The song was written in 1967 by John Holt, the lead singer for the Jamaican group The Paragons. The song gained international attention in 1980, when a version by the American band Blondie became a US/UK number one hit.
The Tide Is High
Atomic Kitten Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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
@dennisvito1466
Das haben wir früher so oft gehört, war eine tolle Zeit.
@heikoabbas5206
Damals ein richtig tolles Lied das mir noch immer im Kopf gebleiben ist.
@benhohmann7331
Danke für den upload, hat sich wirklich gelohnt.
@berndfloger6202
Schöner Titel 😊
@Angelwayes
Cooler Song, kannte ich noch garnicht.
@thenintendodsfan3009
Is 2002 not 2001 .The paragons did the true original in 1967 in 1978 John Holt did a solo version of the true original in 1980 Blondie did the original version in 2000 Billie Piper did a cover version and in 2002 Atomic kitten did they version and is the best version of the song and the Atomic kitten song of all time.