Falling Up
Rising Beyond Regrets: Embracing Life's Contradictions with John Hiatt
Lyrics
I'm gonna lower my standards and raise my price
Expresses the intention to raise personal value and standards, possibly in a humorous or sarcastic tone.
I'm gonna take your lunch and your bad advice
Mentions the decision to disregard others' advice and make independent choices, even if they are not sound.
Until my worse idea gets the big reward
Describes a willingness to persist with a bad idea in the hope of achieving a significant reward or success.
Until I get out of this raggedy Ford
Reflects a desire to move beyond a difficult situation symbolized by the "raggedy Ford."
And into a shiny new two seater
Expresses a desire to upgrade to a more luxurious and attractive lifestyle, as symbolized by a "shiny new two-seater."
Dress my girlfriend up like a cheetah
Describes a playful image of dressing up a significant other in an extravagant way.
I'm gonna sign my checks: Yours sincerely
Suggests a willingness to take responsibility for financial transactions with a touch of humor.
For all the money that you hold dearly
Indicates a willingness to use money for personal enjoyment, possibly at the expense of others.
When my ego swells and my output dwindles
Addresses the inflated ego and declining productivity, acknowledging a potential negative impact on others.
You can tell the world that you've been swindled
Warns that the speaker's actions might lead to others feeling deceived or cheated.
By the man who would have been so bitter
Reflects on the possibility of bitterness in the speaker's character if certain decisions had not been reconsidered.
Had he never reconsidered
Highlights the importance of reconsideration in avoiding bitterness.
Falling up
Introduces the recurring theme of "falling up," suggesting a positive outcome from unconventional choices.
To the top of the junk pile wearing a big smile
Describes the speaker's ascent to success with a sense of pride, despite starting from a challenging position.
Falling up
Reiterates the idea of ascending to the top, emphasizing the speaker's confidence and humor.
To the top of the heap with my tongue in cheek
Describes the achievement of success with a playful reference to having one's "tongue in cheek."
I can't sit down cause I'm falling up
Explains the difficulty of sitting down, symbolizing continuous upward movement and progress.
Well I used to think that I had some duty
Reflects on a shift in priorities from a sense of duty to a focus on personal gain, particularly material wealth.
Now I only want the booty
Expresses a more self-indulgent attitude, emphasizing a desire for material rewards.
And unless you've recently been anointed
Warns against expressing disappointment unless one has experienced recent success or recognition.
Then don't tell me you're disappointed
Reiterates the potential bitterness of the speaker if certain decisions had not been reconsidered.
In the man who would have been so bitter
-Had he never reconsidered
Emphasizes the importance of reconsideration in avoiding bitterness and negative outcomes.
Now I pay no mind to innovation
Indicates a disregard for innovation, possibly reflecting a preference for familiarity and routine.
Just over and over with the same sensation
Highlights a repetitive and unchanging pattern of behavior or experience.
Till I'm a short short subject on a long tape loop
Uses metaphorical language to describe a monotonous and unfulfilling existence.
That comes and goes like the hula hoop
Compares the transient nature of experiences to a passing fad like the hula hoop.
In one ear and out the other
Describes the lack of retention or impact of information or experiences.
Nothing there to stop it, brother
Emphasizes the unstoppable nature of the speaker's journey, with nothing to impede progress.
Falling up
Reiterates the central theme of "falling up," suggesting ongoing positive progression despite challenges.
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