High Hopes
Sammy Cahn Lyrics


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Next time you're found, with your chin on the ground
There a lot to be learned, so look around

Just what makes that little old ant
Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can't
Move a rubber tree plant
But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes

So any time you're gettin' low
'Stead of lettin' go
Just remember that ant
Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant
Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant
Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant

When troubles call, and your back's to the wall
There's a lot to be learned, that wall could fall

Once there was a silly old ram
Thought he'd punch a hole in a dam
No one could make that ram, scram
He kept buttin' that dam

'Cause he had high hopes, he had high hopes
He had high apple pie, in the sky hopes

So any time you're feelin' bad
'Stead of feelin' sad
Just remember that ram
Oops, there goes a billion kilowatt dam
Oops, there goes a billion kilowatt dam
Oops, there goes a billion kilowatt dam

All problem's just a toy balloon
They'll be bursted soon
They're just bound to go pop
Oops, there goes another problem kerplop




Oops, there goes another problem kerplop
Oops, there goes another problem kerplop, kerlpop

Overall Meaning

Sammy Cahn's song "High Hopes" is characterized by its optimistic tone and its message that anything is achievable with determination and optimism. In the first verse, the listener is told that even the smallest creatures, such as ants, have the potential to achieve great things, such as moving a rubber tree plant. The lyrics suggest that despite common sense telling us that an ant could not possibly move a rubber tree plant, the ant's high hopes and determination are what ultimately lead to success. This is emphasized in the chorus with the repetition of the phrase "He's got high hopes," which is accompanied by the image of apple pie in the sky hopes, implying that anything is possible.


In the second verse, the listener is presented with the story of a ram who thinks he can punch a hole in a dam. Again, common sense would suggest that this is impossible, and yet the ram's high hopes and determination prove otherwise. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the message of optimism and determination.


The final verse is slightly different, presenting the idea that problems are like toy balloons that are destined to pop. Again, the emphasis is on the importance of having a positive attitude and the power of hope.


Overall, "High Hopes" is a song that encourages the listener to adopt a positive outlook on life and to believe that anything is possible.


Line by Line Meaning

Next time you're found, with your chin on the ground
When you're feeling down and out


There a lot to be learned, so look around
Take a moment to observe your surroundings and learn from them


Just what makes that little old ant
What motivates a small creature like an ant


Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Believe that he can achieve the impossible


Anyone knows an ant, can't
Everyone knows that an ant cannot


Move a rubber tree plant
Move a heavy and large object like a rubber tree plant


But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
Despite being an ant, he still believes in his ability to achieve great things


He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes
He has lofty and ambitious goals, like reaching for the sky


So any time you're gettin' low
Whenever you're feeling discouraged


'Stead of lettin' go
Instead of giving up


Just remember that ant
Remember to have the determination and hope of the ant


Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant
The ant succeeded in achieving his goal, despite the odds


When troubles call, and your back's to the wall
When you're facing challenges and obstacles


There's a lot to be learned, that wall could fall
There's always something to learn from difficult situations, and the wall may not be as impenetrable as it seems


Once there was a silly old ram
There was a foolish animal, a ram


Thought he'd punch a hole in a dam
Believed he could break through an impenetrable obstacle, like a dam


No one could make that ram, scram
No one could make the ram leave or give up his goal


'Cause he had high hopes, he had high hopes
Despite being a ram, he still believed in his ability to achieve great things


He had high apple pie, in the sky hopes
He had lofty and ambitious goals, like reaching for the sky


So any time you're feelin' bad
Whenever you're feeling down


'Stead of feelin' sad
Instead of giving up or getting depressed


Just remember that ram
Remember to have the determination and hope of the ram


Oops, there goes a billion kilowatt dam
The ram succeeded in achieving his goal, despite the odds


All problem's just a toy balloon
All problems are like a small, insignificant toy balloon


They'll be bursted soon
They will be overcome soon


They're just bound to go pop
They are guaranteed to go away soon


Oops, there goes another problem kerplop
Another problem has been easily overcome and disappears




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