That's Pep!
Bonnie "Prince" Billy/Tortoise Lyrics


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vigor vim vitality and punch
the ability to act on a sudden hunch
nerve to tackle the hardest thing
feet that climb and hands that cling
a heart that never forgets to sing
that's pep (3 times)

sand and grit in a concrete base
a friendly smile on an honest face
a spirit that helps when another's down
knows how to scatter the blackest frown
love's it's neighbor love's it's town
that's pep (4 times)

say "i will" for you know you can
look for the best in every man
meet each thundering knockout blow
come back with a smile 'cause you know
you get the best of the whole damn show




that's pep (6 times)
you know thats pep

Overall Meaning

The song "That's Pep!" by Bonnie "Prince" Billy/Tortoise is a celebration of vitality, resilience and positivity. The lyrics describe various qualities that embody pep, such as the ability to act on impulse, the courage to face challenges, and the presence of mind to help others in need. The song emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, and encourages listeners to embrace a can-do spirit.


The first stanza of the song describes physical and mental qualities associated with pep. The "vigor," "vim," and "vitality" described suggest a kind of liveliness that stems from within. The ability to act on a "sudden hunch" is lauded as a fearless quality, as is the "nerve to tackle the hardest thing." The reference to "feet that climb and hands that cling" implies a willingness to work and climb towards success, while the "heart that never forgets to sing" suggests an inner joyfulness that can sustain a person through difficult times.


In the second stanza, the song shifts focus to more interpersonal qualities. The references to "sand and grit in a concrete base" and a "friendly smile on an honest face" suggest both toughness and openness, characteristics that can help build community. The "spirit that helps when another's down" combined with the ability to "scatter the blackest frown" suggests a person who can lift others up and inspire hope. Finally, "love's it's neighbor love's it's town" suggests a sense of belonging and a willingness to contribute to the well-being of others.


Overall, "That's Pep!" is a call to action, reminding listeners that the qualities of pep are attainable and worthy of pursuit. It is a celebration of both individual attributes and community-mindedness that can help people thrive in any situation.


Line by Line Meaning

vigor vim vitality and punch
A strong and energetic attitude that allows for swift action


the ability to act on a sudden hunch
Being able to quickly and confidently make decisions


nerve to tackle the hardest thing
The courage to take on difficult challenges


feet that climb and hands that cling
Having both physical and emotional strength to persevere


a heart that never forgets to sing
A positive and joyful outlook on life


that's pep (3 times)
All of the above qualities combined are what make up 'pep'


sand and grit in a concrete base
A solid foundation built through hard work and resilience


a friendly smile on an honest face
A genuine and approachable demeanor


a spirit that helps when another's down
Having empathy and compassion for others


knows how to scatter the blackest frown
Able to spread positivity and uplift others


love's it's neighbor love's it's town
Caring deeply about one's community and those within it


that's pep (4 times)
All of the above qualities, including a strong sense of community, make up 'pep'


say 'i will' for you know you can
Having confidence in oneself and the ability to follow through


look for the best in every man
Choosing to see the good in others and approach them with optimism


meet each thundering knockout blow
Being able to handle and overcome difficult obstacles


come back with a smile 'cause you know
Remaining positive and resilient in the face of adversity


you get the best of the whole damn show
Being able to thrive and succeed despite challenges


that's pep (6 times)
All of the above qualities, along with perseverance and positivity, make up 'pep'


you know that's pep
All of the qualities described in the song are what define 'pep'




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MARK ALLEN MOTHERSBAUGH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@dezmilcoisas

Quick correction: Song 1 was written by Milton Nascimento* and Ronaldo Bastos*

@justohayes

Thanks for uploading. I love this album.

@buscadordesonidos1464

Tortoise haciendo covers <3 Gracias por subirlo, no lo conocia.

@hansmorgenstern5461

Almost forgot how great their cover is of "Cavalry Cross." mmmmm :) feeling mellow

@ylYolk

Well... I got this guitar, an I learned how to make it talk... 🔥😭

@laurosmesquita

Cravo e Canela is a song by Milton Nascimento and not by Banda Black Rio

@sambobscura

Por favor, né, gente!

@ifolkinrock

I’m curious. Have any Portuguese speakers listened to the first track? Could you actually understand what they were singing?

@laurindofeliciano

Milton Nascimento’s Cravo e Canela ;)

@laurindofeliciano

Thé accent is pretty good

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