All Time Low is an American pop punk band formed in Baltimore, Maryland, Un… Read Full Bio ↴All Time Low is an American pop punk band formed in Baltimore, Maryland, United States in 2003. When Alex Gaskarth (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards) was in middle school, he was moved from private school to public school, where he met Jack Barakat (lead guitar, backing vocals), and put the band together; later recruiting Rian Dawson (drums, percussion), and Zack Merrick (bass guitar, backing vocals). The band's name came from a line in the New Found Glory song Head On Collision. Early on, All Time Low mostly performed covers of songs by bands like Green Day, blink-182, and New Found Glory. Since their debut, they have released 9 studio albums: The Party Scene (2005), So Wrong, It's Right (2007), Nothing Personal (2009), Dirty Work (2011), Don't Panic (2012), Future Hearts (2015), Last Young Renegade (2017), Wake Up, Sunshine (2020), and Tell Me I'm Alive (2023) as well as two live albums, Straight to DVD (2010), and Straight to DVD II: Past, Present and Future Hearts (2016). They have also released some EPs, most notably, Put Up or Shut Up (2006), and MTV Unplugged (2010).

Stay Awake
All Time Low Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Caught in a cold sweat stuck splitting hairs
I'm drinking too much
I'm on my way to striking out

Go to sleep with the pressure of everyone
Watching, waiting, they're yours for the taking
But I still have my doubts

Before you ask which way to go
Remember where you've been

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
You're safe from the weight of the world
Just take a second to set things straight

I'll be fine even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night

Figure it out boy, you're tripping
So pull yourself together
Or you'll wash up like the rest

This ship is sinking, I'm thinking I'm done for
I watch as the sails disappear underwater
'Cause I'm no captain yet

I said, "Before you ask which way to go
Remember where you've been"

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
You're safe from the weight of the world
Just take a second to set things straight

I'll be fine, even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night

Believe you me, I'll give them everything
I'd tell them anything to show them everything
Believe you me, I'll give them everything
I'd tell them anything to show them everything

'Cause you ain't the only ones who wanna live it up
You ain't the only ones
You ain't the only ones who wanna live it up
You ain't the only ones

You ain't the only ones who wanna live it up
You ain't the only ones
You ain't the only ones who wanna live it up
You ain't the only ones

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
You're safe from the weight of the world
Just take a second to set things straight

I'll be fine, even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine

Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night

Overall Meaning

"Stay Awake" by All Time Low is a song about the pressures of life and the need to stay grounded in oneself to overcome them. The lyrics speak about feeling overwhelmed and anxious, with the singer drinking too much and feeling like they're about to strike out. The chorus reminds the listener to stay attentive, get a grip and prioritize their own wellbeing, and not be consumed by the weight of the world. It concludes by emphasizing the ephemeral quality of dreams and the importance of grit and dedication in pursuing them.

The first verse speaks of being caught between a state of sweating and splitting hairs, which could represent the extreme anxiety and stress of the singer's situation. Second, the pressure of everyone watching impedes their movements, highlighting the pressure of external expectations. The singer wonders which way to go, reminding themselves to look back at their past and remind themselves of their roots.

The chorus guides the listener through the ways to stay on course and take a breather during problematic moments. The last verse speaks about the singer losing sight of their goals and feeling like the captain of a sinking ship. The song's message is a reminder to balance pressures and disappointment because lifetime dedication is essential to achieving goals, and hard work is key to success.

Despite the potentially depressive lyrics, the song is an uplifting ode to perseverance and maintaining mental health.

Line by Line Meaning

Caught in a cold sweat stuck splitting hairs
Feeling anxious and overthinking small details

I'm drinking too much
Using alcohol to cope with stress

I'm on my way to striking out
Feeling like you're failing

Go to sleep with the pressure of everyone
Feeling pressure from others' expectations

Watching, waiting, they're yours for the taking
People are waiting for you to succeed

But I still have my doubts
Feeling uncertain despite others' belief in you

Before you ask which way to go
Consider your past experiences and choices

Remember where you've been
Look back on your experiences and learn from them

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
Stay alert and take control to avoid failure

You're safe from the weight of the world
Don't let the world's problems drag you down

Just take a second to set things straight
Pause and reevaluate your priorities

I'll be fine even though I'm not always right
I'll make mistakes but I'll be okay

I can count on the sun to shine
Things will get better

Dedication takes a lifetime
Success doesn't happen overnight

But dreams only last for a night
Don't let your dreams fade away

Figure it out boy, you're tripping
Get a hold of yourself

So pull yourself together
Collect yourself and focus

Or you'll wash up like the rest
If you don't improve, you'll fail like others

This ship is sinking, I'm thinking I'm done for
Things seem dire and I might fail

I watch as the sails disappear underwater
I see my dreams slipping away

'Cause I'm no captain yet
I'm not in control of my life yet

Believe you me, I'll give them everything
I'll do anything to succeed

I'd tell them anything to show them everything
I'll prove myself to others

'Cause you ain't the only ones who wanna live it up
Others want to succeed too

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
Stay in control to avoid failure

You're safe from the weight of the world
Don't let the world drag you down

Just take a second to set things straight
Reevaluate your priorities

I'll be fine, even though I'm not always right
I'll be okay despite my mistakes

I can count on the sun to shine
Things will get better

Dedication takes a lifetime
Success doesn't happen overnight

But dreams only last for a night
Don't let your dreams fade away

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEXANDER WILLIAM GASKARTH, JACK BASSAM BARAKAT, ROBERT RYAN DAWSON, ZACHARY STEVEN MERRICK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@adnanahmed215

7y↑111

Caught in a cold sweat
Stuck splitting hairs and drinking too much
I'm on my way to striking out
Go to sleep with the pressure of everyone watching and waiting
They're yours for the taking, but I still have my doubts

Before you ask which way to go, remember where you've been

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
You're safe from the weight of the world
Just take a second to set things straight
I'll be fine even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night

Figure it out
Boy, you're tripping so pull yourself together
Or you'll wash up like the rest
This ship is sinking
I'm thinking I'm done for
I'll watch as the sails disappear under water
'Cause I'm no captain yet

I said, "Before you ask which way to go, remember where you've been."

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
You're safe from the weight of the world
Just take a second to set things straight
I'll be fine even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night

Believe you, me
I'll give them everything
I'd tell them anything
To show them everything

Believe you, me
I'll give them everything
I'd tell them anything
To show them everything

'Cause you ain't the only ones who want to live it up
You ain't the only ones
You ain't the only ones who want to live it up
You ain't the only ones
You ain't the only ones who want to live it up
You ain't the only ones
You ain't the only ones who want to live it up
You ain't the only ones

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
You're safe from the weight of the world
Just take a second to set things straight
I'll be fine even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night

All comments from YouTube:

@josiesongstress

9y↑334

"dedication takes a lifetime"

idk man i became dedicated to this band within a week

@garndt

9y↑4

SO TRUE IM SCREAMING

@josiesongstress

9y↑2

Gina Kameron right??!? i always think about that lmao

@faithlee3610

9y↑12

Josie Clark i became dedicated to all time low in a few hours

@josiesongstress

9y↑1

League of Randomness haha samee

@madisonbills3953

Lol this thread cracked me up!

3 More Replies...

@sharlayeaton1003

8y↑163

Is it just me, or would this be the perfect song for the ending of a typical High School Movie?

@Bayhay32

8y↑1

+Sharlay Marley E Yeah, I can see it :)

@Karlhto

8y↑17

+Sharlay Marley E watch "fan girl" its the intro scene song

@carmenbaines4621

8y↑8

RustyZebra
I feel like this song would go scarily well for the ending scenes of any white teen movie ever.
1 month ago•1

@Im_alivexx

35w

@@Karlhtobest intro too!

@Im_alivexx

35w

I can see it as a good intro to a high school and when you’re getting ready for school

@estefano784

9y↑97

Dedication takes a lifetime but dreams only last for a night, one of my favorite lyrics :)

@zmhsn5207

10y↑78

favourite all time low album tbh

@rachelallen2455

10y↑2

totally agree!

@thezlington8186

8y↑178

"Dedication takes a lifetime, memes only last for a night"

@kilahpennington6095

8y↑3

😂😂

@pixels-px4zv

6y↑1

Lol

@kelsymerriman3459

9y↑26

this song is the best off of this album, because it gives me so many feels. like, the part where it repeats "you' ain't the only ones who wanna live it up" gives me chills and I have no clue why?? it's always been my jam though and will always continue to be my jam for the rest of forever.

@adnanahmed215

7y↑111

@mc.killatown152

Funny notreally i

@personperson2023

8y↑44

Low-key most of the quotes on sticky notes that fill my locker is this song. "You're safe from the weight of the world" perfect

@emilystults7665

9y↑55

This song is one of my favorites. Alex has so much talent, especially when it comes to lyrics. And of course Jack, Rian, and Zack make it sound perfect.

@garndt

9y↑74

For the longest time I thought the lyrics were "The succulents have been shaved." Instead of "Take a second to set things straight."

@izzysavage4634

5y↑1

Have you been watching too much CrankThatFrank?

I don't hear this exactly but I also hear the word succulent though

@madeleinep.828

6y↑12

“Before you ask which way to go, remember where you’ve been.”
“Dedication takes a lifetime, but dreams only last for a night.”
some of my favorite lyrics ever

@insertedgyusernamehere169

6y↑29

"Before you ask which way to go, remember where you've been."
"Dedication takes a lifetime, but dreams only last for a night."
"This ship is sinking, I'm thinking I'm done for, I watch as the sails disappear underwater, 'cause I'm no captain yet."
"You're safe from the weight of the world."

Would you look at that, all of my favorite lyrics are from this song.

@orangemenacelove

12y↑10

This song makes me feel euphoric. I can't even explain it. Can't wait to get, "You're safe from the weight of the world" tattooed. Helps me in the darkest of times.

@keystreet353

11y↑4

This is easily All Time Low's best album...

@sweetandsour95

9y↑26

AH I MISS LISTENING TO ATL'S OLD SONGS 😭😭😭

@kristelbugarin19

+gi. a not "old" it's RAW

@epyonsystem1869

^it's old lol

@karolsaurusrex4893

10y↑6

Hearing this song live made my life complete <3

@EmileeS42

12y↑1

This whole song is quotable. I dont get how "dedication takes a lifetime, but dreams only last for a night" isn't a world wide famous quote. Seriously it has so much meaning, I love it

@CRPro1788

12y↑1

It's really irritating how under-rated these guys are.

@ridingalpacas

12y↑4

This song is my favourite song by All Time Low, EVER.

@rabbitcorridor

8y↑1

For me, dedication takes a LONG lifetime.

@nicktucci380

7y↑7

I became dedicated to this band in 2 minutes so idk where they get dedication takes a lifetime 😂😂😂 Alex is my role model because of how amazing he is

@marbsbionson4394

2y↑3

Still this song hits hard in 2021

@gupmitallaica681

2y↑1

After reading Stay Awake, Agatha. I became obsessed with this band. 😭🖤♥️

@kingkrysen

50w↑1

ATL is badass 🤘🏼🥁🎸 awesome song

@SeaWitch1

1y↑2

Best song ever…

@AbduCola

12y↑2

Its ridiculous how hard these lyrics hit me

@vinny0412

7y↑1

why?....no matter how much i hear it....it feels like first time,its soo hype,lit ...just amazing, such a masterpiece

@amandamoore5633

9y↑22

may i have this song played at my wedding please and thank you

@onewinged_joker

9y↑2

Amanda Moore You don't have'ta ask permission for that kinda stuff....

@lizisnothere6698

6y↑3

My All Time (Low) favorite song.

@melisaaaaaaa

12y↑1

I never fully realised how good of a song this is until my mp3-player randomly picked this song yesterday.. It's just stuck in my head now <33

@mingb.

9y↑19

I've always wanted to get the chorus tattooed, I think this year is going to be the year, just have figure out where I want it ! :)

@andrewejc

9y↑5

Mae-Ling Bossenbroek But is this year gonna be your year?

@rawrkatiaa

9y↑1

i got Before you ask which way to go, remember where you've been on my arm xP

@faithlee3610

9y↑4

Andrew Cooksley Well, maybe it wasn't her weekend.

@c0zy23

9y↑3

+Andrew Cooksley BADUM TSS

@alexanderlovesall1307

7y↑3

I am so sick of waiting, did she get the tat

@OhNoitsRhii

12y↑2

I listen to both the old stuff and the new stuff.

@808sandcrabcake9

4y↑1

Nothing personal and everything before still holds up

@mariamusic22

One of my favorite songs ever ❤️

@cecili13

3y↑2

"i said before you ask which way you're going, remember where you've been"

@gabrieladias552

10y↑1

All Time Low always do good music idk they're blessed

@amoreweasley5302

5y↑2

I don't know why, but this song makes me want to cry

@MMIIHHYY

7y↑18

Who's listening in 2017 and loves new ATL style as well?

@vinny0412

7y↑2

@debobenitez6059

Honza Mihulka never gets old💌

@iam._.lou7877

Honza Mihulka me but in 2018

@Exlanadre

9y↑1

love the verses

@skateboard226

12y↑2

'BEFORE YOU ASK WHICH WAY TO GO, REMEMBER WHERE YOU'VE BEEN!!!"

@williamcrisp2763

9y↑4

Listening to this at 1.5x speed makes it even more awesome than it is at normal speed

@justpiang

9y↑1

This is so good

@Rekos2012

8y↑17

finally ... my friend told me how to put this song on repeat

@Rekos2012

8y↑10

right click on the video and click on loop

@justtrash1232

Only on PC

@TheBlondeOne952

12y↑2

Love how there isn't one song I dont like by All Time low. <3 !

@whalewatch5993

5y↑1

nostalgia the old school days, I want to go back :(

@justins7796

7y↑16

1:27 Yep I'm definitely the only person that thought he was saying "I'm no Captain Jack" xD

@x7_nycAndy

4y↑1

I’ve been looking for this song for 5 years and I’ve finally found it, 2020 has gotten better for me now let’s fucking GOOOOOO

@rockyviray8795

Since 2011, but still listening for this wonderful song by atl 💗🙏

@cathhoney

12y↑1

I don't know which is better.. The studio version or the acoustic version.. So fucking awesome.

@augustslippedaway

8y↑13

best song in so wrong it's right

@awlaudel72

6y↑1

This song is awesome brings back memories. Thumbs up for 2018?

@meowchi02

4y↑4

"dedication takes a lifetime"

Well I'm stuck with atl till my hair goes gray

@flkidsvids

12y↑3

In this song they sound like we the kings

@cussingboy

Really it's about dedicating a lifetime to this song.

@Currbban

11y

Arguably the perfect man led me here.

@AimeeIsASnake

12y

i really miss ATL like this :'(

@ipraytobinladen

11y

It's okay (: the public have begun to adapt to better music like this. It now has over 70k views ;D!! *and soon in the future someone who will look through the comments will see this comment and reply back with an even higher view count!*

@kimberlytully8011

5y↑1

2:26 best part.

@AlexLacove

12y

Okay, lemme set this straight. You can't bash new fans for liking their new stuff. You also can't bash long time fans for liking their new stuff. Everyone has the right to their own opinion. I'm not trying to sound mean, but it's true. :)

@chelseywobig3879

4y↑1

Here in 2020🥰

@kimmykyms

12y

everyone only listens to their new shit. cause they're such big "fans". they don't realize ATL old songs are awesome

@GemmaLouiseTaylor13

11y↑3

Why is everyone comparing All Time Low to One Direction? They are two completely different genres of music. Just enjoy the music...

@sarahbriggs523

ITS BEEN THAT MANY YEARS SINCE THEY ALBUM CSME OUT WHY AM I OLD

@VirtualTalentClan

12y↑1

Exactly (:

@TheOriginalNoNoKid

12y

back on hopeless <3

@DG4life741

11y

....a one direction fanfic brought me here and i screamed because i've loved all time low since the 6th grade

@debobenitez6059

6y↑1

Atl❤❤❤❤❤

@IronWeaselFan

12y

You can't find a band that hasn't changed these days... Seriously i'm sick and tired of those "fans" complaining about changing, just to get attention and simpathy.

@AtomicUrgency

12y

Well more for us.

@Izedyn17

7y↑3

Im new to all time low. Give me knowledge~

@vinny0412

7y↑2

you've reched this far tho like try out guts,lost in stereo,six feet under the starts , cinderblock g for baltimore, ifeel like dancin

@kimleybag9681

3y↑1

Stay awake, agatha :((

@yuri-ok6rl

8y↑20

Who's listening in 2016?

@coolrunner4095

6y↑1

Some nights I wonder... most nights

@yosoyjeroXD

10y↑1

the good

@12KevinPower

8y↑6

Similar Song -> We'll Be Okay - With Confidence

@justjuan9521

I don't see it

@SoratheOtakuBrony

+JustJuan the chorus

@carmelynzerrudo

8y↑1

We'll Be Okay by With Confidence sounds like this song

@Iwaek

12y↑1

This vid was uploaded 11/11/11

@tearsonangelwings

12y↑1

this is my pep-up song. i'd be a zombie without it.

@leonardodiasbarbosa9890

3y↑1

2021

@justoaldz

6y↑2

2018 ?

@VirtualTalentClan

12y

@RawrForever123 yes they are and i love them tooo ;P

@princess.1162

Agatha's favorite song😢

From "Stay Awake, Agatha"

@RainbowNarwhals557

11y

Stay awake Madi <3

@angellflo1267

11y

LAURA BROUGHT ME HERE--Kassem G

@markdanielbagorio5064

7y↑4

2017 anyone ?

@annekebullock3766

5y↑1

2:26 and 2:10

@AwhiteBEANER30

12y

@VirtualTalentClan Its cause they were uploaded about a month ago, watch, in about 3 months each song will have atleast 50,000 plus views because ATL is just awesome like that :)

@erixcahgombang8079

hohohoho keren

@EmileeS42

12y↑1

I think I am going to get a tattoo of lyrics from this, I just don't know which ones yyet

@maeganpot8701

💙

@dianuhsoralbiee7498

5y↑1

2019 anyone?

@VirtualTalentClan

13y

I dont get it, these songs only have like 400 views?

@beckster700

11y↑1

<33

@redheadskillz

11y

1:56 of the carly and lauren unedited video

@DG4life741

11y

a niall one i forgot the name!

@prennt57g99

6y↑1

Ah here’s the characteristic 2000s rock long song title

@lizziejames4448

36w↑1

2:16 2:26

@prongslover77

13y↑1

@dreamerbell_

4y↑1

Who came here from the book "Stay Awake, Agatha"?
0:46 to 1:02 is the lyrics in the book

@lyricalmusic6774

This song is from STAY AWAKE AGATHA

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