Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Move On Up
Curtis Mayfield Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hush now, child, and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you, by and by
Move on up, toward your destination
You may find from time to time
Complication

Bite your lip, and take a trip
Though there may be wet road ahead
And you cannot slip
So move on up for peace will find
Into the steeple of beautiful people
Where there's only one kind

So hush now, child, and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you, by and by
Move on up, and keep on wishing
Remember your dream is your only scheme
So keep on pushing

Take nothing less, than the supreme best
Do not obey rumors people say
'Cause you can pass the test
Just move on up, to a greater day
With just a little faith
If you put your mind to it you can surely do it

Just move on up
Move on up
But move on up
Oh, child, but just move on up
But move on up
Move on up

Overall Meaning

In Curtis Mayfield's song "Move On Up," the lyrics are mostly addressed to a child, offering advice and encouragement for their future. The first stanza tells the child to be patient with their parents, as eventually they will understand them. The chorus then urges the child to move forward towards their goals, despite any complications they might face along the way. The second verse advises the child to keep moving towards their dreams, and not be swayed by negativity or rumors, for they have the ability to succeed through faith and determination. The song repeats the chorus several times, each time emphasizing the importance of moving on up and not giving up on one's dreams.


One possible interpretation of the lyrics is as a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. The song encourages the listener to keep striving for success, and to not let setbacks or negative opinions hold them back. The repeated refrain of "Move on up" seems to suggest that progress and upward movement are keys to achieving one's goals. The steeple of beautiful people referenced in the song may represent a metaphorical peak of success or achievement.


Line by Line Meaning

Hush now, child, and don't you cry
Be quiet and stop crying


Your folks might understand you, by and by
Your parents will come to understand you eventually


Move on up, toward your destination
Move forward towards your goal or objective


You may find from time to time
Occasionally, you may experience


Complication
Complications or difficulties


Bite your lip, and take a trip
Endure pain or discomfort and persevere


Though there may be wet road ahead
Although there may be obstacles


And you cannot slip
You cannot afford to fail


So move on up for peace will find
Keep moving forward and you will find peace


Into the steeple of beautiful people
Join society's elite, successful people


Where there's only one kind
Where everyone is equal


Move on up, and keep on wishing
Keep striving towards your goal


Remember your dream is your only scheme
Your dream is your only plan


So keep on pushing
Don't give up, keep trying


Take nothing less, than the supreme best
Settle for nothing less than the best


Do not obey rumors people say
Do not be influenced by rumors or gossip


'Cause you can pass the test
Believe in yourself and you can succeed


Just move on up, to a greater day
Continue to move forward and a better day awaits


With just a little faith
With just a small amount of belief


If you put your mind to it you can surely do it
If you focus and work towards your goal, you can achieve it


Move on up
Keep moving forward


But move on up
Again, keep moving forward


Oh, child, but just move on up
Keep moving forward, child


Move on up
One last time: keep moving forward




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis L. Mayfield

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Eziokilla9595

Because many of you are confused, I'll clarify:

FOR EVERYONE: On Kanye West's Late Registration, Just Blaze sampled this song, and produced the song "Touch the Sky." Let me rephrase that: Kanye West did not produce "Touch The Sky." Just Blaze did.  

FOR THE KANYE FANS: This song was made in 1970; thirty four years before Just Blaze picked it up, in 2004. This is the "original."

FOR THE CURTIS FANS: It is not copying, it is sampling. Hip-Hop has always been a sampling art. 

FOR EVERYONE: Just Blaze's beat, or Kanye West's song isn't better than the original. 

Are we clear? Good.



@ginachristine7721

Hello, people...Lisa
S's, ALL AROUND the
WORLD...Barry W's,
you name it; it's hot-
(Topher Grace L-Sync
Barry in WIN a DATE
w/T.H.-smokin' hot :)
...Aretha (Jennifer Hudson should've won Oscar for RESPECT :)
...🩷 ur musical style!



@winslowland2635

Hush now child
And don't you cry
Your folks might understand you
By and by
Just move on up
Towards your destination
Though you may find, from time to time
Complication

Bite your lip
And take a trip
Though there may be wet road ahead
And you cannot slip
Just move on up
For peace you will find
Into the steeple of beautiful people
Where there's only one kind

So hush now, child
And don't you cry
Your folks might understand you
By and by
Move on up
And keep on wishin'
Remember your dream is your only scheme
So keep on pushin'

Take nothing less
Than the supreme best
Do not obey rumors people say
'Cause you can pass the test
Just move on up
To a greater day
With just a little faith, if you put your mind to it
You can surely do it



All comments from YouTube:

@Lunarpanth3ra

Anyone here april 2024?

@Bigbruhchillin

Shut up

@str3pur3123

Yeah I’m still here

@jrza8294

Wouldn't miss it!!

@dodoes1337

Sorry, in april. i love this song

@ervinapieressa3149

2024-25-26 -27..... Forever

8 More Replies...

@gabrielaborges6770

Horn section masterpiece.
The most underrated but prolific songwriter and musician of my generation.
This song is more than magical, the best anti depresssed energy !💋💕💗🌼

@quogir1

This is good for you. peace ,hope

@lionelkennedy1394

Peace and light unto you ❤️

@christophemahalin2884

Yes moi aussi Gabriela 🖤🤍

More Comments

More Versions