Born Under Punches
Danny Krivit Lyrics


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Take a look at these hands.
Take a look at these hands.
The hand speaks. The hand of a government man.
Well I'm a tumbler. Born under punches.
I'm so thin.

All I want is to breathe. I'm too thin.
Won't you breath with me?
Find a little space, so we move in-between. In-between it.
And keep one step ahead, of yourself.

Don't you miss it, don't you miss it.
Some 'a you people just about missed it! Last time to make plans!
Well I'm a tumbler...
I'm a Government Man.

Never seen anything like that before.
Falling bodies tumble 'cross the floor. Well I'm a tumbler!
When you get to where you wanna be. Thank you! Thank you!
When you get to where you wanna be. Don't even mention it!

Take a look at these hands. They're passing in-between us.
Take a look at these hands.
Take a look at these hands. You don't have to mention it.
No thanks. I'm a Government Man.

And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...
And the heat goes on...Where the hand has been...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...
And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...
...Where the hand has been...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...

I'm not a drowning man!
And I'm not a burning building! (I'm a tumbler!)
Drowning cannot hurt a man!
Fire cannot hurt a man. (Not the Government Man.)

All I want is to breathe. Thank you. Thank you.
Won't you breath with me?
Find a little space...So we move in-between. I'm so thin.
And keep one step ahead of yourself. I'm catching up with myself.

All I want is to breathe.
Won't you breath with me. Hands of a Government Man.
Find a little space so we move in-between.
And keep one step ahead of yourself. Don't you miss it! Don't you miss it!

And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...Where the hand has been...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...




Where the hand has been...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...And the heat goes on...
And the heat goes on...

Overall Meaning

The song "Born Under Punches" by Danny Krivit is a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of power, control, and social structures in modern society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where the powers that be - the "Government Man" - hold all the cards, and the rest of us are left struggling to catch up. Throughout the song, there are repeated references to hands - "take a look at these hands" - that symbolize power, control, and the ways in which we are all connected to each other. The chorus - "find a little space so we move in between" - speaks to the need for individuals to navigate the systems of power and control around them in order to survive and thrive.


The lyrics also touch on themes of breathlessness, thinness, and physical vulnerability, calling attention to the ways in which stress, anxiety, and other emotional and mental pressures can take a toll on us, both individually and collectively. The repeated phrase "and the heat goes on" highlights the never-ending cycle of social and political conflict, both in the United States and around the world. Ultimately, the song is a call to action, urging listeners to stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep moving forward, even in the face of overwhelming odds.


Line by Line Meaning

Take a look at these hands.
Observe the hands and notice what they represent.


Take a look at these hands.
See and understand the significance of the hands.


The hand speaks. The hand of a government man.
The hand has power and control, belonging to someone of authority.


Well I'm a tumbler. Born under punches.
I am a survivor, toughened by life's challenges.


I'm so thin.
I am physically slim, perhaps due to stress or hardship.


All I want is to breathe. I'm too thin.
I desire to live and thrive, but my current state makes it difficult.


Won't you breath with me?
Can you support and encourage me to survive and thrive?


Find a little space, so we move in-between. In-between it.
Let us find a safe and comfortable place to exist and navigate life's obstacles.


And keep one step ahead, of yourself.
Continually strive to improve and progress beyond your current state.


Don't you miss it, don't you miss it. Some 'a you people just about missed it! Last time to make plans!
Don't overlook this opportunity or moment, as it may be the final chance for success or change.


Never seen anything like that before. Falling bodies tumble 'cross the floor. Well I'm a tumbler!
Experiencing something shocking or traumatic, but still resilient and strong.


When you get to where you wanna be. Thank you! Thank you! When you get to where you wanna be. Don't even mention it!
Once you achieve your goals or success, don't forget to show gratitude and humility.


They're passing in-between us.
The hands are a barrier or divider between people or groups.


You don't have to mention it. No thanks. I'm a Government Man.
Acknowledging the disparity and power dynamic between different groups or classes of people.


And the heat goes on...
The intensity of the situation or conflict continues.


I'm not a drowning man!
I am not powerless or overwhelmed by the challenges I face.


And I'm not a burning building! (I'm a tumbler!)
I am not helpless or destroyed, but rather resilient and able to survive.


Drowning cannot hurt a man! Fire cannot hurt a man. (Not the Government Man.)
Physical harm or danger is not the greatest threat or concern for someone in a position of power or authority.


Don't you miss it! Don't you miss it!
Reiterating the importance of seizing opportunities and taking action.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID BYRNE, CHRIS FRANTZ, TINA WEYMOUTH, JERRY HARRISON, BRIAN ENO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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