The song peaked at #2 in Australia and Ireland, #3 in the UK,] #4 in Norway, #6 in Germany and New Zealand, #15 in Austria and #20 in Sweden.
It appears on the band's 1985 album, Fundamental .
"Live It Up" was released in 1986 & 1987 in Europe after it featured in the hit film "Crocodile" Dundee.
Live It Up
Mental As Anything Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you know you're worth your weight in gold?
I can't believe that you're alone in here
Let me warm your hands against the cold
A close encounter with a hard-hearted man
Who never gave half of what he got
Has made you wish that you'd never been born
Hey there, you with the sad face
Come up to my place and live it up
You beside the dance floor
What do you cry for? Let's live it up
If you smiled the walls would fall down
On all the people in this pickup joint
But if you laughed you'd level this town
Hey, lonely girl, that's just the point
Hey there, you with the sad face
Come up to my place and live it up
You beside the dance floor
What do you cry for? Let's live it up
Just answer me the question, "Why
You stand alone by the phone
In the corner and cry?" Hey, baby
How can you see looking through those tears?
Don't you know you're worth your weight in gold?
I can't believe that you're alone in here
Let me warm your hands against the cold
If you smiled the walls would fall down
On all the people in this pickup joint
But if you laughed you'd level this town
Hey, lonely girl, that's just the point
Hey there, you with the sad face
Come up to my place and live it up
You beside the dance floor
What do you cry for? Let's live it up
Let's live it up
Live it up
Mmh, live it up
Hey there, you
With the sad face
Come up to my place
Come up to my place, baby
Hey there, you with the sad face
Come up to my place and live it up
You beside the dance floor
What do you cry for? Let's live it up
You with the sad face
Come up to my place and live it up
You beside the dance floor
What do you cry for? Let's live it up
The lyrics of "Live It Up" by Mental As Anything tell the story of a lonely girl who is sad enough to make walls fall. The first verse is directed towards the girl, trying to convey that even though she is crying, she is worth a lot and should not feel alone. The second verse talks about a "close encounter with a hardhearted man" who has left her feeling hopeless and like she should not have been born. The chorus tries to get the girl to come dance, live life and smiles instead of crying. The third verse is directed at the girl again, asking why she is standing alone in the corner crying, and the last section of the song repeats the chorus with added encouragement to come up and live it up.
The song is ultimately about empathy and trying to show someone that things can get better if they choose to live their life and enjoy it. The upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics add to the song's message to live for the moment and not wallow in sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
How can you see looking through those tears?
I can tell that you're going through a difficult time and it hurts me to see you cry. How can you see through those tears?
Don't you know you're worth your weight in gold?
You're incredibly valuable and important, and your worth is immeasurable. Don't you know that?
I can't believe that you're alone in here
It's hard to believe that someone as amazing as you could be alone in this place. You deserve better than that.
Let me warm your hands against the cold
I want to help you in any way I can. Let me keep you warm and comfort you.
A close encounter with a hardhearted man
You've had a tough time dealing with someone who's cold and unsympathetic.
Who never gave half of what he got
That person never showed any kindness or generosity, despite having so much to give.
Has made you wish that you'd never been born
Dealing with that person has caused you so much pain and misery that you've wished you didn't exist.
That's a shame 'cause you got the lot
It's such a shame that you're feeling this way, because you have so much going for you. You're an incredible person.
If you smiled the walls would fall down
If you let yourself be happy and showed your beautiful smile, it would make such a huge impact on everyone around you. Your happiness is infectious.
On all the people in this pickup joint
Everyone in this crowded place would be affected by your smile and positive energy. You have the power to brighten up everyone's day.
But if you laughed you'd level this town
Your laughter is so contagious that it could change the mood of the entire town. You have the power to make such a huge impact on the world.
Hey lonely girl, that's just the point
I can see that you're feeling lonely, but the point is that you don't have to be. You can let yourself be happy and join in on the fun.
Just answer me the question why
I care about you and want to understand why you're feeling sad. Please tell me what's going on.
You stand alone by the phone
I see that you're standing here all alone by the phone, and it breaks my heart to see you like this.
In the corner and cry, hey baby
I know you're upset and you have every right to cry, but please don't feel like you have to do it alone. I'm here for you.
Let's live it up
Let's have some fun and enjoy ourselves to the fullest.
Mhm live it up
Let's make the most of this moment and have a good time.
Come up to my place
Join me and let's go somewhere where we can have some fun and be happy.
Come up to my place, baby
I care about you deeply and want to help you feel better. Please come with me and let's have a good time together.
You with the sad face
I recognize that you're feeling sad, and I want to do everything I can to help lift your spirits.
What do you cry for, let's live it up
Don't let your sadness hold you back from enjoying life. Let's have some fun and make some happy memories together.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew Mcarthur Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rosshilton
Arrived in Australia in 85. A young kid on an expat posting from work. Covered the entire country, big cities & mining towns, within 12 months. Ansett 737s, Avis Corollas. This song was played endlessly. Every one horse town, every big city. Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide. From Weipa to the Iron Triange, from the Isa to Roxby Downs.
Driving on endless red dust roads at sunset, radio crackling and fading with distance. Breakfast radio driving over the Coathanger taking my GF to work at Australia Square.
A dance in an empty bar with a miners wife. A kiss in a Melbourne nightclub. Fortitude Valley at 2am. A glance down a bar top, a smile to melt hearts. Someones ex wife in the Stoned Crow.
Flying into Ranger over Kakadu, watching Crockodile Dundee days later. The 88 Expo, drinking in the Sherraton with the most beatiful girl I have ever seen. The Bicentenial on a blanket near the bridge.
The 80s were amazing. I miss you all....
@adamwhitman1463
Crocodile Dundee party scene... so iconic! One of my all time favourite songs from the 80s! RIP Greedy Smith โค
@joannebarras8077
Agree 100% wish I could remember him heโs gorgeous
@gerrymorales
THAT DRESS!!
@mattiasandersson2315
I'm watching that scene right now!!
@frederikteglhus
was this song made for crocodile dundee?
@benfield6343
I always think about that Alphabet dress.
@crazyhayzy9
My Dad LOVED this song, reminds me of him with a smile on his face, whenever I play it. Miss you every day Dad ๐
@grahamcheesman2252
Sorry for your loss beautiful ๐น ๐ ๐
@fabianfessler7290
All will be good one day. Believe! ๐
@coventrycitykid
Deepest condolences ๐