Nail Down the Days
The Madness Lyrics
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I was lost in my childhood feeling lonely
I'll be the big man, I'll be the big noise
I'll be the square fellow
With these flat hand and a mind of my own
I was lost in dreams of a distant home
I'll be the big man, I'll be the big noise
On these great shores I was born an immigrant to this city
Under the bright lights [x2]
I can't be happy 'til it's understood
I'll make my own way
Give me something that I can call my own
I'll nail down the days
Nail down the days
In this just land I was raised to bow down to the man
I walked under the steel [x2]
Nothing's changed so I'll wait and I'll pray
Come now what may
Live and work for the best that they'll pay
Nail down the days [x2]
See me a stranger and I'll call you a friend
You can lead me a lamb to the slaughter
I'll be the big man, I'll be the big noise
I'll be the square fellow
Nothing's changed so I'll wait and I'll pray
Come now what may
Live and work for the best that they'll pay
Nail down the days [x2]
I'll be the big man, I'll be the big noise
I'll be the square fellow
The lyrics of "Nail Down the Days" by The Madness speak about a deep feeling of loneliness and despair that the singer experienced during his childhood. However, he refuses to be a victim of his circumstances and chooses to be a big man, a big noise, and a square fellow who would make his own way in the world. The singer reflects on being an immigrant born on these great shores and being raised to bow down to the man in this unjust land. The contrasting symbols of bright lights and steel represent the allure and harshness of the big city.
In the chorus, the singer pleads for something to call his own and vows to nail down the days, implying that he wants to take charge of his life and make every day count. He acknowledges that although nothing has changed, he will wait and pray for something better while living and working for the best that they'll pay. Finally, the singer reveals that he can see a stranger as a friend and is willing to stick to his values, be a big man, a big noise, and a square fellow regardless of the obstacles in his way.
Line by Line Meaning
You give me something that I just can't explain
I am grateful for what you have given me, but I cannot put into words what it means to me.
I was lost in my childhood feeling lonely
In my younger years, I often felt isolated and without companionship.
I'll be the big man, I'll be the big noise
I will take charge and make sure my voice is heard.
I'll be the square fellow
I will be a responsible and upright person.
With these flat hand and a mind of my own
With my own two hands and my personal convictions,
I was lost in dreams of a distant home
I have often had thoughts of a faraway place that I consider home.
On these great shores I was born an immigrant to this city
I was born as an outsider in this city that I now call home.
Under the bright lights [x2]
In the midst of the city's bustling lights and glamour
I can't be happy 'til it's understood
My true contentment cannot come until I feel understood.
I'll make my own way
I will pave my own path to success.
Give me something that I can call my own
I desire something that I can claim as solely mine.
I'll nail down the days
I will set a plan in place and stick to it faithfully.
In this just land I was raised to bow down to the man
I was brought up in a society that expected me to conform and comply with authority.
I walked under the steel [x2]
I have spent time in industrialized and urban areas dominated by steel and concrete.
Nothing's changed so I'll wait and I'll pray
Despite a lack of change, I will still retain hope by waiting and praying for guidance.
Come now what may
I am prepared to face whatever comes my way.
Live and work for the best that they'll pay
I will strive to attain the highest salary and best lifestyle that is available to me.
See me a stranger and I'll call you a friend
I am quick to trust and embrace those who may initially appear unfamiliar.
You can lead me a lamb to the slaughter
I may be naive and easily persuaded by others.
Nothing's changed so I'll wait and I'll pray
I will maintain faith even in the face of stagnation.
I'll be the big man, I'll be the big noise
I will not be silent or overlooked; I will claim a powerful presence in my life and career.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CATHAL SMYTH, CATHAL JOSEPH SMYTH, CHRISTOPHER JOHN FOREMAN, GRAHAM MCPHERSON, LEE JAY THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@darrenb8974
It's a renaissance year for The Madness which is being released again on vinyl.
I am confident it will be appreciated more than it was first time around.
@katoness
Such an underrated song and album.
@marcelomapelman1478
Cuando salió me encantó, a pesar de esperar frescura y hits,y oírlo ahora despues de tantos años, no difiere tanto de Mad Not Mad,una evolución lógica.Y el estribillo de esta canción es hermoso.
@thepcguy3659
Love this album so much
@VictorHugo-ry4jm
The best album of Madness!
@michaelgaljaard
Victor Hugo why
@mrindecisive100
It's the best album by 'The Madness'!
@VictorHugo-ry4jm
Is the same band
@mrindecisive100
@Victor Hugo No Bedders and no Woody, therefore not Madness. Which is why they added 'The' to the name. When they reformed with the classic seven-piece line-up in 1999 they were Madness again.
@VictorHugo-ry4jm
Is madness with "the". Same band