You've Got to Stand for Something
Stand Strong: Embracing Values in a Changing World
Lyrics
Now daddy didn't like trouble, but if it came along
Emphasizes that the speaker's father avoided trouble, but if it came, he faced it.
Everyone that knew him knew which side that he'd be on
People knew the father's stance on issues; he had a clear and consistent position.
He never was a hero, or this county's shinin' light
The father wasn't a hero or a prominent figure in the community.
But you could always find him standing up
Despite not being a hero, the father always stood up for what he believed in.
For what he thought was right
Emphasizes the father's commitment to doing what he perceived as right.
He'd say, "you've got to stand for something
Introduces the recurring theme of standing up for one's principles.
Or you'll fall for anything
Highlights the importance of having convictions to avoid being easily swayed.
You've got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string
Advocates for independence and self-determination, rejecting being controlled.
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name
Encourages not compromising on what is right and maintaining the family's reputation.
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything"
Reiterates the central message of standing firm on one's principles.
Now we might have been better off or owned a bigger house
Speculates about potential material success if the father had been more compromising.
If daddy had done more givin' in or a little more backing down
Suggests that the father's refusal to back down might have affected their material wealth.
But we always had plenty just living his advice
Despite potential sacrifices, the family had enough by living by the father's advice.
Whatever you do today, you'll have to sleep with tonight
Stresses the consequences of one's actions, linking them to the ability to sleep peacefully.
He'd say you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
Reiteration of the importance of standing for something and avoiding gullibility.
You've got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string
Re-emphasizes the call for personal independence and rejecting manipulation.
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name
Encourages maintaining moral integrity and preserving the family's honor.
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
Restates the core message of standing firm on one's principles.
I know that things are different than they were in daddy's days
Acknowledges societal changes but asserts the timeless essence of true manhood.
But I still believe what makes a man really hasn't changed
Expresses the speaker's belief in the enduring qualities that define a man.
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
Reiteration of the importance of standing for principles to avoid being misled.
You've got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string
Re-emphasizes the call for personal independence and rejecting manipulation.
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name
Encourages maintaining moral integrity and preserving the family's honor.
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
Restates the core message of standing firm on one's principles.
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
Final reiteration of the essential message to stand for something and avoid being easily influenced.
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