You've Had Better Times
Peter & Gordon Lyrics


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You gotta keep on makin' me high
You gotta keep on makin' me high
You gotta keep on makin' me high
You gotta keep on makin' me high

If you're feeling sad and blue
Come on 'n dance with me
I can make your dreams come true
Come on 'n dance with me
Ladies get up off your seats
Come on 'n dance with me
Gentlemen get on your feet
Come on 'n dance with me
Say the word and I'll summon the band
With my hand
Let your mind and your body be free
Dance with me

You gotta keep on makin' me high
You gotta keep on makin' me high

If you feel that you like what you see
Dance with me

You gotta keep dancin'
Cause it's makin' me high
You gotta keep, keep dancin'
You gotta keep dancin'
Cause it's makin' me high
You gotta keep, keep dancin'
You gotta keep on makin' me high
You gotta keep on makin' me high

You gotta keep on makin' me high
You gotta keep on makin' me high
If you're feeling sad and blue
Come on 'n dance with me
I can make your dreams come true
Come on 'n dance with me
Say the word and I'll summon the band
With my hand
Let your mind and your body be free
Dance with me

You gotta keep on makin' me high
You gotta keep on
You gotta keep on makin' me high
You gotta keep on




Let your mind and your body be free
Dance with me

Overall Meaning

The song "You've Had Better Times" by Peter and Gordon is a dance tune that conveys the message of joy and happiness. The chorus "you gotta keep on makin' me high" is a metaphor for the feeling of euphoria that comes from dancing. The lyrics express an invitation to come and dance to make the dreams of the sad and blue come true. The lines "Say the word and I'll summon the band, with my hand" and "let your mind and your body be free" indicate that the song encourages people to let go of their worries and dance freely.


The song's verses call for ladies to get up off their seats and gentlemen to get on their feet, emphasizing that the invitation to dance is open to all. The lyrics aim to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for the listeners to enjoy themselves while dancing. The repetition of the chorus line "you gotta keep on makin' me high" reinforces the importance of dance in creating a happy environment.


In conclusion, "You've Had Better Times" is a happy, feel-good song that encourages people to dance and enjoy themselves. The lyrics convey an invitation to dance and a promise for joy and euphoria. Peter and Gordon provide a simple message to the listener to turn a frown into a smile, forget their troubles by dancing and let the music carry them away.


Line by Line Meaning

You gotta keep on makin' me high
I want you to continue doing what you're doing that makes me feel good


If you're feeling sad and blue
If you're feeling down and unhappy


Come on 'n dance with me
Join me on the dance floor


I can make your dreams come true
I have the ability to help you achieve what you desire


Ladies get up off your seats
Women, stand up and come dance with me


Gentlemen get on your feet
Men, stand up and come dance with me


Say the word and I'll summon the band, With my hand
I'll call the band to start playing with just a gesture from me


Let your mind and your body be free
Relax your thoughts and move your body without worry


You gotta keep dancin', Cause it's makin' me high, You gotta keep, keep dancin'
I want you to continue dancing because it's making me feel good


You gotta keep on makin' me high
I want you to continue doing what you're doing that makes me feel good


If you feel that you like what you see
If you're enjoying what you're experiencing


You gotta keep on
I want you to continue doing what you're doing


Let your mind and your body be free, Dance with me
Relax your thoughts and move your body without worry and dance with me




Contributed by Charlie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

John Whelan

This just brings back a flood of memories for me...I remember flipping the LP over to side two of the album and this was the opening track. I love the organ and harmonies that Peter and Gordon do on this number. The middle eight is cool when you hear the lines: "They just jump on your bed...It goes to your head...and that isn't how I want to see you...I really want to say I need you..." Thank you for posting this jakartajive :) 

jakartajive

You're most welcome. Amazing how hearing these things can trigger such memories. I wasn't even born when this came out, btw! Pleased to have made your mood a bit better with it anyhows.

Christine Klinger

Another blast from the past thanks for sharing the video it brings back memories for me when i was a teenage girl in the late sixties. R.I.P Gordon we your fans miss you and that includes me.

uptownjen

There's another version on YouTube (45 version) that seems to have the lyrics work around being in a bed or "staying all night"...even in 1968?!?

Love it regardless. Thanks for posting!

Mark Sisson

Yeah - there was the cleaned up radio version. This original was banned in most places.

Roei Doo

@Mark Sisson vinyl wouldn't get the remaster version, right? :(

Sheila Morgan

Blast from the past. I like this one. It is fun.

JOSH EMMETT

Brian Jones played the drums

Mary Stirlen

Where did Gordon's English accent go?

Sheila Morgan

Gordon is Scottish.

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