Lumsden’s debut solo album 'Small Town Big Shot' (released in September 2015) came in at #6 on the ARIA Country Charts, #15 on the AIR (Aust. Independent Record) charts, spent the best part of five weeks in the iTunes top 100 (peaking at #20) and was coined by Denise Torenbeek from Country Update Magazine as “too clever, too tasteful, too cool & altogether divine” that it “ought to be hailed as a masterpiece”.
In 2017, Lumsden won her first Golden Guitar for New Talent of the Year. Later that year being nominated for another three Golden Guitars.
Her second album Real Class Act was released in September 2017. The album then went on to win the 2018 Australian Independent Record (AIR) Independent Country Album and was nominated for Best Country Album at the ARIA Music Awards of 2018.
On 13 March 2020, Lumsden released her third studio album titled Fallow. 'Fallow' went on to win the ARIA Award for Best Country Album in 2020, 5 CMAA Golden Guitar Awards (including Album of the Year) in 2021 and the AIR Award for Best Country Album.
Soapbox
Fanny Lumsden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
he takes no wellfare yeah
he pays his own way
to him minds to the thunder that he draws from each day
only a fool would throw his cards out in the rain
so you build your castle and get on with your day
just 'cause it rains more on your side of town
doesn't mean the grass is greener or my blinds need pulling down
oh you take yours and I'll take mine
...
I don't spend my days digging up your dirt
even though it's pretty plain to see it could do with a little work
the way you row your boat and keep your peace in mind
won't hang my washing out or get me to work on time
just 'cause it rains more on your side of town doesn't mean the grass is greener or my blinds need pulling down
so get down off your high horse and look me in the eye 'cause they say point blank and face to face is a better place to find your own vibes
oh you take yours and I'll take mine
...
so step off step
right off your soap box
fill it up with big rocks
and sent it down the line
yeah step off
step right off your soap box
we ain't got the time
just because it rains more on your side of town
doesn't mean the grass is greener or my blinds need pulling down
so get down off your high horse and look me in the eye 'cause they say point blank and face to face is a better place to find your own vibes
oh you take yours and I'll take mine
you take yours and I'll take mine
In "Soapbox," Fanny Lumsden seems to be addressing an individual who appears to be self-righteous and judgmental towards others. She is saying that this person is so busy talking and criticizing that they have lost the ability to listen or care about others. Fanny believes that life can be tough and everyone has to work hard to achieve their goals. She reminds the person that just because things may be different on their side of town, doesn't mean they have a right to look down on others. Rather than trying to find faults in others, she suggests that it is important to face people directly and find a place of mutual understanding.
The deeper message of the song is to encourage people to communicate and find a place of common ground. Fanny suggests that everyone should be given the chance to tell their story and that it is important for people to listen to one another. She hopes to remind people to step off their soapbox and engage in dialogue rather than simply talking at others.
Line by Line Meaning
he takes no wellfare yeah
He does not rely on welfare or handouts.
he pays his own way
He is self-sufficient and financially independent.
to him minds to the thunder that he draws from each day
He draws inspiration and energy from the challenges and difficulties he faces each day.
only a fool would throw his cards out in the rain
It would be foolish to give up on your dreams or ambitions when faced with difficulties.
so you build your castle and get on with your day
You should focus on building a life you are proud of and not be distracted by others' opinions.
just 'cause it rains more on your side of town
Just because you face more obstacles or difficulties than others, it does not mean that your situation is worse.
doesn't mean the grass is greener or my blinds need pulling down
It does not mean that others' lives are necessarily better, or that you need to change something about yourself.
so get down of your high-horse and look me in the eye 'cause they say point blank and face to face is a better place to find your own vibes
You should stop being arrogant and confront me directly, as it is the best way to understand your own feelings and thoughts.
oh you take yours and I'll take mine
We can have different viewpoints and opinions, and it is okay to agree to disagree.
I don't spend my days digging up your dirt
I do not waste my time searching for negative things about you.
even though it's pretty plain to see it could do with a little work
Although it is clear that you have flaws or imperfections, I do not judge or criticize you for them.
the way you row your boat and keep your peace in mind
You have your own way of navigating through life and finding inner peace.
won't hang my washing out or get me to work on time
Your actions or decisions do not affect my daily life or responsibilities.
so step off step
You should step down from your metaphorical soapbox or pedestal.
right off your soap box
You should stop trying to impose your views on others.
fill it up with big rocks
You should abandon your soapbox or platform completely and move on.
and sent it down the line
You should let go of your soapbox and move on to other things.
we ain't got the time
We do not have time to waste arguing or trying to convince each other of our views.
you take yours and I'll take mine
We can each have our own opinions and beliefs, and it is okay to leave it at that.
Contributed by Aria W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@zachary7914
I'm so in love with this song
@sofaking8754
From Detroit ,michigan. with love good stuff!
@davidaugustynek2310
This song is absolute 🔥🔥🔥I’m so proud that this music came out of Australia. U and your crew are so talented ❤️💪🙌
@humanhornet4559
Love this song, I hear it almost every day on the radio at work and look forward to it the next day.
@louisedickson8328
Love your work - and the Narrandera background.
@ChrisAnderson42
What a great song Fanny, I love the video too, with shots from all over the town, so Australian. Congrats on the Golden Guitar yesterday
@nannaknannak
Love love love this song.
@fryeric990
Stand up and applaud....Australia has a "Country" sound that has all the elements of success.
Just listen to all the individuals and their musicianship. Everything is well balanced and a joy to listen to.
Don't forget Fanny to come "WAY OUT WEST" to W.A.
Thanks
@fannylumsden5243
+ERIC FRY We would LOVE to come 'WAY OUT WEST'!
@Evvzt
@@fannylumsden5243 💯 “ The Risk “ hall Nsw 🐮 🐑 🎸