Madilyn’s first musical instrument was her voice which she began developing… Read Full Bio ↴Madilyn’s first musical instrument was her voice which she began developing from her crib. At age nine, she took up the piano in preparation for becoming a drummer. She played drums for a few years before picking up her dad’s acoustic guitar while camping at a summer music festival. It’s safe to say that music is a natural extension of who Madilyn is.
From the beginning Madilyn displayed deep care and concern for others. By as early as age seven, she was using songwriting as a way to express the joys and sorrows she saw people go through in life.
Madilyn knew she was onto something when a woman with tears brimming in her eyes approached her after hearing one of her songs. The woman was not only touched by her performance but amazed that Madilyn had written the song herself at such a young age. Her writing has developed and continues to connect with her audience in a special way. In Madilyn’s own words, “I hope my songs are relatable and are able to touch peoples’ hearts. My goal is to make people feel something when they listen.”
And Then There Was YouTube. Madilyn’s desire to reach more people with her music hit a wall almost right away. After all she comes from a very tiny town in northern Wisconsin. YouTube was a great resource and extended her audience.
After posting a few music videos with a close friend, Madilyn courageously uploaded her first solo video in the Fall of 2009. Her submission won a cover contest held by fellow YouTuber Kata Hay. That success was all the inspiration Madilyn needed to start her own channel. In November of the same year the Madilyn Bailey channel was launched.

Can't Hold Us
Madilyn Bailey Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here 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

Oh, return of the Mack
Get up, 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 a new hit, 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 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
I got that Bob Barker suit game and Plinko in my style
Money, I 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, I'm on my I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T hustler
Chasing dreams since I was 14 with the four-track bussin′
Halfway cross that city with the backpack, fat cat, crushin'

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
Give that to the people, spread it across the country

Here 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

Here 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 just so grateful
Grew up, and I 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

Tell me go up, gone
Deuces, goodbye, I got a world to see
And my guy, he wanna see Rome
Ceasar make you believing
Nah, I never ever did it for a throne
Validation comes from giving it back to the people
Now, I sing a song, and it goes like

Raise your hands, this is our party
We came here to live life like nobody's 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

Here 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

Here 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

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Whooa-whoa
Na na na na na na na na
Whooa-whoa

Here 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

Here 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

Overall Meaning

In "Can't Hold Us," Madilyn Bailey captures the exhilaration and determination of seizing the moment, fighting against obstacles, and celebrating personal and collective success. The lyrics encourage embracing individuality and defying societal expectations.

The song starts by emphasizing the significance of the present moment. It urges the listener to recognize the opportunity at hand and unleash their full potential, regardless of any limitations. The line "So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us" symbolizes breaking through barriers, whether physical or metaphorical, with unrestrained energy and determination.

In the next verse, Bailey references the popular song "Return of the Mack" and encourages listeners to wake up and find their own unique path. She dismisses the idea of wasting time on social media and instead proposes searching for a better way to rise above one's circumstances. This verse suggests that personal growth and success are achieved through proactive effort rather than relying on external validation.

The following verse combines humility and confidence, drawing inspiration from both Rocky Balboa and Bill Cosby (before his fall from grace) as contrasting role models. Bailey's approach to music and life is portrayed as a fusion of authenticity, creativity, and individuality. The lyrics also hint at the idea of constantly evolving and improving, as she states, "I shed my skin and put my bones into everything I record."

The chorus reiterates the message of seizing opportunities and transcending limitations. Bailey calls upon the listener to join in the celebration, reinforcing the notion that personal triumphs are collectively shared. The lines "we'll fight 'til it's over" and "like the ceiling can't hold us" underscore the determination to keep pushing forward regardless of any setbacks or obstacles.

The song then transitions into a verse that expresses gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. Bailey acknowledges her upbringing and how Wu-Tang's influence shaped her aspirations. The lyrics convey a sense of unstoppable momentum, with references to a heart pulsing to the beat of an 808 drum and devouring the music with great intensity.

In the final verse, Bailey emphasizes the importance of giving back to the people and finding validation in making a positive impact. She encourages embracing failures as learning opportunities, gaining humility, and continuing to march forward. The chorus is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing the idea of seizing the moment and defying any forces that may try to hold one back.

Overall, "Can't Hold Us" is an empowering anthem that celebrates personal growth, tenacity, and the power of self-belief. The lyrics inspire listeners to break free from societal constraints, embrace their individuality, and strive for success while remembering to stay grounded and contribute back to the community.

Line by Line Meaning

Here we go back, this is the moment
We are retracing our steps to a crucial point in time

Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
This evening is significant, and we will persevere until the end

So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
We raise our hands as a symbol of our unstoppable spirit

Oh, return of the Mack
The return of a confident and successful individual

Get up, what it is, what it does, what it is, what it isn't
Wake up and understand the reality of the situation

Looking for a better way to get up out of bed
Searching for an improved method to start the day

Instead of getting on the internet and checking a new hit, get up
Rather than being consumed by online distractions, take action

Thrift shop pimp strut walking
Confidently strolling with a stylish swagger

Little bit of humble, little bit of cautious
A combination of humility and carefulness

Somewhere between like Rocky and Cosby
In a position that encompasses both strength and humor

Sweater game, nope, nope y'all can't copy, yup
Unique style that cannot be replicated by others

Bad, moonwalking, this here is our party
Displaying impressive skills and confidence, asserting control over the situation

My posse been on Broadway, and we did it our way, grown music
My group has achieved success in our own terms, creating mature music

I shed my skin and put my bones into everything I record to it
I pour my essence and passion into every piece of music I create

And yet I'm on
Despite challenges, I continue to persevere and succeed

Let that stage light go and shine on down
Allow the spotlight to illuminate and highlight one's performance

I got that Bob Barker suit game and Plinko in my style
I possess a unique fashion sense and incorporate elements of chance in my approach

Money, I stay on my craft and stick around for those pounds
Dedicated to honing my skills and remaining steadfast despite challenges

But I do that to pass the torch and put on for my town
I strive to inspire others and represent my community

Trust me, I'm on my I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T hustler
Believe me, I operate as an independent and hardworking individual

Chasing dreams since I was 14 with the four-track bussin'
Pursuing aspirations since a young age, utilizing limited resources

Halfway cross that city with the backpack, fat cat, crushin'
Traveling through the city with determination and confidence

Labels out here, nah, they can't tell me nothing
Record labels have no authority over me

We give that to the people, spread it across the country
We provide our music directly to the audience, sharing it nationwide

Now, can I kick it? Thank you
May I proceed? Thank you

Yeah, I'm just so grateful
Expressing deep gratitude

Grew up, and I wanted gold fronts
During my upbringing, I aspired to have gold teeth

But that's what you get when Wu-Tang raised you
These desires were influenced by the music and culture of Wu-Tang Clan

Y'all can't stop me
No one can impede my progress

Go hard like I got an 808 in my heart beat
Work relentlessly as if my heartbeat is driven by a heavy bass drum

And I'm eating at the beat like you gave a little speed
Consuming the rhythm of the music fervently, as if energized

To a great white shark on Shark Week, raw
Comparing my enthusiasm to that of a powerful predator during a popular TV program

Tell me go up, gone
Encouraging me to ascend and disappear

Deuces, goodbye, I got a world to see
Goodbye, as I have adventures awaiting me

And my guy, he wanna see Rome
My companion desires to visit Rome

Ceasar make you believing
Emperor Caesar instills a sense of belief

Nah, I never ever did it for a throne
I never pursued success solely for power or authority

Validation comes from giving it back to the people
I find validation in sharing my achievements with the audience

Now, I sing a song, and it goes like
At this moment, I sing a song, and it goes as follows

Raise your hands, this is our party
Lift your hands, as this celebration belongs to all of us

We came here to live life like nobody's watching
We arrived with the intention of embracing life without worrying about others' judgments

I got my city right behind me, if I fall, they got me
My hometown supports me unconditionally, offering assistance if I stumble

Learn from that failure, gain humility, and then we keep marching
Extract wisdom from setbacks, cultivate humility, and continue the journey

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Vocalizing in a rhythmic manner

Whooa-whoa
A vocal expression denoting excitement or enthusiasm

Here we go back, this is the moment
Returning to a significant moment in time

Tonight is the night, we'll fight 'til it's over
This evening holds great importance, and we will persist until the end

So we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us
We raise our hands with the belief that nothing can hold us back

Na na na na na na na na
Repeating a musical phrase