Lyrics
Now kid, I know I haven't been a perfect man
Acknowledgment of imperfection as a man and past mistakes
And I've avoided doing things I know I can
Admitting avoidance of certain actions despite capability
But if I learned one thing, the tattoo on my arm will burn into my thumb
Recognition of a significant lesson symbolized by a tattoo
It would be that
Emphasizing the importance of the lesson
You must stick up for yourself, son
Encouragement to assert oneself regardless of others' actions
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
-Now Old Man Schmelling was a formidable foe
Comparing formidable opponents to learning experiences, emphasizing personal growth
But Ambling Alp was, too, at least that's what I'm told
-But if you learn one thing, you've learned it well
-Until you must get past yourself
-They'll run but they can't hide
Highlighting that some challenges cannot be evaded
You must stick up for yourself, son
Reiteration of the advice to stand up for oneself despite others' actions
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 crying in the skies, in the skies
Metaphorical references to facing adversities (thunder clouds, fireflies), staying focused, and maintaining balance
And when those fireflies keep shining in your eyes, in your eyes
-Keep your mind for the time, with your ass on the line
-Keep your feet, feet sliding to the side, to the side
-Now, the world can be an unfair place at times
Acknowledgment of life's unfairness but advising to endure hardships with dignity and self-respect
But your lows will have their complement 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
Continued emphasis on self-assertion and resilience despite external circumstances
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
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