Stand Tall
Cummings Burton 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

The lyrics of Cummings Burton's song Stand Tall convey a poignant message of resilience in the face of heartbreak. The opening lines express the singer's unfamiliarity with the emotions of heartache, a feeling that must have been all too new and painful. The singer then reflects on the passage of time and the possibility that someday, they may be able to give meaning to their experiences. Despite this hope, the pain and confusion is too much to bear in the present, leading the singer to urge themselves to "Stand tall, don't you fall." The repeated emphasis on pride suggests that the singer is experiencing a crisis of self-worth, one that they seek to overcome by summoning the strength to move forward without succumbing to self-destructive behavior.


The second verse continues this theme, as the singer reflects on how much they have invested into their relationship, and the shock and betrayal of having it all be thrown away. Late at night, in a moment of introspection and vulnerability, the singer wishes that they could make their former partner see things from their perspective, to understand the depth of their pain. But ultimately, the singer recognizes that they cannot control others, and must focus on their own growth and healing.


Overall, Stand Tall is a powerful song that speaks to the universal experiences of loss, heartbreak, and the struggle to maintain self-worth in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Never been this blue
I have never felt this sad before


Never knew the meaning of a heartache
I have never understood the pain of a broken heart


But then again, I've never lost at love before
I have never experienced losing someone I loved


Somewhere down the road
In the future


Maybe all these years will find some meaning
Perhaps I will understand the significance of these years someday


I just can't think about it now, or live 'em out anymore
I cannot bear to think about or continue living through these tough times


Stand tall, don't you fall oh, don't go and do something foolish
Stay strong, do not give up or make a hasty decision


You're feeling it like everyone, it's silly human pride
You are not alone, others feel the same. It is just our foolish pride


Never lasted so long
It never endured for so long


Or through so much - or through so many
Or faced so many difficulties and obstacles


I just can't believe you could throw it all away
I cannot accept that you could waste all of it


Sometimes late at night
Occasionally, during the night


When there's nothing here except my old piano
When nothing else is here except my old piano


I'd almost give my hands to make you see my way
I am willing to go to great lengths, to make you see things from my perspective


You got me down on my knees for ya, mama
You have me begging for mercy




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAN AXEL, CHAD VACCARINO

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.

10 More Replies...

@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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