The band released their self-titled first album in March 1995 via PopLlama Records. After they garnered massive acclaim, Columbia Records quickly signed them. The album peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 and has shipped over three million copies. The RIAA has certified it as triple platinum. Songs "Peaches", "Kitty", "Lump", and "Dune Buggy" received major airplay.
Their 1996 follow-up album, "II", did not reach the same acclaim, though it reached the top forty on the Billboard 2000. Single "Mach 5" also garnered some airplay. The band then fell of the radar for many listeners, dropped by their major label. However, their albums of the new millennium, 'Freaked Out and Small' followed by 'Love Everybody' and 'These Are the Good Times People' (released in 2000, 2004, and 2008, respectively), picked up positive critical reviews, such as from the All Music Guide. Although their touring schedule became more sporadic into the 00s and 10s, they continue to perform and satisfy audiences with their off-beat humor and catchy hooks.
We Are Not Going to Make It
The Presidents of the United States of America Lyrics
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No no we're not gonna to make it
'cause there's a million better bands
With a million better songs
DRUMMERS who can drum
And singers who can sing
Deep in my heart I do believe
We're not gonna make it
'cause' we don't have the talent
And we don't have the time
And we don't have the patience
And we don't know how to rhyme
deep in my heart I do believe
We're not gonna make it
No no we're not gonna to make it
Said no no no no no no no no no no
No no no no no no no no no no no
No no no no no no no no no no no
No no no no no no no no no no no
we're not gonna make it
The Presidents of the United States of America's song We Are Not Going to Make It is a comical take on the challenges that up-and-coming musicians may face while striving to make it big in the music industry. The lyrics suggest that there are other bands out there who are far more talented and capable of creating popular songs than they are. The song is filled with self-deprecating humor as the lead singer declares that the band lacks the talent, time, patience, and ability to rhyme needed to be successful in the industry.
Despite the surface level of hopelessness conveyed through the lyrics, the song can also be interpreted as a commentary on the cutthroat nature of the music industry, where success is often based on factors beyond just musical talent. The chorus of "We're not gonna make it" is repeated throughout the song like a mantra, emphasizing the band's belief that they are not good enough to succeed.
At the same time, the song is also a tongue-in-cheek anthem for underdogs in general, encouraging listeners to find humor and embrace their shortcomings even when things seem bleak. The lyrics suggest that even if the odds are against them, they can still find joy in striving for their goals.
Overall, We Are Not Going to Make It is a satirical commentary on the obstacles that aspiring musicians face in trying to break into the music industry. Through its humor and self-effacing humor, the song manages to convey a sense of camaraderie and hope for all those who continue to struggle and persevere despite the odds.
Line by Line Meaning
We're not gonna make it
We have doubts about our success in the music industry and do not believe we will make it.
No no we're not gonna to make it
We are certain about our failure in making it in the music industry.
'cause there's a million better bands
There are numerous other talented bands that outshine us in terms of music and creativity.
With a million better songs
These other bands have a plethora of amazing tracks that overshadow our mediocre songs.
DRUMMERS who can drum
There are better drummers out there who can perform better than our own drummer.
And singers who can sing
Several singers are far more talented and skillful than our lead vocalist.
Deep in my heart I do believe
Despite our doubts, we hold some hope in our hearts.
Said no no no no no no no no no no
The repetition of 'no' signifies our overwhelming certainty that we will fail to succeed in the music industry.
And we don't have the talent
We recognize and acknowledge that we lack the required creativity, talent, and vision to make it big in the music industry.
And we don't have the time
We lack the necessary time to create high-quality music and fine-tune our skills to compete with other talented artists.
And we don't have the patience
We are not willing to invest the time required for creating good, worthwhile music, and the patience needed to build a future in the music industry.
And we don't know how to rhyme
We lack the basic understanding of structure and lyrics to create meaningful songs that other people will connect with.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARC ANTHONY THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind