tough to tell a scruff the big mistake he's making
The listener's lack of fashion sense is so bad that it's hard to even explain how bad it is.

And even though you fool your soul Your conscience will be mine All mine
The singer is saying that even if the listener thinks they're outsmarting the singer, they will ultimately feel guilty for their actions.

We're the dandy highwaymen so tired of excuses
The artist is part of a group of fashionable criminals who are fed up with people making excuses for their boring fashion choices.

Of deep meaning philosophies where only showbiz loses
The singer is mocking deep philosophical discussions and suggests that only people who care too much about show business get caught up in them.

"Throw your safety overboard and join our insect nation"
The singer invites the listener to join their group of fashionable criminals and abandon their boring life.

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
These lines are nonsensical filler and have no real meaning in the song.

Stand and deliver your money or your life
The artist repeats the demand for the listener to hand over their money.