Tubthumping
"Tubthumping" is a 1997 single by British alternative rock band Chumbawamba… Read Full Bio ↴"Tubthumping" is a 1997 single by British alternative rock band Chumbawamba, which has become the band's biggest - and in most places in the world, only - hit in their 25 year career. The song hit #2 on the UK Singles Charts, #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Chart. While it was intended to mock the behavior of working class barhopping youths, it ironically was embraced by that same demographic.

The album version opens with a sample of a speech made by Pete Postlethwaite in the movie Brassed Off, and ends with a jazz and glitch-influenced outro after the song ends.

Tubthumping
Chumbawamba Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

(The truth is, I thought it mattered)
(I thought that music mattered)
(But does it? Bollocks! Not compared to how people matter)
(We'll be singing, when we're winning, we'll be singing)

I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down

(Pissing the night away, pissing the night away)
He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the better times
(Oh Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy)

I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down

(Pissing the night away, pissing the night away)
He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the better times
(Don't cry for me, next door neighbor)

I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down (ooh)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down (ooh)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (ooh)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (ooh)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (ooh)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (ooh)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)
But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (ooh)

I get knocked down (we'll be singing)




But I get up again (pissing the night away)
You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning)

Overall Meaning

Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping" is a catchy anthem of resilience and perseverance, and it emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest. The song is about being knocked down by life's struggles but getting up again and continuing to fight. The first lines of the song, "The truth is, I thought it mattered / I thought that music mattered / But does it? Bollocks! Not compared to how people matter," express the message that while music is important, it ultimately pales in comparison to the value of human life.


The chorus ("I get knocked down, but I get up again / You are never gonna keep me down") serves as a reminder that no matter how many times one may be knocked down in life, they can always get back up and continue to strive for success. Additionally, the lyrics "He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink / He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink" are simply a celebration of living life to the fullest and enjoying all the experiences that it has to offer – good or bad. The line "Pissing the night away" further emphasizes the idea that life is transient and to be enjoyed to the fullest.


Overall, "Tubthumping" acts as a reminder that life is full of ups and downs, and it is essential to face these challenges with resilience, determination, and a positive attitude.


Line by Line Meaning

The truth is, I thought it mattered
Initially, the singer thought music had an important value but later realizes it's not as significant as people and their experiences.


But does it? Bollocks! Not compared to how people matter
In a dismissive and profane way, the singer claims music doesn't matter as much as human relations and experiences.


We'll be singing, when we're winning, we'll be singing
The singer and their companions will be happy and celebratory when things go well.


I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down
The singer faces adversity but is determined to overcome it regardless of external obstacles or deterrents.


He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink He sings the songs that remind him of the good times He sings the songs that remind him of the better times
The character described in the lyrics enjoys drinking and singing songs that bring back happy memories.


Oh Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy
This line is likely referencing the traditional Irish song 'Danny Boy,' which is a sad tune about longing and separation. The repetition of the name indicates that the character is feeling sentimental or nostalgic about someone named Danny.


Don't cry for me, next door neighbor
This line seems sarcastic or playful, as if the singer is telling their neighbor not to worry about them.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Judith Abbott, Nigel Hunter, Paul Greco, Louise Watts, Alice Nutter, Darren Hamer, Allan Whalley, Duncan Bruce

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jimg3466

I’m here from that dude playing this song remotely to a jukebox at the restaurant where his wife is, and then texting her.

@ShrekTheMovie

Same

@Crisssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Gang gang

@JoseMartinez-bs8oi

Hahahahaha. Yup. I was curious. Then I realized I know this song! It should have been "I get knocked down".

@jslack8973

Reddit Gang in the building 😂😂😂😂

@RebeldeMexicano345

Same here

19 More Replies...

@jockshocker

This song wasn't in Shrek but it sure feels like it could have been

@-Z33G-

that is so weird i was thinking the same exact thing

@Skillet98

More like should have been...

@magentapurpleyap5566

This need to be in shrek 5

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