Under Pressure
Hannah Jane Fox/Tony Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pressing down on you, no man ask for
Under pressure that burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Screaming, "Let me out!"
Tomorrow gets me higher
Pressure on people, people on streets
Chippin' around, kick my brains 'round the floor
These are the days, it never rains but it pours
People on streets, people on streets
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming, "Let me out!"
Tomorrow gets me higher, higher, higher.
Pressure on people, people on streets
Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work
Keep coming up with love but it's so slashed and torn
Why, why, why?
Love
Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Why can't we give love, give love, give love,
Give love, give love, give love, give love, give love?
'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure
The lyrics of "Under Pressure" by Hannah Jane Fox and Tony Vincent touch upon the theme of pressure and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. The song begins with a powerful depiction of the crushing weight of pressure, both physical and emotional, that individuals experience. The imagery of pressure burning a building down and splitting a family in two highlights the destructive and divisive nature of pressure, which can also lead people to end up on the streets, symbolizing the loss and displacement that can result from such intense stress.
The lyrics then delve into the psychological aspect of pressure, describing it as the terror of knowing the harsh realities of the world and feeling trapped in a cycle of anxiety and desperation. The mention of good friends screaming to be let out emphasizes the suffocating nature of pressure and the struggle to break free from its grip. The reference to tomorrow getting higher suggests a sense of escalating tension and stress that continues to build up among people living on the streets.
The song shifts to a more introspective viewpoint, with the singer feeling disconnected and isolated from the chaos and pressure surrounding them. The imagery of sitting on a fence and trying to offer love, only to have it rejected or damaged, reflects the struggle to find compassion and connection in a world overwhelmed by pressure and turmoil. The repeated questioning of "why, why, why?" conveys a sense of frustration and confusion about the lack of understanding and empathy in the face of such challenges.
As the song reaches its climax, the lyrics emphasize the power of love as a force that can transcend pressure and bring about positive change. The call to give love another chance and to care for those on the edge of the night highlights the transformative potential of love in overcoming the destructive effects of pressure. The final repetition of "this is our last dance" underscores the urgency and importance of taking action and making a difference in a world under pressure, leaving the listener with a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Pressure pushing down on me
Feeling overwhelmed by external forces
Pressing down on you, no man ask for
Imposing burdens on others without their consent
Under pressure that burns a building down
Intense stress leading to destructive outcomes
Splits a family in two
Causing division and conflict within a family
Puts people on streets
Forcing people into desperate situations
It's the terror of knowing
The fear of understanding the harsh realities of life
What this world is about
The true nature of society and the world
Watching some good friends
Witnessing close companions struggle
Screaming, "Let me out!"
Expressing desperation for relief from pressure
Tomorrow gets me higher
The increasing pressure of each passing day
Pressure on people, people on streets
The impact of pressure on society and individuals
Chippin' around, kick my brains 'round the floor
Feeling disoriented and overwhelmed
These are the days, it never rains but it pours
Experiencing a constant barrage of challenges
People on streets, people on streets
The widespread effects of pressure and hardship
Turned away from it all like a blind man
Avoiding facing the difficulties like ignoring the obvious
Sat on a fence but it don't work
Remaining indecisive and inactive is ineffective
Keep coming up with love but it's so slashed and torn
Trying to offer compassion despite feeling hurt and broken
Why, why, why?
Questioning the reasons behind struggles and challenges
Love
The ultimate answer to overcoming pressure and hardship
Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking
Mental strain causing breakdowns and chaos
Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Asking for an opportunity to show love and compassion
Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Questioning the reluctance to show love and understanding
Why can't we give love, give love, give love,
Expressing the importance of spreading love and kindness
Give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love?
Emphasizing the need for love and empathy in the world
'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word
Love may seem outdated or overlooked in modern times
And love dares you to care for
Love challenges you to show compassion and empathy
The people on the edge of the night
Those who are in need or suffering
And love dares you to change our way of
Encouraging a shift towards love and understanding
Caring about ourselves
Prioritizing empathy and kindness towards others
This is our last dance
Acknowledging the fleeting nature of life
This is ourselves
A reflection of our actions and choices
Under pressure
Facing challenges and adversity
Pressure
The weight of expectations and difficulties
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SEBASTIAN INGROSSO, STEVE ANGELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jeanette Wheaton
God I love this man ❤
Stephanie Goeller
Thank you lovelies for sharing this! Brings back lots of wonderful memories! xxx
LESLEY WILBOURNE
Thank you for sharing this. I had forgot good Tony sounds x
Gustavo Shaban
To sing this song must be very better. My respect Tony
F1KillerQueen
Aaahhh the lovely Tony Vincent. Saw him as Gazza Fizza in We Will Rock You