The Tide Is High
Atomic Kitten Lyrics


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Never give up, never give up
The tide is high but I'm holdin' on
I'm gonna be your number one
I'm not that kinda girl
Who gives up just like that
Oh, no

Its not the things you do to try to hurt me so
But it's the way you do the things you do, for me
I'm not that kinda girl who gives up just like that
Oh, no

The tide is high but I'm holdin' on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high but I'm holdin' on
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one
Number one
Number one

Every girl wants you to be her boy
But I'll wait right here, 'til it's my turn
I'm not that kinda girl mwho gives up just like that
Oh, no

The tide is high but I'm holdin' on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high but I'm holdin' on
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one
Number one
Number one

Every time that I get the feelin'
You give me something to believe in
Every time that I got you near me
I know the way that I want it to be
But you know I'm gonna take my chance now
I'm gonna make it happen some how
And you know I can take the pressure
A moments pain for a life time's pleasure

Every girl wants you to be her boy
But I'll wait right here, 'til it's my turn
I'm not that kinda girl who gives up just like that
Oh, no

The tide is high but I'm holdin' on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high but I'm holdin' on
I'm gonna be your number one

Every time that I get the feelin'
You give me something to believe in
Every time that I got you near me
I know the way that I want it to be
But you know I'm gonna take my chance now
I'm gonna make it happen some how




And you know I can take the pressure
A moments pain for a life time's pleasure

Overall Meaning

At first glance, Atomic Kitten's "The Tide Is High" appears to be a song about a woman holding onto her relationship despite the rocky waters. The singer is telling her partner that even though they have their difficulties, she will not give up on their love. Despite the tempting distractions around her, she is determined to be her partner's number one, promising to wait for her turn to come. The chorus repeats the phrase "the tide is high but I'm holdin' on," implying that the relationship is worth fighting for, even if it seems difficult at times.


However, upon closer examination, the lyrics take a turn. The song is, in fact, about a woman waiting for her chance with a man, who is desired by every girl that crosses his path. The singer is stating that although she will wait for her turn patiently, she is not the type of girl who gives up easily or allows others to take her place. Despite the situation appearing impossible, she has faith that they will eventually be together, using phrases such as "I'm gonna make it happen somehow" and "you give me something to believe in" to express her determination and hope.


"The Tide Is High" was originally written by Jamaican artist John Holt in 1967 and was later covered by Blondie in 1980. Atomic Kitten's version, released in 2002, is a cover of Blondie's rendition, which adds a pop beat and a chorus that is more commonly associated with the song. The song was a massive hit for all three artists, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom.


Line by Line Meaning

Never give up, never give up
I will always persevere


The tide is high but I'm holdin' on
Despite challenges, I am staying strong


I'm gonna be your number one
I will be the best partner for you


I'm not that kinda girl
I am unique and won't conform to expectations


Who gives up just like that
I won't give up easily


Its not the things you do to try to hurt me so
Your actions don't hurt me as much as your intentions


But it's the way you do the things you do, for me
Your actions toward me lack sincerity


Every girl wants you to be her boy
You are in high demand by many women


But I'll wait right here, 'til it's my turn
I will be patient until it's my chance with you


Every time that I get the feelin'
When I sense a connection with you


You give me something to believe in
I find hope and faith in you


Every time that I got you near me
When you are physically close to me


I know the way that I want it to be
I have a strong vision for our relationship


But you know I'm gonna take my chance now
I am ready to take a risk for us


I'm gonna make it happen some how
I will find a way to make us work


And you know I can take the pressure
I can handle the stress of a relationship


A moments pain for a life time's pleasure
Short-term difficulty is worth long-term happiness


Number one
I want to be your top priority




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN KENNETH HOLT, TYRONE EVANS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@christianguitierrez3753

Omg I haven't heard this song since I was a freshman in H S 97 ..... I'm 42 now, this takes me back !!!!!!

@daynacurtis

I remember my little brother singing this every time it came on when we were kids. R.I.P 1991-2005

@juliamaynard2108

So sorry for your lost. 🥺💔 I love this song. Beautiful memories. ❤️

@Girlhead

OMG how sad- I'm so sorry you lost him so young :(

@amassa27

God bless you ❤

@mixedprincess91

What happened to him?

@daynacurtis

@@mixedprincess91 asthma attack. It was undiagnosed.

27 More Replies...

@kahrahnoel814

This song is so iconic. The first time I heard this song was on The Lizzie McGuire Movie.

@alalahoward1299

Did you just saw a Texan-born teenager is dancing to the song in the movie? It actually came out 20 years ago!

@kahrahnoel814

@@alalahoward1299 Yeah.

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