Pick Yourself Up
Anita O’Day Lyrics

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Please teacher, teach me something,
Nice teacher, teach me something.
I'm as awkward as a camel, that's not the worst,
My two feet haven't met yet,
But I'll be teacher's pet yet,
'Cause I'm gonna learn to dance or burst.

Nothing's impossible I have found,

For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
Start all over again.

Don't lose your confidence if you slip,
Be grateful for a pleasant trip,
And pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.

Work like a soul inspired,
Till the battle of the day is won.
You may be sick and tired,
But you'll be a man, my son!

Will you remember the famous men,
Who had to fall to rise again?
So take a deep breath,
Pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.

I'll get some self assurance
If your endurance is great.
I'll learn by easy stages
If you're courageous and wait.

To feel the strength I want to,
I must hang on to your hand,
Maybe by the time I'm fifty
I'll get up and do a nifty.

Nothing's impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
Start all over again.

Don't lose your confidence if you slip,
Be grateful for a pleasant trip,
And pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.

Work like a soul inspired,
Till the battle of the day is won.
You may be sick and tired,
But you'll be a man, my son!

Will you remember the famous men,
Who had to fall to rise again?
So take a deep breath,
Pick yourself up,

Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Anita O'Day's song "Pick Yourself Up" are a motivational anthem about resilience, determination, and the power to overcome obstacles. The song addresses the need for guidance, learning, and self-improvement.

In the first verse, the singer acknowledges her clumsiness and lack of coordination, comparing herself to an awkward camel. However, she expresses her optimism and determination to become better. She sees herself as a potential "teacher's pet" and believes that she can learn to dance or burst with effort. This line conveys the singer's desire to improve and her willingness to work hard to achieve her goals.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of picking oneself up after a setback. The lyrics suggest that even when facing failure or being down on one's luck, it is crucial to maintain confidence and keep trying. The singer advises not to lose hope or let a slip-up define one's journey. Instead, one should be grateful for the experience and use it as motivation to start again.

The following verse reinforces the idea of perseverance and hard work. The singer encourages the listener to approach every day as a battle and to work like a soul inspired until victory is achieved. The phrase "You may be sick and tired, but you'll be a man" implies that enduring perseverance will lead to personal growth and strength.

The last verse reflects on the stories of famous individuals who experienced failure but managed to rise again. It highlights the significance of learning from mistakes and setbacks. The singer encourages taking a deep breath and starting over, even if the process may feel difficult. The lyrics also express the need for support and partnership, as the singer mentions wanting to hold onto someone's hand for strength.

Overall, "Pick Yourself Up" encourages resilience, a positive mindset, and a never-give-up attitude. It emphasizes the importance of learning from failures, embracing challenges, and starting anew, even when feeling worn out. The song serves as a reminder that it is through perseverance and determination that one can achieve success.

Line by Line Meaning

Please teacher, teach me something,
I humbly ask for your guidance and knowledge, dear teacher.

Nice teacher, teach me something.
Kind teacher, please impart your wisdom upon me.

I'm as awkward as a camel, that's not the worst,
I may lack grace and finesse, but it's not the end of the world.

My two feet haven't met yet,
I have yet to find my footing and establish a solid foundation.

But I'll be teacher's pet yet,
Yet, I will strive to become the favorite student of my teacher.

'Cause I'm gonna learn to dance or burst.
Because I am determined to learn how to dance, regardless of the obstacles.

Nothing's impossible I have found,
Through my experiences, I have discovered that nothing is truly impossible.

For when my chin is on the ground,
Even in moments of defeat and despair, when I am brought low,

I pick myself up,
I summon the strength to rise again,

Dust myself off,
I shake off the disappointment and negativity akin to dust,

Start all over again.
And begin anew with fresh determination and resolve.

Don't lose your confidence if you slip,
Do not let a momentary stumble erode your self-assurance,

Be grateful for a pleasant trip,
Appreciate the enjoyable moments and experiences you encounter in your journey,

And pick yourself up,
Summon the strength within to lift yourself up,

Dust yourself off,
Shake off any setbacks or disappointments,

Start all over again.
And embark on a fresh start with renewed vigor.

Work like a soul inspired,
Approach your tasks with passion and inspiration,

Till the battle of the day is won.
Persist and fight until you have achieved victory for the day.

You may be sick and tired,
You might feel weary and exhausted,

But you'll be a man, my son!
Yet, my child, you will mature and become resilient through these challenges.

Will you remember the famous men,
Will you recall the renowned individuals,

Who had to fall to rise again?
Who faced failure but managed to rise once more?

So take a deep breath,
Therefore, pause and take a moment to breathe deeply,

Pick yourself up,
Summon the strength to lift yourself up,

Dust yourself off,
Brush off any setbacks or disappointments,

Start all over again.
And begin anew, embracing the opportunity for a fresh start.

I'll get some self assurance
I will acquire confidence within myself

If your endurance is great.
Through your ability to endure and persevere.

I'll learn by easy stages
I will gradually acquire knowledge and skill

If you're courageous and wait.
As long as you display bravery and patience.

To feel the strength I want to,
To experience the level of strength I desire,

I must hang on to your hand,
I need to rely on your support and guidance,

Maybe by the time I'm fifty
Perhaps when I reach the age of fifty

I'll get up and do a nifty.
I will be able to rise and accomplish something impressive.