The Upsetter
Jack Johnson(잭 존슨) Lyrics

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Some will say
This place is wrong
These hands are fast
This face is long
Just stop upsetting yourself
Upsetting your thoughts
Upsetting this world
That you're standing on

These plans are torn
These feet are cold
This shield is worn
This peace was stolen
Stop upsetting yourself
Upsetting your thoughts
Upsetting this world
That you're standing on
These problems they breathe
Their fire is real
The coins that they keep
You cannot steal
Even when you're asleep
They'll be here still
Breathing out or in

Some will say this place is gone
These roads are steep
And much too long
These plans are cheap
My feet are cold
Cut the knot
These coins are golden
Some will say this place is gone
These roads are steep
And much too long
These plans are cheap
My feet are cold
Cut the knot
These coins are golden
Just stop upsetting yourself
Upsetting your thoughts
Upsetting this world
That you're standing on
These problems they breathe
Their fire is real
The coins that they keep
You cannot steal
Even when you're asleep

They'll be here still
Breathing out or in

Overall Meaning

In "The Upsetter," Jack Johnson seems to be addressing those who find fault with the world around them. He acknowledges that some people believe that everything is wrong, with the place they're in not being right for them, their hands and face not being good enough. But he advises them to stop focusing on upsetting themselves and that world around them, to look up and become positive instead because the negative narratives that they hold in their minds only make things worse. Johnson seems to suggest that it's important for people to get out of their own way and take a step back to see that the world is beautiful in its own way.

The second verse highlights the problems people face as part of their daily lives, accentuating the realness of the fire that drives our issues. Additionally, the song seems to suggest that the problems people face are a part of life that cannot be wished away, as these problems will continue to occur even when they are asleep.

In the chorus, the lyrics repeat the message of the first verse, asking those who are constantly in a negative state of mind to stop upsetting themselves and the world around them. It is essential for people to cut the knots and challenge their thoughts by focusing on the good things in life.

Overall, "The Upsetter" is a compelling tune that reminds listeners to focus on the good, regardless of existing difficulties, and provides a fresh perspective on life's problems that is both enlightening and empowering.

Line by Line Meaning

Some will say
There are people who believe

This place is wrong
That this location is not ideal

These hands are fast
I am proficient and skilled at working with my hands

This face is long
My face may appear unhappy or discontented

Just stop upsetting yourself
Calm down and don't worry too much

Upsetting your thoughts
Disturbing your own inner peace or harmony

Upsetting this world
Causing chaos and disorder in the world around you

That you're standing on
The planet that you live on

These plans are torn
My carefully constructed plans have been ruined or destroyed

These feet are cold
My feet are physically cold, or I feel emotionally distant and disconnected

This shield is worn
My defenses have been weakened or damaged