Born in Chicago to Swedish/Italian parents, Lofgren moved to the Washington, D.C., area as a teenager. His first instrument was the accordion. He was also a competitive gymnast in high school, a skill that popped up later in his career.
Lofgren joined Neil Young's band in 1968 at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. Lofgren would maintain a close musical relationship with Young, appearing on his Tonight's the Night album and tour among others. He was also briefly a member of Crazy Horse, appearing on their 1971 LP and contributing songs to their catalogue.
From '71 to '74 Lofgren was active in Grin, the band he founded in '69. After landing a record deal in '71 the band released 4 critically-acclaimed albums but met with little commercial success.
In 1975 Lofgren released his a self-titled solo album featuring songs that went on to become staples of his solo performances; 'Keith Don't Go', 'Back it Up' and the cover of Carole Kings 'Goin' Back'.
Solo albums and tours followed every year through the 70s as Lofgren established himself as a top guitarist and live performer earning the respect and acclaim of his peers.
Bruce Springsteen made the call in 1984 and Lofgren joined the E-Street Band for the 'Born in the USA' tour. Lofgren was instant hit with Springsteens fans through his playing and vibrant on stage persona. Lofgren remains a stalwart of the E-Street Band to the present day.
Lofgren continues to juggle his tenure with the Springsteen Band and a solo recording career, whilst writing and performing with many other artists. His 2008 album 'Nils Sings Neil' was a project featuring Lofgren acoustically covering songs written by Neil Young, his former bandleader in Crazy Horse.
Flip Ya Flip
Nils Lofgren Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flip ya flip lift your pretty head, hold it high
Sure the world keeps getting tougher
But so are you... darlin' just you try
It can happen when you're six, it could hit age twenty-nine
Never too young or old, could happen anytime
It can make you feel rwo hundred years old
You don't want a free ride
You just want to share a light that burns inside
Flip ya flip buddy you can do it
Flip ya flip lift your pretty head, hold it high
Flip ya flip sure the world keeps getting tougher
Flip ya flip but so are you... darlin' just you try
The world will make you feel like you missed your time
Just don't forget they're scared and lonely too
And all that guilt about fulfillment being a crime
Down inside you know it just ain't true
It's tough to be the good one but trying your best
Don't mean bein' number one
Flip ya flip buddy you can do it
Flip ya flip lift your pretty head, hold it high
Flip ya flip sure the world keeps getting tougher
Flip ya flip but so are you... darlin' just you try
Flip ya flip you will have your share of heartaches
Flip ya flip and life will surely seem unfair
Flip ya flip but when it comes to hurtin'
Flip ya flip know you ain't alone out there
Flip ya flip buddy you can do it
Flip ya flip lift your precious dreams, hold them high
Flip ya flip sure the world keeps getting tougher
Flip ya flip but so do you darlin' just you try
Flip ya flip you will have your share of heartaches
Flip ya flip and life will surely seem unfair
Flip ya flip but when it comes to hurtin'
Flip ya flip know you ain't alone out there
The song "Flip Ya Flip" by Nils Lofgren is an uplifting and motivational piece that speaks to the listener about overcoming life's challenges with grace and resilience. The song encourages the listener to hold their head high and to embrace the tough times as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. The lyrics are empowering and relatable, acknowledging that pain and hardship are a part of life, but that we can choose how we respond to them.
In the first verse, Nils reminds the listener that age is not a factor when it comes to facing adversity. It can happen at any time, and it can make us feel much older than we really are. However, he also encourages the listener not to give up, but to share their inner light with the world. In the second verse, Nils speaks to the feeling of missing out or not achieving what we thought we would in life. He reassures us that everyone experiences these feelings at some point and reminds us that trying our best is more important than being number one. Finally, the chorus repeats the message that life will be tough, but we are capable of getting through it and achieving our dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Flip ya flip buddy you can do it
Encouragement to face challenges head-on
Flip ya flip lift your pretty head, hold it high
Advice to stay confident and positive
Sure the world keeps getting tougher
Acknowledgment that life can be difficult
But so are you... darlin' just you try
Assurance that you have the strength to persevere
It can happen when you're six, it could hit age twenty-nine
Profound events can occur at any age
Never too young or old, could happen anytime
No one is exempt from life's challenges
It can make you feel two hundred years old
Hardship can take its toll on a person
It's weight that no one should have to hold
Recognition that dealing with adversity is a heavy burden
You don't want a free ride
Taking shortcuts isn't the answer
You just want to share a light that burns inside
Desire to express oneself authentically
The world will make you feel like you missed your time
Society may suggest that you're behind the curve
Just don't forget they're scared and lonely too
Others may be struggling as well
And all that guilt about fulfillment being a crime
Feeling guilty for pursuing happiness is misguided
Down inside you know it just ain't true
Inner wisdom reveals that happiness is important
It's tough to be the good one but trying your best
Striving to do the right thing can be challenging
Don't mean bein' number one
Success isn't always about being the best
Flip ya flip you will have your share of heartaches
Inevitability of experiencing pain
Flip ya flip and life will surely seem unfair
Life can be unjust
Flip ya flip but when it comes to hurtin'
Despite hardship, you're not alone
Flip ya flip know you ain't alone out there
Reassurance that support exists
Flip ya flip lift your precious dreams, hold them high
Urging to cherish ambitions and pursue them
Flip ya flip but so do you darlin' just you try
Reinforcing that inner strength can conquer adversity
Contributed by Scarlett N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jupitersun
Fantastic song,saw him in Bradford many years ago.One those that really deserve more recognition for his guitar work.
Aameen Ludovici
I had this on vinyl. It's part of such a great album.
Andrew Jenkins
Such a unique voice ! Brings back very good memories . Love ya Nils !!
Brian Mallia
Great song. Love it.
CHIP NORMAN
I saw nils perform at reading festival on trampoline and playing guitar at same time awesome flip is brill great music is enduring love it
Marcus Warry
LOVE IT!!!
Tony Maxwell
had this album lost it tham fuck for uploading this by the way my favourite song on the album is big teras fall awesome voice nils has so unreconised
Stefano Ronchetti
Great Song...🔝🎸🔝
seventh child
Flip your Flip. I still sing Flip boy Flip. 😂
Dave Barber
Ace nils lofgren is plus that drum beat makes this right up there with this song is flip ya flip nils, seen him several times legend.