Members
Richard Manitoba - lead vocals (1973-2008)
Ross "The Boss" Friedman - lead guitars/backing vocals (1973- 2008)
Scott "Top Ten" Kempner - rhythm guitars (1973-2008)
Andy Shernoff - bass (1973-1975, 1976-2008), keyboards/backing vocals (1973-2008)
Stu Boy King - drums (1974-1975; died 2018)
Ritchie Teeter - drums (1976-1980; died 2012)
Mark Mendoza - bass (1976-1977)
Mel Anderson - drums (1979)
Frank Funaro - drums (1995-1998)
J.P. Patterson - drums (1998-2008)
Discography
Go Girl Crazy (1975)
Manifest Destiny (1977)
Bloodbrothers (1978)
Fuck 'Em If They Can't Take a Joke (ROIR, 1981)
The Dictators Live, New York, New York (ROIR, 1998)
D.F.F.D. (2001)
Viva Dictators (2005)
Every Day Is Saturday (2007)
I Stand Tall
The Dictators Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And love can conquer any war
It's time to take a stand
Brothers and sisters join hands
We got to let love rule
Let love rule
Let love rule
Love transcends all space and time
And love can make a little child smile
Can't you see this won't go wrong
But we got to be strong
We can't do it alone
We got to let love rule
Let love rule
We got to let love rule
Let love rule
(Let love rule)
You got to, got to, got to
(Let love rule)
Let love rule
You got to, got to, got to
(Let love rule)
Let love rule
(Let love rule)
Let love rule
You got to, got to, got to
Yes, yeah yeah
You got to, yeah
You got to, got to, got to, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Let love rule
The Dictators’ song “I Stand Tall” is a call-to-arms for love, unity, and brotherhood. The opening verse describes the power and beauty of love, comparing it to a rose and saying that it can conquer any war. The song then urges people to take a stand and join hands, emphasizing that we must work together and let love rule. The second verse continues this theme, saying that love transcends all space and time and has the power to make a little child smile. The final lines of the song reiterate the need for unity, urging everyone to let love rule and reminding us that we cannot do it alone.
The lyrics of “I Stand Tall” are full of hope, inspiration, and positivity, urging listeners to come together and make a difference in the world. This message is especially relevant in today’s divided and polarized society, where it is easy to feel like we are all alone in our struggles. The song reminds us that love is a unifying force that can bring us together regardless of our differences, and that we are stronger when we work together towards a common goal.
Overall, “I Stand Tall” is an uplifting and empowering song that inspires listeners to let love rule and work towards a better future for all. It is a timeless message that is just as relevant today as it was when the song was first released.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is gentle as a rose
Love is mellow and soothing.
And love can conquer any war
Love can overcome any conflict or dispute.
It's time to take a stand
It's time to stand up for what you believe in.
Brothers and sisters join hands
Everyone, regardless of gender or race, should unite.
We got to let love rule
Love should be the guiding principle of our actions.
Love transcends all space and time
Love is not bound by physical boundaries or temporal limitations.
And love can make a little child smile
Simple gestures of love can bring joy to the most vulnerable.
Can't you see this won't go wrong
Love can never lead us astray.
But we got to be strong
It takes inner strength to practice love in the face of adversity.
We can't do it alone
We need each other to practice love effectively.
You got to, got to, got to
It is imperative that you take this advice.
Yes, yeah yeah
Affirming that this message resonates with the listener.
You got to, yeah
Reiterating the importance of following this advice.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Further conveying enthusiasm and conviction.
Let love rule
Love should be the ultimate driving force of human action.
Writer(s): Andrew Shernoff Copyright: Shernoff Music
Contributed by Max R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@joeylone2427
This song takes me back. I was 13 years old and I grew up abused. But then I discovered rock n roll. This song gave me a HUGE set of balls and inspired me to become a guitarist.
@dagnabbit6187
Genius Band ! Underrated and timeless sound that did not date. Dont call yourself a Classic Rock fan if you are not a fan of the Dictators !!!
@GrandPunkTrainwreck
One of the very BEST in every way--band, song, and album. This song is always in the back of my mind & I'm eternally grateful. DFFD.
@popalberta4688
DFFD indeed.
@bryanprice1424
I'll never understand why this song isn't constantly heard at yankees games, or why Baby Let's Twist and Minn. Strip ain't commonly what comes from the juke box at bar you might walk into in the country. One of the best songs from one the greatest bands ever. From their best album. And no one's heard of them. Strange world.
@SartorialisticSavage65
Some of the best shit is a secret.
@THEWORDCHRISTIANMINISTRY
Still Awesome !
@SteveBerberovic
Great lyrics. Have seen Ross live 3 times, Handsome Dick once as a solo act, and Andy Shernoff once, also as a solo act.
@dannygray4179
I love The Dictators. Vastly underated band.
@THEWORDCHRISTIANMINISTRY
Saw them twice. AWESOME both times !