Alive And Kicking
by Simple Minds
Summary
"Alive and Kicking" is about the power of love and resilience. It explores the ups and downs in relationships while emphasizing the importance of sticking together through tough times.
Full Analysis
The song captures a sense of urgency and hope. It talks about the highs of love but also the fears of losing it. There's a strong message about staying connected and not giving up, no matter how hard things get. The repeated call to keep love "alive" really drives home the idea that love requires effort and commitment.
Verse 1
You turn me on
You lift me up
Like the sweetest cup I'd share with you
You lift me up
This verse sets a warm and intimate tone. The speaker expresses how their partner brings joy and energy into their life. The imagery of sharing a sweet drink suggests closeness and comfort. The repetition of "You lift me up" reinforces the idea that this love is uplifting and essential.
Chorus
What you gonna do when things go wrong?
What you gonna do when it all cracks up?
What you gonna do when the love burns down?
What you gonna do when the flames go up?
Here, the chorus shifts the mood to a more serious tone. It raises questions about facing challenges in love. The imagery of things "cracking up" and "burning down" captures the fear of losing what’s precious. It’s a reminder that love isn’t always easy and that tough times can threaten a relationship.
Verse 2
Who is gonna come and turn the tide?
What's it gonna take to make a dream survive?
Who's got the touch to calm the storm inside?
Who's gonna save you?
In this verse, the speaker reflects on the uncertainty of love. They’re searching for answers and a sense of security. The questions suggest a vulnerability, as if they’re unsure who can help them through hard times. It emphasizes the need for support and reassurance in a relationship.
Chorus
Alive and kicking
Stay until your love is
Alive and kicking
Stay 'till your love is
Until your love is, alive
The chorus returns, bringing back the theme of persistence. It’s a plea for the partner to remain committed. The phrase "alive and kicking" suggests that love can be vibrant and strong, but it needs nurturing. It’s a call to action, urging both partners to fight for their love.
Verse 3
Whoa, you lift me up
To the crucial top, so I can see
Ah, you lead me on, 'till the feelings come
And the lights that shine on
This verse celebrates the uplifting nature of love again. The speaker feels elevated and inspired by their partner. The "crucial top" implies that love opens up new perspectives and brings clarity. It’s a beautiful moment of connection, highlighting how love can guide and illuminate.
Chorus
What you gonna do when things go wrong?
What you gonna do when it all cracks up?
What you gonna do when the love burns down?
What you gonna do when the flames go up?
The chorus repeats, reminding listeners of the earlier questions. This repetition reinforces the idea that challenges are a constant in love. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared to face difficulties together.
Bridge
Don't say goodbye, don't say goodbye
In the final seconds, who's gonna save you?
In the bridge, there's a sense of urgency and desperation. The plea of "don't say goodbye" shows fear of loss. It raises the stakes, asking who will step in to help when things get tough. It’s a powerful moment that highlights the fragility of love.
Outro
Ooh-oh, ohh-oh
Alive and kicking
Oh, stay until your love is, love is
Alive and kicking
The outro echoes the central message of the song. It brings back the idea of keeping love alive and vibrant. The repetition here reinforces the commitment needed to maintain a strong relationship. It leaves listeners with a sense of hope, reminding them that love can endure with effort.
Closing Thoughts
"Alive and Kicking" really captures the rollercoaster of love. It’s about celebrating the good times while also recognizing that challenges will come. The song encourages us to stay committed and support each other, making love a living, breathing force in our lives.
Full Lyrics
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You lift me up
Like the sweetest cup I'd share with you
You lift me up
Don't you ever stop, I'm here with you
Now it's all or nothing
'Cause you say you'll follow through
You follow me and I, I, I follow you
What you gonna do when things go wrong?
What you gonna do when it all cracks up?
What you gonna do when the love burns down?
What you gonna do when the flames go up?
Who is gonna come and turn the tide?
What's it gonna take to make a dream survive?
Who's got the touch to calm the storm inside?
Who's gonna save you?
Alive and kicking
Stay until your love is
Alive and kicking
Stay 'till your love is
Until your love is, alive
Whoa, you lift me up
To the crucial top, so I can see
Ah, you lead me on, 'till the feelings come
And the lights that shine on
But if that don't mean nothing
Like if someday it should fall through
You take me home where the magic's from
And I'll be with you
What you gonna do when things go wrong?
What you gonna do when it all cracks up?
What you gonna do when the love burns down?
What you gonna do when the flames go up?
Who is gonna come and turn the tides?
What's it gonna take to make a dream survive?
Who's got the touch to calm the storm inside?
Don't say goodbye, don't say goodbye
In the final seconds, who's gonna save you?
Ooh-oh, ohh-oh
Alive and kicking
Oh, stay until your love is, love is
Alive and kicking
Ooh-oh, ohh-oh
Alive and kicking
Oh, stay until your love is, love is
Alive and kicking
(...)
Ooh-oh
Alive and kicking
Stay until your love is
Alive and kicking