Keep on Keepin
JoJo Lyrics


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Ooooh-ooohh
hey-yeeeah

You got to keep on keepin on
You got to keep your head up high
You gotta work with what you've got
And someday you will flyyyyy
[Verse 1:]
Poor kids pouring cold water in their cereal
Second hand clothes
Surviving is pivotal
Praying to God at night
That things'll get better soon

I remember when I was in your position
Tried to tell people my story
But no one would really listen
I know times are hard right now
Happiness is hard to find right now

[Chorus:]
You got to keep on keepin on
You got to keep your head up high
You gotta work with what you've got
And someday you will flyyyyy
You got to keep on keepin on
You got to keep your head up high
You gotta work with what you've got
And someday you will flyyyyy

[Verse 2:]
Lookin out the window to a rose grows in concrete
Dreamin' of the day when you'll be standing on your own feet
Hard to find the good in such a scene so bad (so so sad)
Seein other kids with their Tims on
Fresh with Air Ones, wish I had one
Longin' for a day when you get your chance to shine
Don't worry, there'll come a tiiiiiiime

[Chorus:]
You got to keep on keepin on
You got to keep your head up high
You gotta work with what you've got
And someday you will flyyyyy
You got to keep on keepin on
You got to keep your head up high
You gotta work with what you've got
And someday you will flyyyyy

[Bridge:]
Young girl sittin' on the steps of her duplex (mmmm)
Why you gotta choose to make my life so complex
Breathing to the beat of a slow, sad drum
Trouble leaves some moments for some fun
I can almost guarantee you
It'll get better todaaaaaayyy

[Chorus:]
You got to keep on keepin on
You got to keep your head up high
You gotta work with what you've got
And someday you will flyyyyy
You got to keep on keepin on
You got to keep your head up high




You gotta work with what you've got
And someday you will flyyyyy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of JoJo's song "Keep on Keepin' On" speak to the universal human experience of persevering and finding hope in difficult circumstances. The song begins by describing the struggles of those living in poverty, including having to pour cold water in cereal and wear second-hand clothes. Despite these challenges, the singer encourages listeners to keep their heads up and work with what they have in order to achieve their dreams.


The second verse describes a young person looking out at a bleak world and longing for better days. The lyrics use urban imagery like concrete and Tims (a brand of sneakers) to show the contrast between their dreams and their current reality. The bridge of the song introduces the perspective of a young girl dealing with difficulties and frustrations, but the singer assures her that things will get better.


The chorus repeats the message that no matter what challenges we face, we must keep pushing forward and stay optimistic, even when happiness feels hard to find. And ultimately, the lyrics promise that someday, despite all the difficulties along the way, we will "flyyy."


Overall, "Keep on Keepin' On" is a powerful anthem of perseverance and resilience that speaks to anyone who has ever had to overcome adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooooh-ooohh
Sound of encouragement


hey-yeeeah
Another sound of encouragement


You got to keep on keepin on
Keep persevering, keep going despite difficulties


You got to keep your head up high
Stay positive, don't give up hope


You gotta work with what you've got
Make the best with what you have, utilize your resources


And someday you will flyyyyy
Success will come with persistence and hard work


Poor kids pouring cold water in their cereal
Difficult living conditions for underprivileged children


Second hand clothes
Children don't have brand-new clothing


Surviving is pivotal
It's important to make it through tough times


Praying to God at night
Seeking hope and comfort


That things'll get better soon
Hope that life will improve


I remember when I was in your position
The artist can relate to significant struggles


Tried to tell people my story
Attempted to share personal experience with others


But no one would really listen
People didn't show understanding or empathy


I know times are hard right now
Acknowledging the struggles of the present


Happiness is hard to find right now
Feeling the absence of joy in life


Lookin out the window to a rose grows in concrete
Finding beauty in a harsh environment


Dreamin' of the day when you'll be standing on your own feet
Hoping for independence and success


Hard to find the good in such a scene so bad (so so sad)
Difficult to see the positive in a negative situation


Don't worry, there'll come a tiiiiiiime
Be patient, things will improve eventually


Young girl sittin' on the steps of her duplex (mmmm)
Describing a specific scene with a young girl in a low-income area


Why you gotta choose to make my life so complex
Feeling overwhelmed with difficulty and hardship


Breathing to the beat of a slow, sad drum
Feeling like life is a slow, sad experience


Trouble leaves some moments for some fun
There are still moments of joy despite hardships


I can almost guarantee you
Almost certain that life will improve


It'll get better todaaaaaayyy
Hopeful that improvement will come soon




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOANNA LEVESQUE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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