Ambitions
'Ambitions' was originally recorded by Donkeyboy; the song was covered by B… Read Full Bio ↴'Ambitions' was originally recorded by Donkeyboy; the song was covered by British singer Joe McElderry, and will be released as his second single and the lead from his debut album, Wide Awake. It will be released on digital download on 10 October 2010, with the CD single release following one day later. He will perform the single on the first live show of The X Factor 2010. The record label considered changing the title of McElderry's version to "Somebody".

It received its first play on BBC Radio 1 on 19 September 2010 and was uploaded on McElderry's official YouTube channel moments later.

Music video
The filming started on 9 September 2010 and wrapped the next day.. The secret location of the video was later revealed to be in Bulgaria after McElderry went missing there. The music video leaked on 18 September 2010, but was officially released on the 23rd of September.

The B-side is entitled 'If You Love Me'

Ambitions
Joe McElderry Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now I can't behave
I feel it in my feet on the streets
But don't you know?
There's something I can feel when I breathe

I told you once
You're breaking into separate parts
But don't you know?
It's something that I can't live without

And if somebody's going to make it
Then this somebody ought to be you
And I keep telling my reflection
Ambitions are already starting to fade

I can't tolerate
The feelings that I feel when I feel
But don't you know?
Some feelings never seem to let go

Like a silver blade
I cut my way out of control
But don't you know?
Some blades will cut you right to the bone

And if somebody's going to make it
Then this somebody ought to be you
And if somebody's going to fake it
Then this somebody, somebody is you

If it's me that was going to take it
Then I know that it wouldn't be straight
And I keep telling my reflection
Ambitions are already starting to fade

I can't tolerate

And if somebody's going to make it
Then this somebody ought to be you
And if somebody's going to fake it
Then this somebody, somebody is you

If it's me that was going to take it
Then I know that it wouldn't be straight




And I keep telling my reflection
Ambitions are already starting to fade

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Joe McElderry's song "Ambitions" deal with the internal struggle of wanting to pursue one's dreams and ambitions, but feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to achieve them. The first verse highlights this tension with the line "Now I can't behave, I feel it in my feet on the streets," suggesting a restlessness and lack of direction. However, the following line "But don't you know? There's something I can feel when I breathe" reflects a sense of hope and potential, as if the singer knows that their ambitions are within reach if they can just find a way to grasp them.


The second verse, with its reference to cutting out of control like a silver blade, introduces a darker tone to the song, hinting at the idea that ambition can be a double-edged sword. The chorus reinforces the idea that if anyone is going to achieve their dreams, it ought to be the singer themselves, while also acknowledging the possibility of failure or fabrication.


The repeated refrain "ambitions are already starting to fade" underscores the fragility of a dream and the need to actively pursue it. Overall, "Ambitions" is a song that speaks to the struggle of following one's passions and aspirations, even in the face of uncertainty and potential setbacks.


Line by Line Meaning

Now I can't behave
I am unable to control myself


I feel it in my feet on the streets
I am overcome with emotion and sensation


But don't you know?
Do you understand what I mean?


There's something I can feel when I breathe
There is a sense of purpose in my life


I told you once
I have mentioned this before


You're breaking into separate parts
You are falling apart


But don't you know?
Do you understand what I mean?


It's something that I can't live without
It is something I must pursue


And if somebody's going to make it
If someone is going to succeed


Then this somebody ought to be you
You have the potential for success


And I keep telling my reflection
I remind myself


Ambitions are already starting to fade
My dreams are slipping away


I can't tolerate
I cannot handle


The feelings that I feel when I feel
The intense emotions that I experience


But don't you know?
Do you understand what I mean?


Some feelings never seem to let go
Some emotions are hard to let go of


Like a silver blade
Like a sharp instrument


I cut my way out of control
I am trying to regain control


But don't you know?
Do you understand what I mean?


Some blades will cut you right to the bone
Some actions can have serious consequences


And if somebody's going to make it
If someone is going to succeed


Then this somebody ought to be you
You have the potential for success


And if somebody's going to fake it
If someone is going to pretend to be successful


Then this somebody, somebody is you
You are trying to deceive others


If it's me that was going to take it
If I am going to succeed


Then I know that it wouldn't be straight
I know it wouldn't be fair or honest


And I keep telling my reflection
I remind myself


Ambitions are already starting to fade
My dreams are slipping away




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SIMEN ERIKSRUD, SIMONE LARSEN, CATO SUNDBERG, KENT SUNDBERG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Przemek Lipecki

Now I can't behave
I feel it in my feet on the streets
But don't you know?
There's something I can feel when I breathe

I told you once
You're breaking into separate parts
But don't you know?
It's something that I can't live without

And if somebody's going to make it
Then this somebody ought to be you
And I keep telling my reflection
Ambitions are already starting to fade

I can't tolerate
The feelings that I feel when I feel
But don't you know?
Some feelings never seem to let go

Like a silver blade
I cut my way out of control
But don't you know?
Some blades will cut you right to the bone

And if somebody's going to make it
Then this somebody ought to be you
And if somebody's going to fake it
Then this somebody, somebody is you

If it's me that was going to take it
Then I know that it wouldn't be straight
And I keep telling my reflection
Ambitions are already starting to fade

I can't tolerate

And if somebody's going to make it
Then this somebody ought to be you
And if somebody's going to fake it
Then this somebody, somebody is you

If it's me that was going to take it
Then I know that it wouldn't be straight
And I keep telling my reflection
Ambitions are already starting to fade



All comments from YouTube:

Martin Merrell

Genius. 11 years later and I'm still loving this!

missflipz

I love Joe McElderry !!! Great show at the Royal Festival Hall with standing ovations after his classical songs... Amazing talent. Better than I ever expected. xxx

Aretha Franklin Whitney Houston

I was there that night and my hands were sore for a few days after with all the applause I gave him. Have seen him perform live 3 times since

shazwalks

Yes well said! Ive followed Joe from the very, very beginning and he deserves more credit than he gets. If you follow joe you will realize the hard work he puts in throughout each year. This has been a good year for joe, he is the only X Factor winner from the UK to release a 4th album. God bless joe, so very talented.

lilly d

i love joe! he shouldnt have been dropped at all, his voice is amazing!

Liam Holmes

Joe has such an amazing voice and he is excellent.

ahusuyip68

Five years on & Joe McElderry has developed into an incredible performer with an amazing vocal range.Anyone in doubt go see a him perform live with his band, you won't be disappointed. 

aoife

I love this song so much, he has a stunner of a voice <3

Lara Q

I`ll never know how this song wasn`t a bigger hit.

The modern day travel nerd

Joe, Ambitions is by far the best song you have ever done. (even if it's a recreation of the original) You young sir have NO IDEA how long I've been searching for this song. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK :)

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