MC5

Gotta Keep Movin'

Rebellion in Rhyme: Defying Conformity with MC5's Gotta Keep Movin'
Be the first to rate this song

Lyrics

Teachers, parents and politicians

Teachers, parents, and politicians are critical of my ambitious pursuits.

They ridicule my wild ambitions

They mock my ambitious dreams.

They say, "settle down son, live decently,

They advise me to settle down and live a conventional life to avoid trouble.

Or you'll rot in jail before your 23!"

Warning of potential consequences, they predict I might end up in jail if I don't conform by 23.

They don't know their stuck in the past

They are unaware of being stuck in the past.

Can't stop me now 'cause I'm movin' too fast

Despite their resistance, I am unstoppable as I am moving forward swiftly.


Presidents, priests and old ladies too

Presidents, priests, and elderly women advocate what they believe is best for me.

They'll swear on the Bible

They solemnly affirm on the Bible about what is in my best interest.

What's best for you

Reference to political and social issues such as atom bombs, Vietnam, and moon missiles.

Atom bombs, Vietnam, missiles on the moon

They express surprise at the fact that their children are turning to drugs.

And they wonder why their kids are shootin'

Youth fighting for democracy but ending up sacrificing for mediocrity.

Drugs so soon

Young men fightin' for democracy

The youth is engaged in a struggle for democracy.

And sacrificed for mediocrity

However, their sacrifices are for a mediocre outcome.


I can't stay in one place for too long a time

The speaker cannot stay in one place for long due to boredom.

I get stone bored, I go outta my mind

Feeling restless, the speaker tends to go out of their mind when stuck in one place.

I'm here and I'm there and doncha know I'm free

Emphasizing freedom, the speaker moves around freely.

Gotta keep movin' baby, you and me

The imperative to keep moving is extended to the listener, emphasizing shared freedom.


People wakin' up, but they've just begun

People are awakening to the issues, but it's just the beginning of understanding.

To realize what needs to be done

The speaker continues to move forward, implying a proactive approach.

But as for me I keep movin' on

Embracing the present and looking ahead, the speaker rejects dwelling on the past.

The future's now, yesterday is gone

The future is the focus, emphasizing the irrelevance of the past.

I never let nobody tell me what to do

The speaker asserts independence and determination not to be influenced by others.

And no matter what I'm gonna see things through

Despite challenges, the speaker is committed to seeing things through to the end.

Similar Songs

Comment