One Jump Ahead
Brad Kane Lyrics


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Gotta keep
One jump ahead of the breadline
One swing ahead of the sword
I steal only what I can't afford
(That's Everything!)

One jump ahead of the lawmen
That's all, and that's no joke
These guys don't appreciate I'm broke

Riffraff!
Street rat!
Soundrel!
Take that!

Just a little snack, guys

Rip him open, take it back, guys

I can take a hint, gotta face the facts
You're my only friend, Abu!

Who?
Oh it's sad Aladdin has hit the bottom
He's become a a one-man rise in crime

I'd blame parents except he hasn't got 'em

Gotta eat to live, gotta steal to eat
Tell you all about it when I got the time!

One jump ahead of the slowpokes
One skip ahead of my doom
Next time gonna use a nom de plume
One jump ahead of the hitmen
One hit ahead of the flock
I think I'll take a stroll around the block

Stop, thief!
Vandal!
Outrage!
Scandal!

Let's not be too hasty

Still I think he's rather tasty

Gotta eat to live, gotta steal to eat
Otherwise we'd get along

Wrong!

One jump ahead of the hoofbeats
(Vandal!)
One hop ahead of the hump
(Street rat!)
One trick ahead of disaster
(Scoundrel!)
They're quick, but I'm much faster
(Take that!)
Here goes, better throw my hand in




Wish me happy landin'
All I gotta do is jump!

Overall Meaning

Brad Kane's song One Jump Ahead is a lively and upbeat number that captures the essence of Aladdin's character. The song opens with him saying “Gotta keep one jump ahead of the breadline, one swing ahead of the sword. I steal only what I can't afford” which sets the tone for the entire song. He is a street rat who has to resort to stealing to survive, and his constant jumping and dodging makes him quick. The lyrics show he is always on the lookout for danger, whether it is from the lawmen or hitmen. He always manages to stay ahead of them, and even when they catch up, he always manages to slip away.


The second verse is especially interesting as it shows Aladdin’s self-awareness. He knows he's not a law-abiding citizen, but he also knows that he has to steal to eat. He doesn't blame anyone for his situation, but he also doesn't want to dwell on it. He has Abu, his only friend and pseudo-family, and that's all he needs. The song also captures the playful and mischievous nature of Aladdin’s character. Even when he's being chased, he never loses his wit or humor. The chorus is also catchy and energetic, showcasing the fast-paced action in the song.


Overall, One Jump Ahead is a fun, upbeat number that not only sets the tone for Aladdin’s character but also the entire movie.


Line by Line Meaning

Gotta keep
I must continue


One jump ahead of the breadline
Stay financially solvent


One swing ahead of the sword
Avoid danger


I steal only what I can't afford
Necessary theft


(That's everything!)
All that I need


One jump ahead of the lawmen
Stay out of jail


That's all, and that's no joke
It's that simple


These guys don't appreciate I'm broke
The law is blind to my financial struggle


Riffraff!
Trashy people!


Street rat!
Slang for homeless


Scoundrel!
A notorious rogue


Take that!
Get away from me


Just a little snack, guys
I'm harmless


Rip him open, take it back, guys
Violent threats


I can take a hint, gotta face the facts
I understand I have to improve


You're my only friend, Abu!
I only trust you


Who?
I'm not aware


Oh it's sad Aladdin has hit the bottom
Aladdin's situation is terrible


He's become a one-man rise in crime
He's a one-man criminal wave


I'd blame parents except he hasn't got 'em
It's not his parents' fault since he's an orphan


Gotta eat to live, gotta steal to eat
It's a tough choice


Tell you all about it when I got the time!
I'll explain later


One jump ahead of the slowpokes
Outrun the losers


One skip ahead of my doom
Avoid my destruction


Next time gonna use a nom de plume
I'll hide my identity


One jump ahead of the hitmen
Avoid being killed


One hit ahead of the flock
Stay ahead of the crowd


I think I'll take a stroll around the block
I'll check my surroundings


Stop, thief!
Caught you stealing!


Vandal!
You're destroying things!


Outrage!
People are upset!


Scandal!
What a disgrace!


Let's not be too hasty
Don't rush to judgment


Still, I think he's rather tasty
I find him amusing


Otherwise we'd get along
We wouldn't have problems


Wrong!
That's incorrect


One jump ahead of the hoofbeats
Outrun the horses


(Vandal!)
You're destroying things


One hop ahead of the hump
Outrun the camels


(Street rat!)
Slang for homeless


One trick ahead of disaster
Stay ahead of danger


(Scoundrel!)
A notorious rogue


They're quick, but I'm much faster
I can beat them


(Take that!)
Get away from me


Here goes, better throw my hand in
I'll try my luck


Wish me happy landin'
Hope I succeed


All I gotta do is jump!
My fate is in my hands




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Alan Menken, Tim Rice

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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