Hope
Derek Clegg Lyrics

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And hope rings
Out to you like a new year
Kicks your addidas in a new gear
and makes you laugh till you cry

But oh no
Bills get paid when there's no funds
Overdraft fee takes a credit run

Leaves you eating on mac and cheese

But we manage to get by
Your heart alone must be worth something when you die
Cause we can transplant it

All my hopes and dreams they fade
Replaced with the fear we may all go away
But somehow we land on the other side
Better off I guess that's what CNN tells me

Drip drop
Things go dry in a bad way
The heat shuts off but it's ok
Cause sweaters are free at Goodwill

And you've found
A lead on a job in the classifieds
Pay seems high for an experienced eye
Personal shopper doesn't sound so bad

But we manage to get by
Your heart alone must be worth something when you die
Cause we can transplant it

All my hopes and dreams they fade
Replaced with the fear we may all go away
But somehow we land on the other side
Better off I guess that's what CNN tells me

That's what TV news tells me
That's what the prematurely gray haired Anderson Cooper tells me.

Overall Meaning

The song "Hope" by Derek Clegg explores the ups and downs of life through the lens of hope. The opening lines suggest that hope is powerful and transformative. It has the ability to propel one forward and make them feel invincible, even in the face of adversity. The reference to "kicking your adidas in a new gear" implies that hope can motivate people to do great things and achieve beyond their limits. The imagery of laughing till you cry further reinforces the idea that hope has the potential to bring immense joy and happiness.

However, the song also paints a picture of a harsh reality that can be contrary to the hope-filled facade. The mention of bills getting paid with no funds and overdraft fees imply financial struggles that can make life challenging. Eating mac and cheese out of necessity suggests that the situation can be bleak and consuming, even when one tries to hold onto hope. Yet, despite the difficulties, the song reassures us that we manage to get by. It suggests that the human spirit is resilient and equipped to deal with the hardships of life, and that even when things seem dire, hope can offer a glimmer of light to guide us through the dark times.

The phrase "Your heart alone must be worth something when you die, Cause we can transplant it" is a poignant reminder of the value of human life. It suggests that even in the direst of circumstances, there is something intrinsically valuable in being alive. The mention of hope fading and being replaced by fear suggests that hope can ebb and flow, depending on the circumstances. The idea that we all land on the other side, and that somehow we are better off - according to CNN - reinforces the idea that hope is essential for survival.

Line by Line Meaning

And hope rings
Hope fills your heart

Out to you like a new year
It brings new opportunities, new beginning

Kicks your addidas in a new gear
Gives a push to new heights and new limits

and makes you laugh till you cry
Happiness so profound, it brings tears to your eyes

But oh no
Unexpected problems arise

Bills get paid when there's no funds
Bills need to be paid, money's short

Overdraft fee takes a credit run
More debt piles on

Leaves you eating on mac and cheese
Living on a tight budget

But we manage to get by
We struggle but we survive

Your heart alone must be worth something when you die
Your most valuable possession is your heart

Cause we can transplant it
There's always someone in need