Stand Up
Makeda Lyrics


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Stand up, stand up

Boss is running in and out, that maniac (Stand up)
Just lay off my back 'til it's time for payback (Stand up)

I call for my rights in this matter
This dog is biting so you better
Just take a break and leave me all alone

You don't understand, you ain't got the picture
(Stand up, stand up)
'Cause I just stand, I just pick when I stand up, up, up
So stand up, stand up
Stand up, stand up

Monday morning back to jail, I'm faintin' (Stand up)
Hangin' upside down in loads of papers (Stand up)

I ain't no recruit in your army
One day, don't think of ever call me
I'll take a break to never more return

You don't understand, you ain't got the picture
(Stand up, stand up)
'Cause I just stand, I just pick when I stand up, up, up
So stand up, stand up

I ain't no recruit in your army
One day, don't think of ever call me
I'll take a break, never more return

You don't understand, you ain't got the picture
(Stand up, stand up)
'Cause I just stand, I just pick when I stand up, up, up

You, you, you don't understand
'Cause you ain't got the picture, no, no
(Stand up, stand up)




Oh you, you better stand up
Stand up, stand up

Overall Meaning

The song "Stand Up" by Makeda is all about possessing the courage to stand up for oneself and one's rights. The lyrics reveal the struggles of a person working for someone who mistreats them, asking their boss to just leave them alone until it's time for payback. The words "Stand up, Stand up," are a call to action or a reminder to the listener to stand, in defiance of being pushed around or oppressed. The singer of the song refers to their boss as a maniac, who they want to get away from for a while. They narrate how they dread going back to work every Monday because of the stress that comes with it, stating how they feel like they're serving jail time.


The second verse of the song reinforces their independence, explaining that they are not a recruit in anyone's army nor someone anyone has power over. They repeat the call to action to stand up for oneself and be recognized. The chorus, as well as the bridge of the song, contains an upbeat vibe, which gives the listener uplifting energy. The song is an anthem reminding people that they have the power to stand up for themselves and make a change. It encourages listeners to speak up when things get tough and to never let anyone keep them down.


Line by Line Meaning

Stand up, stand up
Get ready to fight for your rights and stand tall


Boss is running in and out, that maniac (Stand up)
The boss is being erratic and demanding, so stand up to his unreasonable behavior


Just lay off my back 'til it's time for payback (Stand up)
Don't hassle me until I have a chance to get even


I call for my rights in this matter
I am asserting my rights in this situation


This dog is biting so you better
The situation is getting worse, and action needs to be taken


Just take a break and leave me all alone
Please give me some space and time to breathe


You don't understand, you ain't got the picture
You don't comprehend the situation


(Stand up, stand up)
Get up and fight


'Cause I just stand, I just pick when I stand up, up, up
I pick my battles carefully and only fight when necessary


Monday morning back to jail, I'm faintin' (Stand up)
I'm exhausted and don't want to go back to a difficult work environment


Hangin' upside down in loads of papers (Stand up)
I'm drowning in work and need to push back against unreasonable demands


I ain't no recruit in your army
I'm not a mindless pawn to be ordered around


One day, don't think of ever call me
I won't put up with bad treatment forever


I'll take a break to never more return
I need to take a break and may not come back


You, you, you don't understand
You still don't get it


'Cause you ain't got the picture, no, no
You don't see the full picture yet


Oh, you, you better stand up
You need to stand up too and help fight for justice


Stand up, stand up
A reminder to stay strong and keep fighting




Writer(s): Danne Attlerud, Michael Clauss, Thomas Thörnholm

Contributed by Jayden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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