Stand Tall
Burton Cummings Lyrics


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Never been this blue
Never knew the meaning of a heartache
But then again, I've never lost at love before

Somewhere down the road
Maybe all these years will find some meaning
I just can't think about it now, or live 'em out anymore
Stand tall, don't you fall oh, don't go and do something foolish
You're feeling it like everyone, it's silly human pride
Stand tall, don't you fall. don't go do something you'll regret later
You're feeling it like everyone, it's silly human pride

Never lasted so long
Or through so much - or through so many
I just can't believe you could throw it all away

Sometimes late at night
When there's nothing here except my old piano
I'd almost give my hands to make you see my way

Stand tall, don't you fall oh, don't go and do something foolish
You're feeling it like everyone, it's silly human pride
You got me down on my knees for ya, mama




Stand tall, don't you fall. don't go do something you'll regret later
You're feeling it like everyone, it's silly human pride

Overall Meaning

In the song "Stand Tall," Burton Cummings croons soulfully about heartache and the experience of losing in love for the first time. The lyrics suggest a sense of confusion and disbelief at the situation, as well as a reluctance to let go or give up on the relationship. Cummings's beautiful voice and emotional delivery make the song a classic representation of the pain that comes with first love and heartbreak.


The lyrics center around the idea of "standing tall" and resisting the temptation to make rash decisions or do something foolish in the face of heartbreak. Cummings urges the listener to rise above their pain and not succumb to the silly human pride that may encourage them to act impulsively. While the lyrics don't offer a clear path forward or an immediate solution to the heartache being experienced, they emphasize strength and resilience in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Never been this blue
I've never felt this sad before


Never knew the meaning of a heartache
I've never experienced the pain of a broken heart before


But then again, I've never lost at love before
I've never been in a failed romantic relationship before


Somewhere down the road
At some point in the future


Maybe all these years will find some meaning
Perhaps with time, my past experiences will make sense


I just can't think about it now, or live 'em out anymore
I can't dwell on the past or continue to repeat past mistakes


Stand tall, don't you fall oh, don't go and do something foolish
Stay strong, and don't make impulsive decisions that you'll regret later


You're feeling it like everyone, it's silly human pride
The pain you're feeling is a human emotion, and it's not worth sacrificing your future for


Never lasted so long
I've never been in a relationship that lasted this long


Or through so much - or through so many
Or been through as many challenges and obstacles


I just can't believe you could throw it all away
I can't understand how you could give up on our relationship


Sometimes late at night
Occasionally, when it's dark and quiet


When there's nothing here except my old piano
When I'm alone with nothing but my music


I'd almost give my hands to make you see my way
I'm so desperate for you to understand my perspective that I'd be willing to sacrifice something important to me




Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BURTON CUMMINGS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@richvail7551

I’ve heard this song a thousand times but this is the first time I’ve seen him sing it. My spine almost jumped out of my body when he belted that chorus out. What a set of pipes, wow

@toastertwo1602

You should also listen to "I'm Scared" and "Break It To Them Gently". These two and "Stand Tall" are his best.

@mitzibaker9598

​@@toastertwo1602 Never mind his beautiful work with The Guess Who!!!

@kellysmith8845

Agreed

@boruff68

He can belt !

@evoman1776

Always liked the Guess Who when I was a kid, and this was a pretty big solo hit. Of course he's not actually singing here, just lip synching the studio version.

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@paul8926

I always considered Burt Cummings one of the best vocalist of his generation, very underrated.

@snydedon9636

No one other than someone who was a teenager in the 70s can fully appreciate the incredible music we experienced. And don’t even get me started on the girls and cars that were a huge part of our lives.

@JMNBVHS76

Exactly.

@muffs55mercury61

We had the best girls, yes. And the '50s or 60s cars that could be had for a few hundred bucks that ran well as is.

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