The subtle harmonies Imogen weaves through the song emphasise the theme of moving from calm amidst uncertainty toward being anxious, rushed, or hurried in the modern world. The increase in layers of drums, particularly in the chorus, and the rhythm behind the song, really drive it forward and keep the momentum building.
Have You Got It In You?
Imogen Heap Lyrics
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It takes a lot
Or maybe not, all the time, all I've got
Maybe not
Been one of those days,
Safety first don't push, what's the hurry?
One nerve remaining, waiting on one look, have you got it?
Have you got it in you?
All at once, not a whisper nor word,
Then all at once
(Let me have it all, let me have a battle on,
Easy target look can we just, just get it over with?)
It's getting worse, against all the odds,
It's getting worse
(Bow down, floor's yours, last man standing, can we just get it over with?)
Been one of those days,
Safety first don't push (don't push me), what's the hurry?
'Cause there's one nerve remaining, waiting on one look (one look), have you got it?
Have you got it in you?
Have you got it in you?
Blue, blue, they make me blue
Head down, quick!
Take cover, be good in the move
Blue you, make me anymore blue?
Don't scream, shout
Caught in the light of your suit
Been one of those days,
Safety first don't push, what's the hurry?
One nerve remaining, waiting on one look, have you got it?
Have you got it in you?
Have you got it in you?
Have you got it in you?
Have you got it in you?
Have you got it in you?
The lyrics of Imogen Heap's song "Have You Got It In You?" speak of the struggles of feeling overwhelmed, but also contain the message that perhaps it doesn't take as much as one might think to persevere. The opening lines state that it takes a lot to always be "on form". This could refer to the pressure one might feel to always be at their best, whether in the workplace, in relationships or in personal goals. The repetition of "Maybe not" suggests that perhaps it's possible to still succeed even if we don't always have everything under control.
The song progresses to describe a difficult day where safety and caution are prioritized, perhaps highlighting the monotony of routines and obligations that prevent us from living more passionately. The line "waiting on one look, have you got it?" suggests a desire for encouragement or validation from others, as we often look to others to support us in our struggles. The repeated question of "Have you got it in you?" seems to be a plea for self-motivation and perhaps hints at the realization that no one but ourselves can truly push us to success.
Overall, "Have You Got It In You?" is a reflective song on the nature of motivation, perseverance, and self-doubt, and it encourages the listener to find strength within themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
It takes a lot to be always on form,
Maintaining a consistent level of excellence is difficult and requires great effort.
It takes a lot
However, it may not always be the case that it takes a lot of effort to succeed.
Or maybe not, all the time, all I've got
Perhaps success can come from just being oneself, without constantly striving for perfection.
Been one of those days,
The artist has experienced a difficult day.
Safety first don't push, what's the hurry?
It is important to be cautious and not rush things.
One nerve remaining, waiting on one look, have you got it?
The singer is feeling on edge and is waiting for a specific reaction or response from someone.
Have you got it in you?
The singer is questioning whether the person has the emotional capacity to meet their expectations.
All at once, not a whisper nor word,
Suddenly there is total silence.
Then all at once
And then, suddenly.
(Let me have it all, let me have a battle on,
The artist is asking for a challenge, a conflict to face head-on.
Easy target look can we just, just get it over with?)
The singer is aware that they may appear vulnerable, but they just want the confrontation to be resolved quickly.
It's getting worse, against all the odds,
The situation is deteriorating, despite the artist's efforts to prevent it.
Bow down, floor's yours, last man standing, can we just get it over with?
The singer is ready to give in, to accept defeat and move on from the situation.
Blue, blue, they make me blue
The singer is feeling sad and blue.
Head down, quick!
The singer is trying to hide their emotions and avoid being seen as vulnerable.
Take cover, be good in the move
The artist is trying to protect themselves from emotional harm and be adaptable.
Blue you, make me anymore blue?
The artist is blaming someone else for their sadness.
Don't scream, shout
The singer is trying to hold in their emotions.
Caught in the light of your suit
The singer is overwhelmed by the person they are addressing.
Have you got it in you?
The artist repeats the question, expressing doubt that the person they are speaking to can meet their expectations.
Have you got it in you?
The artist repeats the question, still unsure of the other person's emotional capacity.
Have you got it in you?
The artist's doubts and insecurities continue to surface through repetition of this question.
Have you got it in you?
The singer is seeking validation that the other person can handle the challenges that they are facing.
Have you got it in you?
The artist is repeating the question to emphasize the importance of the other person's emotional capacity in the situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IMOGEN JENNIFER HEAP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind