Can't Hold Us
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Macklemore Ryan Lewis Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Return of the Mac, get em
What it is
What it does
What it is
What it isn't
Looking for a better way to get up out of bed
Instead of getting on the internet and checking out who hit me, get up
Thrift shop, pimp strut walking
Little bit of humble, little bit of cautious
Somewhere between like Rocky and Cosby
Sweater game nope nope y'all can't copy
Yup, Bad, moonwalking
This here, is our party
My posse's been on Broadway
And we did it our way
Grown music
I shed my skin and put my bones into everything I record to it
And yet I'm on
Let that stage light go and shine on down
Got that Bob Barker suit game and plinko in my style
Money, stay on my craft and stick around for those pounds
But, I do that to pass the torch and put on for my town
Trust me, on my I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T shit hustlin'
Chasing dreams since I was 14
With the four track bussing
Halfway cross that city with the backpack
Fat cat, crushing labels out here
Nah they can't tell me nothing
We give that to the people
Spread it across the country
Labels out here
Nah they can't tell me nothing
We give it to the people
Spread it across the country

Can we go back, this is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight till it's over
So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Can we go back, this is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight till it's over
So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Now can I kick it, thank you
Yeah I'm so damn grateful
I grew up, really wanted gold fronts
But that's what you get when Wu-Tang raised you
Y'all can't stop me
Go hard like I got an 808 in my heart beat
And I'm eating at the beat like you gave a little
speed to a great white shark on shark week
Raw, time to go off, I'm gone!
Deuces goodbye, I got a world to see, and my girl she wanna see Rome
Caesar make you a believer
Nah I never ever did it for a throne
That validation comes from giving it back to the people
Nah sing a song and it goes like
Raise those hands, this is our party
We came here to live life like nobody was watching
I got my city right behind me, if I fall, they got me
Learn from that failure gain humility and then we keep marching I said

Can we go back, this is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight till it's over
So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Can we go back, this is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight till it's over
So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Na na na na na na na na
And all my people say

Na na na na na na na na
And all my people say

Na na na na na na na na
And all my people say

Na na na na na na na na
Ma-ckle-e-e-e-e-more

Can we go back, this is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight till it's over
So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Can we go back, this is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight till it's over




So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Overall Meaning

The song "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is an upbeat and energetic song that celebrates success and perseverance. The opening line "Return of the Mac" is a reference to the 1996 hit song "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison. The song talks about the struggle of finding motivation and getting out of bed in the morning and encourages the listener to pursue their dreams relentlessly, never giving up despite the obstacles they may face.


The lyrics are packed with references to popular culture, showcasing Macklemore's ability to infuse contemporary and old school references into his music, which resonates with his diverse fanbase. Lines like "Somewhere between like Rocky and Cosby" capture the essence of the classic American dream, while lyrics like "I'm eating at the beat like you gave a little speed to a great white shark on Shark Week" demonstrate Macklemore's playful style.


At its core, "Can't Hold Us" is a song about seizing the moment, living life to the fullest, and never letting anyone hold you back. The chorus features the repeated phrase "So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us," a metaphor for the unstoppable force of determination and the ultimate triumph over adversity.


Overall, "Can't Hold Us" is a song that inspires and uplifts, urging listeners to chase their dreams and take on the world with confidence and conviction.


Line by Line Meaning

Return of the Mac, get em
I'm back and ready to take on anything


What it is
What's happening


What it does
What it's capable of


What it is
What's happening


What it isn't
What it's not


Looking for a better way to get up out of bed
I'm looking for a more productive way to start my day


Instead of getting on the internet and checking out who hit me, get up
I should focus on my own goals instead of getting distracted by social media


Thrift shop, pimp strut walking
I walk with confidence, even though my clothes are from a second-hand store


Little bit of humble, little bit of cautious
I'm modest and careful


Somewhere between like Rocky and Cosby
I have different sides to my personality, like Rocky and Cosby


Sweater game nope nope y'all can't copy
I have a unique sense of style that can't be imitated


Yup, Bad, moonwalking
I'm confident and capable, like Michael Jackson moonwalking


This here, is our party
We're in control of the situation


My posse's been on Broadway
My friends and I have achieved a lot of success


And we did it our way
We accomplished our goals in our own unique way


Grown music
Our music is mature and sophisticated


I shed my skin and put my bones into everything I record to it
I put my heart and soul into my music


And yet I'm on
Despite any obstacles, I'm still successful


Let that stage light go and shine on down
I want to inspire others with my performance


Got that Bob Barker suit game and plinko in my style
My fashion sense is unique and stylish


Money, stay on my craft and stick around for those pounds
I prioritize my craft and will continue to work hard for monetary success


But, I do that to pass the torch and put on for my town
I aim to inspire others and represent my hometown in a positive light


Trust me, on my I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T shit hustlin'
I work hard independently


Chasing dreams since I was 14
I've been dedicated to following my dreams from a young age


With the four track bussing
I started making music with a simple setup


Halfway cross that city with the backpack
I've come a long way despite humble beginnings


Fat cat, crushing labels out here
I'm successful even without major label support


Nah they can't tell me nothing
I won't let anyone discourage me


We give that to the people
We produce music that resonates with our fans


Spread it across the country,
We want to share our music with as many people as possible


Can we go back, this is the moment
Let's reflect on this moment


Tonight is the night, we'll fight till it's over
We're determined to make the most of this time


So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
We're confident and unstoppable


Now can I kick it, thank you
May I proceed


Yeah I'm so damn grateful
I'm thankful for my success


I grew up, really wanted gold fronts
I had aspirations of flashy material possessions


But that's what you get when Wu-Tang raised you
I was influenced by the Wu-Tang Clan's music


Y'all can't stop me
Nothing can slow me down


Go hard like I got an 808 in my heart beat
I'm passionate and driven


And I'm eating at the beat like you gave a little
I'm taking advantage of every opportunity


speed to a great white shark on shark week
I'm moving quickly and aggressively to succeed


Raw, time to go off, I'm gone!
I'm not holding back, it's time to take action


Deuces goodbye, I got a world to see, and my girl she wanna see Rome
I'm saying goodbye and moving forward with my plans to travel


Caesar make you a believer
I have the potential to inspire and impress


Nah I never ever did it for a throne
I'm not motivated by power or status


That validation comes from giving it back to the people
I feel validated by my ability to connect with my fans


Nah sing a song and it goes like
Let's change the subject and focus on the music


Raise those hands, this is our party
Get excited, this is our celebration


We came here to live life like nobody was watching
We're living in the moment and not worrying about others' opinions


I got my city right behind me, if I fall, they got me
I have a support system that will help me through difficult times


Learn from that failure gain humility and then we keep marching I said
If we fail, we'll use it as a learning opportunity and keep moving forward


And all my people say
Let's hear it from our fans


Ma-ckle-e-e-e-e-more
My name, said with enthusiasm




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ben Haggerty, Ryan Scott Lewis, Raymond A Dalton

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

@patsys5357

Hey, hey, hey
Good to see you
Come on, dude, let's go
Yeah! Let's go!
Ha-ha-ha-ha alright
Alright, okay
Uh, alright, okay
Alright, okay

Return of the Mack
Get 'em, what it is, what it does, what it is, what it isn't
Looking for a better way to get up out of bed
Instead of getting on the Internet
And checking on who hit me, get up
Thrift shop, pimp-strut walkin'
Little bit of humble, little bit of cautious
Somewhere between like Rocky and Cosby
Sweater game, nope-nope, y'all can't copy

Yeah, bad, moonwalking, this here is our party
My posse's been on Broadway, and we did it our way
Grown music, I shed my skin and put my bones
Into everything I record to it and yet I'm on
Let that stage light go and shine on down
Got that Bob Barker suit game and plinko in my style
Money, stay on my craft and stick around for those pounds
But I do that to pass the torch and put on for my town

Trust me, on my I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T shit, hustlin'
Chasing dreams since I was 14
With the four-track, bussin'
Halfway cross that city with the backpack
Fat cat, crushing labels out here, nah, they can't tell me nothin'
We give that to the people, spread it across the country
Labels out here, nah, they can't tell me nothin'
We give it to the people, spread it across the country

Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Now, can I kick it? Thank you
Yeah, I'm so damn grateful
I grew up really wanting gold fronts
But that's what you get when Wu-Tang raised you
Y'all can't stop me
Go hard like I got a 808 in my heartbeat
And I'm eating at the beat like you gave a little speed
To a great white shark on Shark Week, raw!

Time to go off, I'm gone
Deuces, goodbye, I got a world to see
And my girl, she wanna see Rome
Caesar'll make you a believer
Nah, I never ever did it for a throne
That validation comes from giving it back to the people
Now sing a song, and it goes like
Raise those hands, this is our party
We came here to live life like nobody was watching
I got my city right behind me, if I fall, they got me
Learn from that failure, gain humility
And then we keep marching, I said...

Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Like the ceiling can't hold us
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us


And so we put our hands up

And so we put our hands up
Oh, oh, oh, oh (let's go)

Na na na na, na na na na
Hey-ee ay-ee ay-ee ay ay-ee ay-ee, hey
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na
Hey-ee ay-ee ay-ee ay ay-ee ay-ee, hey
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na

Mack-le-eh-eh-eh-eh-more!
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up

Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us

Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us



@kajci4307

Lyrics :


Hey, hey, hey
Good to see you
Come on, dude, let's go
Yeah! Let's go!
Ha-ha-ha-ha alright
Alright, okay
Uh, alright, okay
Alright, okay
Return of the Mack
Get 'em, what it is, what it does, what it is, what it isn't
Looking for a better way to get up out of bed
Instead of getting on the Internet
And checking on who hit me, get up
Thrift shop, pimp-strut walkin'
Little bit of humble, little bit of cautious
Somewhere between like Rocky and Cosby
Sweater game, nope-nope, y'all can't copy
Yeah, bad, moonwalking, this here is our party
My posse's been on Broadway, and we did it our way
Grown music, I shed my skin and put my bones
Into everything I record to it and yet I'm on
Let that stage light go and shine on down
Got that Bob Barker suit game and plinko in my style
Money, stay on my craft and stick around for those pounds
But I do that to pass the torch and put on for my town
Trust me, on my I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T shit, hustlin'
Chasing dreams since I was 14
With the four-track, bussin'
Halfway cross that city with the backpack
Fat cat, crushing labels out here, nah, they can't tell me nothin'
We give that to the people, spread it across the country
Labels out here, nah, they can't tell me nothin'
We give it to the people, spread it across the country
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Now, can I kick it? Thank you
Yeah, I'm so damn grateful
I grew up really wanting gold fronts
But that's what you get when Wu-Tang raised you
Y'all can't stop me
Go hard like I got a 808 in my heartbeat
And I'm eating at the beat like you gave a little speed
To a great white shark on Shark Week, raw!
Time to go off, I'm gone
Deuces, goodbye, I got a world to see
And my girl, she wanna see Rome
Caesar'll make you a believer
Nah, I never ever did it for a throne
That validation comes from giving it back to the people
Now sing a song, and it goes like
Raise those hands, this is our party
We came here to live life like nobody was watching
I got my city right behind me, if I fall, they got me
Learn from that failure, gain humility
And then we keep marching, I said...
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
And so we put our hands up
And so we put our hands up
Oh, oh, oh, oh (let's go)
Na na na na, na na na na
Hey-ee ay-ee ay-ee ay ay-ee ay-ee, hey
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na
Hey-ee ay-ee ay-ee ay ay-ee ay-ee, hey
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na
Mack-le-eh-eh-eh-eh-more!
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us



@ifeelallfidgetyandwarm6098

lyrics

Hey, hey, hey
Good to see you
Come on, dude, let's go
Yeah! Let's go!
Ha-ha-ha-ha alright
Alright, okay
Uh, alright, okay
Alright, okay
Return of the Mack
Get 'em, what it is, what it does, what it is, what it isn't
Looking for a better way to get up out of bed
Instead of getting on the Internet
And checking on who hit me, get up
Thrift shop, pimp-strut walkin'
Little bit of humble, little bit of cautious
Somewhere between like Rocky and Cosby
Sweater game, nope-nope, y'all can't copy
Yeah, bad, moonwalking, this here is our party
My posse's been on Broadway, and we did it our way
Grown music, I shed my skin and put my bones
Into everything I record to it and yet I'm on
Let that stage light go and shine on down
Got that Bob Barker suit game and plinko in my style
Money, stay on my craft and stick around for those pounds
But I do that to pass the torch and put on for my town
Trust me, on my I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T shit, hustlin'
Chasing dreams since I was 14
With the four-track, bussin'
Halfway cross that city with the backpack
Fat cat, crushing labels out here, nah, they can't tell me nothin'
We give that to the people, spread it across the country
Labels out here, nah, they can't tell me nothin'
We give it to the people, spread it across the country
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Now, can I kick it? Thank you
Yeah, I'm so damn grateful
I grew up really wanting gold fronts
But that's what you get when Wu-Tang raised you
Y'all can't stop me
Go hard like I got a 808 in my heartbeat
And I'm eating at the beat like you gave a little speed
To a great white shark on Shark Week, raw!
Time to go off, I'm gone
Deuces, goodbye, I got a world to see
And my girl, she wanna see Rome
Caesar'll make you a believer
Nah, I never ever did it for a throne
That validation comes from giving it back to the people
Now sing a song, and it goes like
Raise those hands, this is our party
We came here to live life like nobody was watching
I got my city right behind me, if I fall, they got me
Learn from that failure, gain humility
And then we keep marching, I said...
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
And so we put our hands up
And so we put our hands up
Oh, oh, oh, oh (let's go)
Na na na na, na na na na
Hey-ee ay-ee ay-ee ay ay-ee ay-ee, hey
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na
Hey-ee ay-ee ay-ee ay ay-ee ay-ee, hey
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
And all my people say
Na na na na, na na na na
Mack-le-eh-eh-eh-eh-more!
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Can we go back? This is the moment
Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can't hold us
Like the ceiling can't hold us



All comments from YouTube:

@rexlmao1947

0% naked girls
0% annoying special effects
100% talent

@alangonzalez2184

Good one

@laurakazzy

Snap Shot Could you have possibly done a more unoriginal comment?

@burtonl7239

Well there was a half naked man and there were a shitload of props including a gaudy ship and a bunch of live animals, which makes it as cringey and fake as special effects. As for talent, well, if it was truly just 100% talent, it would just be a video of naked Macklemore singing as he wouldn't need so many hired actors and props to distract from the fact that he is terrible.

@Alex.500

@@burtonl7239 no

@Pseudynom

0% naked girls,
but what about that topless dude?

379 More Replies...

@streetsmart.69

Who’s here in 2024?!✨

@jhaber.2024..

2012s-2015s was the best time period.

@MtnDewforever

Me. Hearing this song today..
hits different.

@nostalgiahitsdifferent.

Nostalgia

More Comments

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