Ambling Alp
Yeasayer Lyrics
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And I've avoided doing things I know I can
But if I've learned one thing to tattoo on my arm
Or burn into my thumb it would be that
You must stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
Oh Max Schmeling was a formidable foe
The Ambling Alp was too at least that's what I'm told
But if you learn one thing you've learned it well
In June you must give fascists hell
They'll run but they can't hide
You must stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
And when those thunder clouds are cryin'
(In the skies, in the skies)
And when those fireflies keep shining,
(In your eyes, in your eyes)
Keep your mind on the time,
With your ass on the line,
Keep your fleet feet sliding
(Side, to the side)
Now the world can be an unfair place at times
But your lows will have their compliment of highs
And if anyone should cheat you
Take advantage of or beat you raise your head
And wear your wounds with pride
You must stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself son
Never mind what anybody else done
The lyrics of Yeasayer's song Ambling Alp contain several meaningful messages. The lines "Now kid I know I haven't been a perfect man, And I've avoided doing things I know I can," showcase a sense of regret and introspection. The next lines "But if I've learned one thing to tattoo on my arm, Or burn into my thumb it would be that / You must stick up for yourself" give us insight into the lesson the singer has learned. The message here is simple, that one must stand up for themselves regardless of what anyone else has done.
The song goes on to reference boxer Max Schmeling and the "Ambling Alp," a nickname given to boxer Primo Carnera. These references illustrate the idea of standing up against injustice and fascism- "But if you learn one thing you've learned it well / In June you must give fascists hell / They'll run but they can't hide." The lyrics also acknowledge that life can be unfair and difficult, and that the lows will come with their share of highs. Hence, the last lines, "And if anyone should cheat you / Take advantage of or beat you raise your head / And wear your wounds with pride," encourage listeners to hold their own and wear their scars as symbols of their strength.
Overall, the lyrics of Ambling Alp are inspirational and meaningful. Its message of standing up for oneself and fighting against injustice and prejudice resonates with many.
Line by Line Meaning
Now kid I know I haven't been a perfect man
I acknowledge my mistakes as a mentor figure to you
And I've avoided doing things I know I can
I have been holding back from taking action in certain situations
But if I've learned one thing to tattoo on my arm
If there's anything worth remembering, it's this
Or burn into my thumb it would be that
This lesson is essential and should never be forgotten
You must stick up for yourself son
Stand up for yourself
Never mind what anybody else done
Don't let others' actions dictate your own
Oh Max Schmeling was a formidable foe
Max Schmeling was a strong competitor
The Ambling Alp was too at least that's what I'm told
The Ambling Alp was also a tough opponent according to others
But if you learn one thing you've learned it well
There's one lesson you should never forget
In June you must give fascists hell
Fight against fascism and oppression
They'll run but they can't hide
Oppressors will face consequences for their actions
And when those thunder clouds are cryin'
During difficult times when nothing seems to be going right
(In the skies, in the skies)
Referring to the crying thunder clouds
And when those fireflies keep shining,
Despite the darkness, there is still light
(In your eyes, in your eyes)
Referring to the shining fireflies
Keep your mind on the time,
Stay focused on your goals
With your ass on the line,
Despite challenges and risks
Keep your fleet feet sliding
Keep moving forward and adapt to the situation
(Side, to the side)
Referring to sliding to avoid obstacles
Now the world can be an unfair place at times
The world can be difficult and unjust
But your lows will have their compliment of highs
Good times will eventually come after bad times
And if anyone should cheat you
If anyone wrongs you
Take advantage of or beat you raise your head
Stand tall and don't let them bring you down
And wear your wounds with pride
Don't be ashamed of your past struggles
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anand Mathew Wilder, Christopher E Keating, Ira Wolf Tuton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joe Finberg
This song was listed as one of the "best of the decade by Spotify" I can't believe I'm only learning about it in the decade's waning days.
Jonny Maq
Seriously, you can come back to this song at any point in time and it's still so .. can't even find the words .. uplifting? Like throughout your entire being, this song just has an effect on you, and only in a good way.
Jeremy Bridges
Jonathan McQuade truest thing.. couldn't have said it better myself
Ajay A
Jonathan McQuade could you please suggest me similar songs or artists?
Jason B
Fk ya dude!!
Ajay A
@Jason B thanks a lot man!
Edit : loved the song dude! Awesome <3
neil mitchell
Clearly one of the greatest music videos ever made and one hell of a tune as well.
EctoSage
I personally believe this song is one of the best things you guys have ever done, & one of the best songs in all of creation.
Triathe
I second that.
sweet fry
Agreed.