Move Over
Steppenwolf Lyrics


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Things look bad from over here
Too much confusion and no solution
Everyone here knows your fear
You're out of touch and you try too much

Yesterday's glory won't help us today
You want to retire?
Get out of the way

The country needs a father
Not an uncle or big brother
Someone to keep the peace at home
If we can't get it together
Look out for stormy weather
Don't make me pay for your mistakes
I have to pay or my own

Yesterday's glory won't help us today
You want to retire?
Get ou of the way

I ain't got much time
The young ones close behind
I can't wait in line

If we can not wake you
Then we'll have to shake you
Though some say you'll only understand a gun
Got to prove them wrong
Or you will lose the battle
Don't you know we'll start a war
Which will be won by none

Yesterday's glory won't help us today
You want to retire?
Get out of the way

I ain't got much time
The young ones close behind
I can't wait in line

Move over
Come on, Move Over

Yesterday's glory won't help us today
You want to retire?
Get out of the way

I ain't got much time




The young ones close behind
I can't wait in line

Overall Meaning

"Move Over" is a song by Steppenwolf released in 1969 as part of their album "At Your Birthday Party". The song is a protest against the older generation's inability to provide effective leadership amidst a time of uncertainty and confusion. It contains a message of urgency, telling the elder generation to 'move over' and allow the younger ones to take charge and lead the country forward.


The first verse sets the tone for the song, “Things look bad from over here/ Too much confusion and no solution/ Everyone here knows your fear/ You're out of touch and you try too much”. The younger generation feels that the older generation is ineffective and that they are the only ones who can change the course of the nation. The chorus, “Yesterday's glory won't help us today/ You want to retire? Get out of the way,” talks about how the past achievements of the older generation are irrelevant now and how they should retire and let the younger generation lead.


The second verse goes a step further and says that the country needs a father figure, not just an uncle or big brother. “Someone to keep the peace at home” refers to how they require a leader who can unify the country and maintain peace within the nation. The final verse's lyrics, “Got to prove them wrong/ Or you will lose the battle/ Don't you know we'll start a war/ Which will be won by none” are about how if the older generation fails to step down and let the younger people lead, the country will be headed towards war, with no party benefitting from it.


Line by Line Meaning

Things look bad from over here
The situation seems dire when seen from my perspective.


Too much confusion and no solution
There is a lot of chaos and no clear resolution in sight.


Everyone here knows your fear
All of us can see that you are afraid of something.


You're out of touch and you try too much
You are disconnected from reality and attempt to do too many things at once.


Yesterday's glory won't help us today
Past successes cannot solve present problems.


You want to retire?
Are you thinking of stepping down from your responsibilities?


Get out of the way
If so, please step aside and allow someone else to take charge.


The country needs a father
We require a leader who can act as a protective and supportive figure.


Not an uncle or big brother
Although this person must be caring and nurturing, they cannot be too close or familiar.


Someone to keep the peace at home
We need an individual who can maintain order and harmony within our community.


If we can't get it together
If we cannot unify and work towards a common goal...


Look out for stormy weather
We must brace ourselves for difficult times ahead.


Don't make me pay for your mistakes
Do not force others to suffer the consequences of your errors.


I have to pay or my own
We must each take responsibility for our own actions.


I ain't got much time
I am running out of time to make a difference.


The young ones close behind
The newer generation is rapidly approaching and will soon take over.


I can't wait in line
I cannot afford to wait for others to act before I do.


If we can not wake you
If we cannot rouse you from your complacency...


Then we'll have to shake you
We will need to convince and motivate you to take action.


Though some say you'll only understand a gun
There are those who believe that force is the only way to get through to you.


Got to prove them wrong
We must demonstrate that violence is not necessary to effect change.


Or you will lose the battle
If we rely on aggression, we will not achieve our goals.


Don't you know we'll start a war
Do you not realize that confrontation will only lead to conflict?


Which will be won by none
A dispute benefits no one in the end.


Move over
Please step aside and let others take charge.


Come on, Move Over
Urging them to step aside even more strongly.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: GABRIEL MEKLER, JOHN KAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Philip Kassabian

A really great song.

Comments from YouTube:

@walterfechter8080

This monumental tune was penned by a guy who fled tyranny as a young boy. John Kay's words still ring true!

@oceanstarlake

Steppenwolf were bad ass, all the bikers I knew listened to them in the early 80's. My most played records included them, early ZZ top, Black Sabbath etc.,

@joeking433

That's probably why they aren't in the Rock Hall of Fame. They had a biker reputation.

@railsedge5746

Who's listing to this during covid lock down.!!?

@Thomasgene

The Drums are great here!

@mixaliskokkinos1496

In all the songs of this Greatest Hits!The man is an absolute!

@railsedge5746

Who's listening and love it.??🤔

@mixaliskokkinos1496

Look out for stormy wearher...!my brother!Greetings from Greece

@Barry7777777

Yes, one of my favorite lead guitar solos of all time. Nothing terribly technical, just the right notes in the right places

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