High Hopes
The Mayries Lyrics


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Had to have high, high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing
Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes

Mama said
Fulfill the prophecy
Be something greater
Go make a legacy
Manifest destiny
Back in the days
We wanted everything, we wanted everything

Mama said
Burn your biographies
Rewrite your history
Light up your wildest dreams
Museum victories, everyday
We wanted everything, we wanted everything

Mama said don't give up, it's a little complicated
All tied up, no more love and I'd hate to see you waiting

Had to have high, high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing
Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes

Had to have high, high hopes for a living
Didn't know how, but I always had a feeling
I was gonna be that one in a million
Always had high, high hopes

Mama said
It's uphill for oddities
The stranger crusaders
Ain't ever wannabes
The weird and the novelties
Don't ever change
We wanted everything, wanted everything

Stay up on that rise
Stay up on that rise and never come down, never come down
Stay up on that rise
Stay up on that rise and never come down

Mama said don't give up, it's a little complicated
All tied up, no more love and I'd hate to see you waiting
They say it's all been done, but they haven't seen the best of me
So I got one more run and it's gonna be a sight to see

Had to have high, high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing




Didn't have a dime, but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes

Overall Meaning

The Mayries's song High Hopes is an uplifting anthem about holding on to positivity even when things seem tough. The lyrics encourage the listener to maintain high expectations and to aim for their goals, even in the face of adversity. The first verse describes the struggles of trying to make it in life, shooting for the stars even when it seems impossible. The second verse offers a message of hope, advising the listener to rewrite their history and turn their biggest dreams into reality. The chorus reiterates the importance of having high hopes by stating that the singer never had much materially but always had a vision.


The bridge offers words of support and motivation, advising the listener not to give up and to keep climbing higher. The final chorus emphasizes the importance of not giving up on one's dreams and continuing to aim high. The overall message of the song is one of perseverance and hope, suggesting that anything is possible if one believes in themselves.


Line by Line Meaning

Had to have high, high hopes for a living
I had to be ambitious to have a fulfilling life


Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing
I aimed for greatness even though success was uncertain


Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision
I didn't let my lack of resources stop me from dreaming big


Always had high, high hopes
My optimism and determination never wavered


Mama said Fulfill the prophecy
My mother encouraged me to fulfill my destiny


Be something greater Go make a legacy
My mother urged me to leave a lasting impact on the world


Manifest destiny Back in the days
My mother believed that my future was predetermined


We wanted everything, we wanted everything
We were hungry for success and fulfillment


Mama said Burn your biographies
My mother advised me to let go of my past and focus on the future


Rewrite your history
My mother encouraged me to change my narrative and create my own story


Light up your wildest dreams
My mother wanted me to chase my biggest aspirations


Museum victories, everyday
My mother wanted my accomplishments to be celebrated and remembered


Mama said don't give up, it's a little complicated
My mother acknowledged that the journey to success can be difficult


All tied up, no more love and I'd hate to see you waiting
My mother advised me not to let setbacks and heartbreaks hold me back


Didn't know how, but I always had a feeling
I was uncertain of the path to success, but I had faith in my abilities


I was gonna be that one in a million
I believed that I had the potential to be exceptional


It's uphill for oddities
Unusual and unique individuals face an uphill battle


The stranger crusaders
Those who fight for their unconventional dreams are like crusaders


Ain't ever wannabes
They are not content with just wanting, they are determined to achieve


The weird and the novelties
Those who are different and unconventional have potential for greatness


Don't ever change
My mother encouraged me to stay true to myself and my dreams


Stay up on that rise
I must continue striving for success and not settle for less


Stay up on that rise and never come down, never come down
I must maintain my determination and strive for greatness


They say it's all been done, but they haven't seen the best of me
I am confident that I can accomplish great things despite others doubting me


So I got one more run and it's gonna be a sight to see
I am ready to take one final, epic shot at success




Writer(s): brandon urie

Contributed by Charlotte L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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