Be A Man
Hudson Brothers Lyrics


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So you think you're growing straight up and tall
You wouldn't know a man if you shook his hand
You couldn't pick a lock if you had the key
You wouldn't have a friend if it wasn't me

Be a man
Nobody can help you
Be a man
You've got to do it yourself
Be a man
Why do I always have to tell you
Be a man
You've got to do it yourself

So you think you've learned it all in a school
You couldn't teach a class if you had the book
You couldn't talk religion without the Lord
You're trying to buy something you can't afford

Be a man
Nobody can help you
Be a man
You've got to do it yourself
Be a man
Why do I always have to tell you
Be a man
You've got to do it yourself

So you think you're growing straight up and tall
You couldn't pick a lock if you had the key
You'll never get to heaven without the Lord
You're trying to buy something you can't afford

Be a man
Nobody can help you
Be a man
You've got to do it yourself
Be a man
Why do I always have to tell you
Be a man
You've got to do it yourself





Be a man (repeat) (fade out over guitar riffs)

Overall Meaning

The Hudson Brothers’s song “Be a Man” is a call to action for someone who is lacking maturity and responsibility. The lyrics suggest that the person addressed in the song may be physically growing, but lacks emotional and intellectual development. The singer asserts that this person cannot achieve success simply by relying on others and needing constant guidance. Instead, he needs to take responsibility and “Be a Man” by standing on his own feet and becoming self-reliant.


The lyrics also suggest that the person addressed in the song may be trying to accomplish things that are beyond his means or abilities. The line, “You’re trying to buy something you can’t afford” is a metaphor for attempting to achieve success without possessing the necessary skills, knowledge or resources. This shows that the songwriter recognizes the importance of being realistic in one's goals and focusing on one's skills and abilities.


In essence, the message of the song is to accept responsibility for one’s own life and to take control of it rather than relying on others. The repeated chorus “Be a Man” serves as a reminder of the courage, strength, and maturity that is needed to successfully navigate through life.


Line by Line Meaning

So you think you're growing straight up and tall
You believe you're becoming an adult and gaining independence


You wouldn't know a man if you shook his hand
You lack the understanding of what it means to be a man


You couldn't pick a lock if you had the key
You lack the necessary skills to solve basic problems


You wouldn't have a friend if it wasn't me
You are lucky to have me as your friend and ally


Be a man
Grow up and take responsibility for your life


Nobody can help you
You are the only one who can make changes in your life


You've got to do it yourself
You cannot rely on others to solve your problems


Why do I always have to tell you
You lack the initiative and self-awareness to realize your own mistakes


So you think you've learned it all in a school
You are overconfident about your knowledge and education


You couldn't teach a class if you had the book
You lack the skills to share your knowledge with others


You couldn't talk religion without the Lord
Your understanding of spirituality and faith is incomplete


You're trying to buy something you can't afford
You are attempting to achieve something beyond your current means


You'll never get to heaven without the Lord
You need guidance and support to achieve your goals




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Heath Harrison

White Album vibes on this song, I'm hearing Sexy Sadie.

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