shout
Alex Harvey And His Soul Band Lyrics
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Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
In violent times
You shouldn't have to sell your soul
In black and white
They really really ought to know
Those one track minds
That took you for a working boy
Kiss them goodbye
You shouldn't have to jump for joy
You shouldn't have to shout for joy
Shout
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
They gave you life
And in return you gave them hell
As cold as ice
I hope we live to tell the tale
I hope we live to tell the tale
Shout
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
Shout
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
And when you've taken down your guard
If I could change your mind
I'd really love to break your heart
I'd really love to break your heart
Shout
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
The song "Shout" by Alex Harvey And His Soul Band has been interpreted as a protest song against the societal pressures on individuals in violent times. The song starts by repeating the words "Shout" and "Let it all out," which can be seen as a call to action, encouraging individuals to express their emotions and take a stand against the oppressive systems. The lyrics "These are the things I can do without" imply that the singer is fed up with the injustices in the world and that people should consider the things they can live without; this can be interpreted as a call for simplicity and an anti-materialistic perspective.
As the song progresses, it makes references to the societal pressure and how people are forced to sell their souls while the authorities know about the conditions they are operating in ("In black and white, they really really ought to know"). The line "They gave you life, and in return, you gave them hell" suggests that the people are aware of the injustices faced and are ready to fight back. The line "I hope we live to tell the tale" signifies the resilience of people in the face of oppression.
The lyrics "And when you've taken down your guard, if I could change your mind, I'd really love to break your heart" may mean that the singer is not violent, but they desire to make people aware of their choices and call for a change in attitudes towards living in a more equitable society.
Line by Line Meaning
Shout
The singer wants the listener to shout, and express themselves.
Shout
Repeating the request to shout.
Let it all out
The singer wants the listener to release their emotions and express themselves freely.
These are the things I can do without
The singer wants to let go of things that don't bring value to their life.
Come on
Encouraging the listener to participate and engage.
I'm talking to you
The singer is directly addressing the listener.
In violent times
The singer acknowledges that times are tough and difficult to navigate.
You shouldn't have to sell your soul
People shouldn't have to compromise their values and beliefs.
In black and white
The truth should be clear and visible.
They really really ought to know
Others should be aware and understand.
Those one track minds
People who only focus on one thing or way of thinking.
That took you for a working boy
People who underestimated or undervalued the singer's abilities and potential.
Kiss them goodbye
The singer is saying goodbye to those people and their negative influence.
You shouldn't have to jump for joy
People shouldn't have to work hard or overcompensate for recognition or happiness.
You shouldn't have to shout for joy
People shouldn't have to work hard or overcompensate for recognition or happiness.
They gave you life
Parents are responsible for giving birth and raising their children.
And in return you gave them hell
The singer is reflecting on their rebellious attitude and behavior towards their parents.
As cold as ice
The singer is describing someone's behavior or attitude as unfeeling and heartless.
I hope we live to tell the tale
The singer is optimistic about surviving difficult times and coming out stronger on the other side.
And when you've taken down your guard
When someone has let their guard down and become vulnerable.
If I could change your mind
The singer wishes they could influence someone's thinking or behavior.
I'd really love to break your heart
The singer wants to challenge someone's beliefs or values in a way that may be painful or difficult.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: O'KELLY ISLEY, RONALD ISLEY, RUDOLPH ISLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind