How Do You Stop
James Brown And Friends Lyrics
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So fast so smart
The world's at your feet
But what about your heart
Fame and power can't hold you tight
In the late hours of the night
How do you stop (How do you stop)
You choose and you lose if you hesitate
How do you stop (How do you stop)
Before it's too late
You think love will wait
So you don't hold on and then it's gone
Then it's gone
You've had some success
A new group of friends
You called it the "good life"
Thought it would never never end
One minute you're too young
Then you're in your prime
Then you're lookin' back
Through the hands of time
How do you (How do you stop)
Before it's too late
You choose and you lose if you hesitate
How do you stop (How do you stop)
Before it's too late
You think love will wait
You don't hold on and then it's gone
How do you stop a runaway train
How do you stop the pouring, pouring of rain
How do you stop the night turning to day
How do you stop love from slipping away
How do you stop from believing
How do you stop lovers from deceiving
How do you stop the tide from coming in
How do you stop the cold, cold wind
(How do you stop)
Before it's too late
You choose and you lose if you hesitate
How do you stop (How do you stop)
Before it's too late
You think love will wait
So you don't hold on and then it's gone
Then it's gone
(How do you stop)
A runaway train
How do you stop pouring, pouring rain
How do you stop a heart with wings
How do you stop everything
How do you stop before it's to late
Choose and you lose if you hesitate
How do you stop before it's to late
It's your life
The lyrics of James Brown & Friends' song How Do You Stop reflect upon the fame, power, and the so-called "good life" that can easily distract a person from what truly matters in life - love and relationships. The singer is portrayed as a hard-bodied, smart, and successful person who has the world at their feet, but at the same time, they are struggling with their soft emotions, especially when they realize that fame and power cannot help them find true love and hold it tight. The lyrics encourage the listener to take a step back and ponder upon what truly matters, rather than chasing after temporary thrills and materialistic desires.
The chorus, "How do you stop before it's too late? You choose and you lose if you hesitate" highlights the urgency of the situation and the importance of making a conscious decision before it's too late. The singer is questioning how to stop a runaway train, or the pouring rain, or the night from becoming the day. All of these metaphorical statements infer how difficult it can be to control certain aspects of life, but also imply that with effort and determination, one can take hold of what may seem impossible.
The lyrics also make reference to the passage of time and how life can surprise you with unexpected changes. One minute, the singer is too young, then in their prime, and suddenly they find themselves looking back through the hands of time. The song ultimately serves as a reminder of the importance of living in the moment, cherishing relationships, and realizing what truly matters in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Hard bodies, soft emotions
Physical strength may not equate to emotional well-being
So fast so smart
Life can move quickly and require intelligent decision-making
The world's at your feet
You have the potential for great success
But what about your heart
Don't forget to prioritize emotional fulfillment
Fame and power can't hold you tight
Material success may not bring lasting happiness
In the late hours of the night
When you're alone with your thoughts, material success may not feel as fulfilling
You choose and you lose if you hesitate
Indecision can lead to missed opportunities and regrets
You think love will wait
Don't take love for granted or assume it will always be there
So you don't hold on and then it's gone
If you don't work to maintain love or prioritize emotional fulfillment, it can disappear
You've had some success
You've achieved some level of material success
A new group of friends
Success can bring a new social circle
You called it the "good life"
You believed you had achieved the ideal life
Thought it would never never end
You believed your success would be permanent
One minute you're too young
Youth can feel endless until it's over
Then you're in your prime
This is the peak of your life
Then you're lookin' back
Time passes quickly and before you know it, it's in the past
Through the hands of time
Over time, things change and fade away
How do you stop a runaway train
How do you regain control when things feel out of control
How do you stop the pouring, pouring of rain
How do you move forward when life feels overwhelming
How do you stop the night turning to day
How do you hold on to good moments and make them last
How do you stop love from slipping away
How do you work to maintain love and prevent it from fading
How do you stop from believing
How do you stay strong and hold on to hope in difficult times
How do you stop lovers from deceiving
How do you prevent heartbreak and betrayal in relationships
How do you stop the tide from coming in
How do you deal with uncontrollable natural forces
How do you stop the cold, cold wind
How do you find warmth and comfort in cold, harsh circumstances
It's your life
Ultimately, you are in control of your own choices and actions
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLIE MIDNIGHT, DAN HARTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gus Shredney
Underrated masterpiece.
carolina girl
Keep this song alive. It deserves more exposure. Yesterday I referred to it as his MAGNUM OPUS.
He sings his life & ours share share share
Dankissme4ever
My favorite song by James Brown! I consider it to be a masterpiece! ☮ & Much ❤♫
Robert Wise
My Favorite too
Marco Recchilungo
Yes My Brother...👍and lessen: .....MASTERPIECE 🙉🙉🙉👌😃😏😏😏😏😏
sean barr
Joni Mitchell and Seal did a lovely version too.
Fred Reinartz
It is a masterpiece!!!
Mike Vallen
My thoughts as well.....A masterful performance and a truly sublime masterpiece .
Lucia Alves Martins
Muito bom 👍❤️
Aninha Romano
Eterno James Brown ❤️
Voz inesquecível 🎶🕺🎶❤️🎶
Alguém curtindo em 2020 ?
#Quarentena /Junho /Brasil💜