Keep On Pushing
The Impression Lyrics
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Keep on pushing
I've got to keep on pushing (mmm-hmm)
I can't stop now
Move up a little higher
Some way, somehow
And it don't make sense
Not to keep on pushing
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Keep on pushing
Now maybe some day (mmm-hmm)
I'll reach that higher goal
I know I can make it
With just a little bit of soul
'Cause I've got my strength
And it don't make sense
Not to keep on pushing
Now look-a look (look-a look)
A-look-a yonder
What's that I see
A great big stone wall
Stands there ahead of me
But I've got my pride
And I'll move on aside
And keep on pushing
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Keep on pushing
Keep on pushing, what'd I say
Keep on pushing, well it's all right
Keep on pushing
The Impressions' "Keep On Pushing" is a powerful motivation and uplifting song that speaks to the perseverance and resilience of the human spirit. Curtis Mayfield composed the song, and it was released in 1964 on the album of the same name. The lyrics of the song convey the message of pressing forward regardless of the hurdles we face in life. The song's chorus emphasizes the importance of perseverance, which is repeated throughout the song, while the verses narrate the singer's personal struggles and experiences.
The first two lines, "I've got to keep on pushing, (mmm-hmm) I can't stop now" set the tone for the entire song's message. The singer affirms that he cannot give up despite the challenges he faces. The line "Move up a little higher, some way, somehow" implies that he wants to reach higher goals in life, but he needs to work hard to get there. The singer acknowledges that he has strength, and it doesn't make sense to stop just because the journey becomes difficult.
The second verse talks about the obstacles the singer encounters, which is a great big stone wall. However, he says that he will keep on pushing, and he has his pride, which will help him overcome the wall. The song is optimistic and gives hope to the listener that even when faced with seemingly impossible tasks, they can overcome them with determination and hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep on pushing
Continue to persevere or strive towards a goal.
I've got to keep on pushing (mmm-hmm)
I must persist and go forward with determination
I can't stop now
I can't give up because success is within reach
Move up a little higher
Take steps towards a better outcome
Some way, somehow
I'll find a way, no matter what it takes
'Cause I've got my strength
I possess the motivation and resilience to succeed
And it don't make sense
There's no real justification for giving up
Not to keep on pushing
Therefore, I need to keep holding on.
Hallelujah, hallelujah
An expression of exultation and excitement
Now maybe some day (mmm-hmm)
Perhaps one day in the future
I'll reach that higher goal
I'll accomplish an important aspiration
I know I can make it
I'm convinced I can succeed
With just a little bit of soul
By giving some extra effort or commitment
Now look-a look (look-a look)
Observe and be aware
A-look-a yonder
Look beyond the present and into the future
What's that I see
I see an obstacle
A great big stone wall
A difficult challenge or setback
Stands there ahead of me
I face it directly
But I've got my pride
I have self-respect and dignity
And I'll move on aside
I'll get out of my own way
And keep on pushing
And continue to persevere towards the goal
Keep on pushing, what'd I say
I reiterate the importance of persisting
Keep on pushing, well it's all right
It's okay to struggle, but we must continue to move forward
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS L MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nyx773
LYRICS:
Keep on pushing
Keep on pushing
I've got to keep on pushing (mmm-hmm)
I can't stop now
Move up a little higher
Some way, somehow
'Cause I've got my strength
And it don't make sense
Not to keep on pushing
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Keep on pushing
Now maybe some day (mmm-hmm)
I'll reach that higher goal
I know I can make it
With just a little bit of soul
'Cause I've got my strength
And it don't make sense
Not to keep on pushing
Now look-a look (look-a look)
A-look-a yonder
What's that I see
A great big stone wall
Stands there ahead of me
But I've got my pride
And I'll move on aside
And keep on pushing
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Keep on pushing
Keep on pushing, what'd I say
Keep on pushing, well it's all right
Keep on pushing
Hassan Todd
It gets no better!!!
This was before my time,
but I get chills
listening to
timeless, legendary material.
I listen to this song,
and it envokes memories of the
Civil Rights, Malcolm, the Panthers,
Tommy Carlos and John Smith,
raising up their fists on the podium in solidarity, at the 68 Olympics,
and Muhammad Ali refusing induction into the colonizer's military.
Diane Davis
I was born into my parents poordom meaning they had no vision for their lives and certainly not the children they produced. Because I was inspired by this song, I graduated college with no help from them; worked on a a great job for 25 years; been homeless twice; and now a successful commercial actor all because I kept on pushing.
RA TAVERNIER
Our parents make us who we are. And your parents are responsible for you becoming the person that you have become! Like many of our older generation Black people, your parents hopes and dreams were murdered before they even got a chance to have the courage to strive but because of them, you were determined to do differently and trust me it WAS because of them. Be Blessed!
Michael Glasgow
The makings of youu
Rising Phoenix
I am late to the conversation but was nostalgic today. To Ms Diane David: my story is much like yours. Segregated southern schools, people trying to hold you back after integration - but on to College, some ups and a lot of downs, but finally a wonderful (but stressful) and lucrative career in a field that I fell into. Retired now, living good!
We’re a Winner was the first inspiration as a child of the movement, then Keep on Pushing in college - that was how it played out for me. Bless you for your beautiful comment!
Rising Phoenix
@RA TAVERNIER Yes yours is a beautiful and insightful comment. As an adult I finally realized what my parents had to go through just to put food on the table, and know now that what I thought I did on my own was actually a strength inherited from my parents
Tarus Carter
Yes Sir.
Rob Jones
Curtis remains the most overlooked talent from the Golden Period Of Soul. Unlike Stevie or Marvin, he seems to be falling into neglect yet he was writing songs of social consciousness
long before either of them. He was a massive influence on Hendrix, Prince, and Bob Marley. " Back To The World" is equal to "What's Going On" or "Innervisions", yet it is never
mentioned. Regardless of that, he still is a class act. This is a prime example of his stellar talent.
eric walker
We as Black People keep on pushing. We always do. We always will.
CampBioCutie28
🖤🖤🖤
Countryboy Fletcher
My mama had me in November 1970, my dad, her husband left her with 2 babies. She kept on pushing, mattress on the floor/sheet up 2 the windows/washing clothes on her hands/finding food for us/no car. This is the Theme Song of my life. Keep on Pushing, Rest In Peace Mama. [posted February 11, 2020]