Time To Get Tough
The Aggrolites Lyrics


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Times are getting tough now
And there is only one thing that I need to know
Is it going to make me a better man
Or bring it on, so I can go

And if you plan on leaving
Don't make it so soon
'Cuz I'm only gonna make it
Worth your while
'Cuz aint want to give up baby
It just ain't my style

Will you try
To realize
The goal is set right where I want it to be
Ain't goin' stop
Till I reach that spot
Someday I'm going to make you see

And if you plan on dreaming
Better move right on
'cuz you just read me wrong
'cuz I ain't going a make believing
Think of what I need to do all day long

So understand what a man says
When he's got something strong
And he isn't gonna let something get in his way
Got a lot to do for tomorrow
But I'm a whole lot further than I was yesterday

[organ riff]

[Time to get tough now]
I know what you thinking
Because you ain't the first to preach to me about that backup plan
[Time to get tough now]
I'm only going to say it once
I don't care of that if you don't understand
[Time to get tough now]
'Cuz my time is running short
And I'm not afraid beat...(unknown)
[Time to get tough now]
I'd rather get my dream on




Than work that back plan
That's just gonna waste my time

Overall Meaning

The Aggrolites's song "Time To Get Tough" talks about determination, resilience, and the willingness to overcome life's difficulties. It's a call-to-action to stand firm in the face of adversity and not to give up easily. The song starts with a situation of life getting tougher, and the singer is left with one thing to consider: Will the situation make him a better man, or should he leave? Here, the songwriter is putting emphasis on the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of challenges. He wants to hold on without quitting and see the issue through to fruition. The theme of the song revolves around the idea that we can only grow when faced with challenges and adversities, and we should embrace them instead of running from them.


The singer then makes it clear that if someone plans on leaving, they shouldn't do it too soon. He insists that he wants to make it worth their while, but he cannot give up. He encourages them to understand that sometimes we say things when we feel strongly about them, and we are not going to back down from our goals. The writer uses the phrase, "It just ain't my style," to suggest that giving up is not the way to go, and he would prefer to see things through to the end.


The chorus is a call-to-action, urging the listener to be strong and focused, to follow their dream, and not to settle for a backup plan that will waste time. The organ riff accompanying the song creates a jazzy and exciting vibe suitable for the message the song is conveying.


Fact 1: The Aggrolites first released "Time To Get Tough" in their 2009 EP, "The Aggrolites Present... Jesse Wagner in Tribute To The Reggae Legends."


Fact 2: The song was later included in the 2011 studio album, "Rugged Road."


Fact 3: The Aggrolites are a band from the United States that combine different genres like Reggae, Soul, Funk, and Ska.


Fact 4: The group formed in 2002 and has released six studio albums and several EPs.


Fact 5: The band has worked with veterans in the music industry like Tim Armstrong, Mike Ness, and members of Rancid.


Fact 6: The group's sound has earned them the label "Dirty Reggae," a term coined by Tim Armstrong.


Fact 7: The Aggrolites have toured extensively around the world, including North America, Europe, and Japan.


Fact 8: Guitarist Brian Dixon and bassist J Bonner were previously members of the California ska band, Hepcat, who had their time in the spotlight during the Third Wave of Ska in the 1990s.


Fact 9: "Time To Get Tough" is an ode to classic Jamaican rocksteady, ska, and reggae music, showcasing the band's versatility and classic sound.


Fact 10: "Time To Get Tough" highlights the band's expertise in writing catchy hooks and melodies while staying true to their traditional roots style.


Chords:
Unfortunately, we cannot provide the chords as they are not available online.


Line by Line Meaning

Times are getting tough now
I am facing challenges in life right now


And there is only one thing that I need to know
I only need to know if my struggles will help me improve or make me quit


Is it going to make me a better man
Will this test make me a better version of myself?


Or bring it on, so I can go
Or will it defeat me and make me give up?


And if you plan on leaving
If you plan on quitting or leaving me


Don't make it so soon
Please don't do it abruptly


'Cuz I'm only gonna make it
I will succeed, and


Worth your while
I will make it worthwhile


'Cuz aint want to give up baby
I never give up


It just ain't my style
It's not in my nature to quit


Will you try
Will you consider


To realize
To understand


The goal is set right where I want it to be
I have set my target and won't settle for less


Ain't goin' stop
I won't stop


Till I reach that spot
Until I achieve that target


Someday I'm going to make you see
One day, you will see my success


And if you plan on dreaming
If you only want to dream and not work towards your goals


Better move right on
better move on


'cuz you just read me wrong
You don't know me


'cuz I ain't going a make believing
I won't just imagine a better life for myself


Think of what I need to do all day long
I am busy working hard towards my dreams all day long


So understand what a man says
Listen and understand what I'm saying


When he's got something strong
When he's confident in himself and what he wants


And he isn't gonna let something get in his way
And he won't allow obstacles to hinder him


Got a lot to do for tomorrow
I have a lot of work to do for tomorrow


But I'm a whole lot further than I was yesterday
I'm proud of my progress even if it's small


'Cuz my time is running short
Because my time is limited


And I'm not afraid beat...(unknown)
And I'm not afraid to fight and win


I know what you thinking
I know what you're thinking


Because you ain't the first to preach to me about that backup plan
Because you're not the first to advise me to have a backup plan


I'm only going to say it once
I'll only say this once


I don't care of that if you don't understand
I don't care if you don't get it


And I'm not afraid beat...(unknown)
And I'm not scared to overcome my problems


I'd rather get my dream on
I prefer pursuing my dreams instead of settling for a backup plan


Than work that back plan
Rather than work on a backup plan


That's just gonna waste my time
That will only waste my time




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Comments from YouTube:

mopey

This song IS summertime! When the sun is shining, I'm kicking feet to this.

Double Stufffed

I used those exact words the other day while reggae summertime was on. With a cold on in my hand and the grill on.

ARES GaddaWar

This song goes so hard!

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