All Star
Now That's What I Call Music! Lyrics


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Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me
I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed
She was looking kinda dumb
With her finger and her thumb
In the shape of an L on her forehead

Well, the years start comin', and they don't stop comin'
Fed to the rules, and I hit the ground runnin'
Didn't make sense not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart, but your head gets dumb
So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow

Hey, now, you're an all star
Get your game on, go play
Hey, now, you're a rock star
Get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shootin' stars break the mold

It's a cool place, and they say it gets colder
You're bundled up now, wait 'til you get older
But the meteor men beg to differ
Judging by the hole in the satellite picture

The ice we skate is gettin' pretty thin
The water's gettin' warm, so you might as well swim
My world's on fire, how 'bout yours?
That's the way I like it and I'll never get bored

Hey, now, you're an all star
Get your game on, go play
Hey, now, you're a rock star
Get the show on, get paid
All that glitters is gold
Only shootin' stars break the mold

Go for the moon
Go for the moon
Go for the moon
Go for the moon


Hey, now, you're an all star
Get your game on, go play
Hey, now, you're a rock star
Get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shootin' stars

Somebody once asked "Could I spare some change for gas?"
"I need to get myself away from this place"
I said "Yep, what a concept"
"I could use a little fuel myself"
"And we could all use a little change"

Well, the years start comin', and they don't stop comin'
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground runnin'
Didn't make sense not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart, but your head gets dumb
So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go (Go!)
You'll never shine if you don't glow

Hey, now, you're an all star
Get your game on, go play
Hey, now, you're a rock star
Get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold




And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold

Overall Meaning

The song All Star by Now That's What I Call Music! begins with a popular catchphrase "somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me." The singer then acknowledges that they are not perfect and certainly not the sharpest tool in the shed. The next line describes a woman who appeared foolish, demonstrating her own lack of intelligence by making an L gesture with her thumb and index finger on her forehead. The following lines talk about how we are all subjected to live by certain rules and regulations, but when it comes to having fun, there should be no restrictions. As we engage in activities, our minds get sharper but our head tends to get dull. Finally, the chorus appears, and it is an upbeat call to action to "get your game on, go play," which encourages listeners to take risks and pursue their passions. The lyrics emphasize individuality and the message that everyone has the ability to shine bright like a shooting star.


The second verse of the song All Star begins with a description of a "cool place" that "gets colder." The singer again acknowledges that they are aware of what others may be saying, but they beg to differ. The reference to a hole in the photograph alludes to the fact that sometimes what we see is not necessarily what is true. The next line describes the precariousness of the ice they skate on and the change in climate. Nevertheless, the singer concludes that they prefer living spontaneously and finds excitement in the uncertainty of life. The chorus is then repeated, emphasizing the need to take risks and never letting fear stop you.


Line by Line Meaning

Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me
Someone once informed me that life is a series of ups and downs


I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed
I'm not the most intelligent person around


She was looking kinda dumb
She appeared foolish or clueless


With her finger and her thumb
She was making a hand gesture


In the shape of an L on her forehead
It was an L-shaped gesture used to indicate the person is a loser


Well, the years start comin', and they don't stop comin'
Time goes on and things continue to happen


Fed to the rules, and I hit the ground runnin'
I followed the expectations, and started off quickly


Didn't make sense not to live for fun
It was illogical not to enjoy life


Your brain gets smart, but your head gets dumb
As you learn more, you may make foolish decisions


So much to do, so much to see
There are numerous opportunities in life


So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
Why not take the less popular paths in life?


You'll never know if you don't go
You won't understand something without trying it


You'll never shine if you don't glow
You won't succeed without standing out


Hey, now, you're an all star
Congratulations! You are now successful


Get your game on, go play
Now is the time to act on your potential


Hey, now, you're a rock star
You are now a popular icon


Get the show on, get paid
Time to entertain and make some money


And all that glitters is gold
Not everything that appears valuable actually is


Only shootin' stars break the mold
Only the exceptional individuals can change the norm


Go for the moon
Aim high


Hey, now, you're an all star
You're still awesome


And we could all use a little change
We can all benefit from some variation


Only shooting stars break the mold
Once again, it's only the extraordinary that can change expectations




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