Toppers
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Lyrics
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Speaking of rights you're a piece of the toll
Taxing her body like a terrorist attack
Momma's in the front, daddy's in the back
Slave of an ignorant economy
When you're down and out you better lean on me
Daddy's going to take you out to church
'Cause when he comes home and he's calling your name
You're running away 'cause he's laying the blame
Take it all off and throw it all out
Well you're down and out you better lean on me now
Get on top, get on board
This little lady is not a whore
She's my friend was once my pal
Now she's down and out and what can she do now
Take it all off and throw it all out
Well you're down and out you're gonna lean on me now
The lyrics of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real's song "Toppers" speak about various issues prevalent in society. The first verse mentions a person who is struggling to survive in life and fighting an unseen force, perhaps poverty. The lyrics also criticize the exploitation of women's bodies and their taxation like a terrorist attack. The line "Momma's in the front, daddy's in the back" may symbolize the absence of a father figure in the household who should have been helping his family instead of staying away from their problems.
The chorus repeats the phrase "when you're down and out you better lean on me," which means to seek help from others in times of crisis. The second verse talks about how someone's actions can worsen their already precarious situation, and they should seek guidance from their parents by going to church. The lyrics criticize the tendency to blame others for one's problems while failing to take responsibility for their own actions. The last lines of the song reiterate the message of the chorus - asking someone to lean on them when they need help.
Overall, the lyrics showcase the harsh realities of life and urge people to seek help when they are struggling instead of succumbing to their problems.
Line by Line Meaning
Living your life trying to fight the pole
You're struggling in life and trying to fight your way to the top.
Speaking of rights you're a piece of the toll
You may talk about freedom and rights, but you're still being oppressed.
Taxing her body like a terrorist attack
You're treating her body like it's a burden and causing her harm.
Momma's in the front, daddy's in the back
Your mother is the one leading the family, while your father is in a more passive position.
Slave of an ignorant economy
You're trapped in a cycle of poverty due to the flawed economic system.
When you're down and out you better lean on me
In times of trouble and hardship, you can count on me for support.
Daddy's going to take you out to church
Your father is trying to show you the way towards a better life.
Speaking of life you're making matters worse
You're only adding to the chaos and troubles in your life.
'Cause when he comes home and he's calling your name
When your father comes home and tries to talk to you.
You're running away 'cause he's laying the blame
You're running away from your problems and not taking responsibility.
Take it all off and throw it all out
Get rid of everything that's bringing you down.
Well you're down and out you better lean on me now
When you're at your lowest, I'll be here to support you.
Get on top, get on board
Get back on your feet and start moving forward.
This little lady is not a whore
Don't judge her or treat her poorly because of her past experiences.
She's my friend was once my pal
She's someone I care about deeply and used to be close with.
Now she's down and out and what can she do now
She's fallen on hard times and is struggling to get back up.
Take it all off and throw it all out
Get rid of everything that's holding you back.
Well you're down and out you're gonna lean on me now
You can rely on me to help you when you're struggling.
Contributed by Lucy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.