Hometown Heroes; National Nobodies
All Time Low Lyrics


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They've had chances to make this big city seem so small
Under stage lights, in rooms packed from window to wall
Like the sound of a smile, or the distance of song
Only measured in time as the kids sing along

They are the ones who make a difference
Get these people on their feet
They say let us be heard
Hear us out

Can you hear, the crowd is calling: "Hey, sing louder now"
As you've got to show them what it means to be alive
Dancing through the night has never been so rock 'n' roll
You've got a good thing and it's time to let them know

Win their hearts with words unlike the pages left at home
Secrets kept from critics no one ever wants to know

Can you hear, the crowd is calling: "Hey, sing louder now"
As you've got to show them what it means to be alive
Dancing through the night has never been so rock 'n' roll
You've got a good thing and it's time to let them know





Sing louder now
Let's dance the night away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Hometown Heroes; National Nobodies" by All Time Low explores the story of aspiring musicians who try to make it big in the music industry. The song tells of their journey, from playing in small local venues to packed stages in big cities. The songwriters seem to recognize the value and the power of the musicians in the entertainment industry, and how their music has the capability to make a great impact among their audience.


The line "They are the ones who make a difference, get these people on their feet" exemplifies the musicians' pivotal role in the music industry. Despite being called "National Nobodies," they are the "Hometown Heroes," the ones who represent their hometowns and make it big by standing out from the crowd. The song also highlights what it means to be a true artist - to create songs with genuine messages that people can relate to and to offer something unique to the table. The songwriters encourage their fellow musicians to make a difference by creating music for the people and use it to make a statement.


Line by Line Meaning

They've had chances to make this big city seem so small
Despite the vastness of the city, these individuals have had opportunities to create a sense of intimacy and community within it through their performances.


Under stage lights, in rooms packed from window to wall
These performers find themselves in crowded venues, illuminated by stage lights as they deliver their music to their audience.


Like the sound of a smile, or the distance of song
Perhaps intangible, the emotions invoked by their music can be as powerful as a smile on one's face or the emotional impact of a deeply moving song.


Only measured in time as the kids sing along
Their impact is transient and short-lived, as the youth sings along in the moment, but this music can leave a lasting impression on the listener.


They are the ones who make a difference
These individuals possess a unique ability to significantly impact their listeners and catalyze change.


Get these people on their feet
They can motivate their audience to rise up, be inspired, and take action for what they believe in.


They say let us be heard
These performers demand to have their voice and messages heard, and they refuse to be silenced or ignored.


Hear us out
They simply want their audience to listen and understand their perspective, experiences, or emotions.


Can you hear, the crowd is calling: "Hey, sing louder now"
The audience craves their music and desires the performers to give it their all, to sing and play louder and more energetically.


As you've got to show them what it means to be alive
The performers believe they have a responsibility to communicate the vibrancy and beauty of life through their music, showing their audience that life is worth cherishing.


Dancing through the night has never been so rock 'n' roll
Through their music, the act of dancing becomes an energizing, freeing, and rebellious experience.


You've got a good thing and it's time to let them know
These performers have something special, and they want the world to know about it, to share in their unique expression of music and creativity.


Win their hearts with words unlike the pages left at home
Their music has the power to connect with listeners emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually, with messages that are distinct from those found in books or other media.


Secrets kept from critics no one ever wants to know
They bear their soul through their music, revealing hidden thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may not be fully understood or appreciated by critics or the public.


Sing louder now
A reminder to give the performance one's all, leave nothing left behind, and truly sing as if their message matters.


Let's dance the night away
In the spirit of rock n' roll, let's live in the moment, let go of inhibitions, and just dance our hearts out into the night.




Contributed by Camilla E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

wbs

All Time Low - Hometown Heroes; National Nobodies - Lyrics

[Verse 1]
They've had chances to make this big city seem so small
Under stage lights, in rooms packed from window to wall
Like the sound of a smile, or the distance of song
Only measured in time as the kids sing along
They are the ones who make a difference
Get these people on their feet
They say let us be heard, hear us out

[Chorus]
Can you hear the crowd is calling
"Hey, sing louder now,"
You've got to show them what it means to be alive
Dancing through the night has never been so rock n' roll
You've got a good thing and it's time to let them know

[Verse 2]
Win their hearts with words unlike the pages left at home
Secrets kept from critics no one ever wants to know

[Chorus]
Can you hear the crowd is calling
"Hey, sing louder now,"
You've got to show them what it means to be alive
Dancing through the night has never been so rock n' roll
You've got a good thing and it's time to let them know

[Outro]
Sing louder now
Lets dance the night away



All comments from YouTube:

wbs

All Time Low - Hometown Heroes; National Nobodies - Lyrics

[Verse 1]
They've had chances to make this big city seem so small
Under stage lights, in rooms packed from window to wall
Like the sound of a smile, or the distance of song
Only measured in time as the kids sing along
They are the ones who make a difference
Get these people on their feet
They say let us be heard, hear us out

[Chorus]
Can you hear the crowd is calling
"Hey, sing louder now,"
You've got to show them what it means to be alive
Dancing through the night has never been so rock n' roll
You've got a good thing and it's time to let them know

[Verse 2]
Win their hearts with words unlike the pages left at home
Secrets kept from critics no one ever wants to know

[Chorus]
Can you hear the crowd is calling
"Hey, sing louder now,"
You've got to show them what it means to be alive
Dancing through the night has never been so rock n' roll
You've got a good thing and it's time to let them know

[Outro]
Sing louder now
Lets dance the night away

madeleine p.

Why is it that a whole lot of people, even fans, don't know this album, and a lot of those who do dislike it? ???

Luke Evans

The reason I didn't know it is because it's not on iTunes. I just knew Put Up or Shut Up and later albums

Jaryd Jackson

Hopeless Records blocked a lot of what they recorded with Emerald Moon Records in 2003-2005. A lot of what’s blocked is mostly just songs featured on Put Up Or Shut Up that were originally on The Party Scene... just another reminders corporations don’t give a damn about what the rest of us think. It would be bad for business if everyone started buying and streaming the version that Hopeless Records didn’t own. Shame, really.

Jaryd Jackson

Could you imagine the look on all the 13 year old girls faces when ATL randomly adds this and Last Flight Home to their setlist... I think I’d have to go get a ticket just for those performances right there. Can’t find a solid video of them playing either live with sound quality that won’t make your ears ring in the wrong way.

jess

i just wanna hear them play this, hit the lights, and vegas!!!

zoë

i was 13 year old girl listening to all time low 8 years ago, this album was my favourite of them all

Whiteythereaper

They did put a few of the songs from this album on Straight to DVD in the background of the documentary footage, it's how I came across most of them anyway.

Julian de la Peña

I love this demo esque sound

Pedro Caseiro

This shit needs to be on spotify!

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