The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
It's high now
So low it's high
Like this, check it out yo
Took a trip on a bus that I didn't know
Met a girl sellin' drinks at the disco
Said "truth comes back when you let it go"
Seems complicated 'cause it's really so simple
Walkin' down Yonge Street on a Friday
Can't follow them, gotta do it my way
No fast lane, still on a highway
Movin' in and out, no doubt there's a brighter day
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
It's like this, it's like this
It's like flies on the windscreen, writing on walls
Square Biz clones claim they're havin' a ball
Foolin' themselves just before last call
Tic-a-tic-a-toc tic-a-tic-a-toc
Clock strikes twelve, clock strikes one
Smoking gun put these fools on the run
I know it's not that simple, I know it's not that hard
Where's your God
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
Yeah know I mean
Yeah, I heard you man, yo, check, yo, yo
It's a conniption fit when the microphones lit
I take it higher like a bird on a wire, retire the fire
I'll never 'cause I'm just moving on up
Choosin' to touch, the unseen, craving the clutch
The most inevitable, legible pyromania
Slaying the devil, and send him back to Transylvania
Strangely enough, I avoid that side of the ghetto
From my heavy metal, will settle the puppets like Geppetto
Damm, if mirrors where created by sand
Then I'm looking in the water for reflections of man
Understand the minds above time when it's empty
MC, Tragically Hip, ahead by a century (rah)
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
So low it's high
Like this, check it out yo
Took a trip on a bus that I didn't know
Met a girl sellin' drinks at the disco
Said "truth comes back when you let it go"
Seems complicated 'cause it's really so simple
Walkin' down Yonge Street on a Friday
Can't follow them, gotta do it my way
No fast lane, still on a highway
Movin' in and out, no doubt there's a brighter day
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
It's like this, it's like this
It's like flies on the windscreen, writing on walls
Square Biz clones claim they're havin' a ball
Foolin' themselves just before last call
Tic-a-tic-a-toc tic-a-tic-a-toc
Clock strikes twelve, clock strikes one
Smoking gun put these fools on the run
I know it's not that simple, I know it's not that hard
Where's your God
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
Yeah know I mean
Yeah, I heard you man, yo, check, yo, yo
It's a conniption fit when the microphones lit
I take it higher like a bird on a wire, retire the fire
I'll never 'cause I'm just moving on up
Choosin' to touch, the unseen, craving the clutch
The most inevitable, legible pyromania
Slaying the devil, and send him back to Transylvania
Strangely enough, I avoid that side of the ghetto
From my heavy metal, will settle the puppets like Geppetto
Damm, if mirrors where created by sand
Then I'm looking in the water for reflections of man
Understand the minds above time when it's empty
MC, Tragically Hip, ahead by a century (rah)
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up
Ah, ha, check out the crabs in the bucket
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
i find that k-os' music is starting to be recognized by both those who enjoy music for catchy beats as well as those who seek music or hip-hop with a conscience. one cannot judge a song solely because it may be overplayed on the radio (to those not from Canada, this song has recieved massive airplay, not sure about the states). though this is by no meanins k's greatest song, it describes his situation as moving up in the music business while contrasting his advancement of hip-hop with those mainstream bling artists who are stuck like crabs in buckets making music about the same old things.
K-os is unknown in the states. im one of the lucky few that do know, and i share him with all i can. he is hip hop. he is r&b. he is amazing.
Here is a part of a transcript from a recent interview Much Music had with k-os. It explains what "Crabbuckit" is about.
I've never heard this song (or anything by k-os) on the radio (I'm not Canadian), but I think he's incredible and I think this is the best song on the CD.
i'd never heard of this song or artist until today... but now that i heard it i love it and can't stop listening to it or get it out of my head.. (we're doing it as a tap dance!) so does anyone have any ideas what it's about as a whole? i have a few ideas here and there but can't really tie them together.
Reading Khan's transcript, I think it describes the song perfectly. I like how, despite the fact that the topic is so heavy (being held back by fears) the song is so light and airy. It's sort of like 'I've got fears, but the only thing I can do is move past them. So I'll live for the moment, and wake up to the critics and nay sayers tomorrow.'
Plus, any rap/hip hop/R&B song that references the Tragically Hip is OK in my book :D
This, along with many other K-os songs, is rich with pop culture references. Especially the Hip reference I like (=
Happy Canada Day! Born and raised in Detroit, I have and still listen to a lot of Canadian radio, especially considering the anemic state of pathetic radio we have now, which only pander to their corporate gods. As a boy, the first place I heard Motown, and probably the first place Motown got airplay, was "CKLW", a Canadian AM station which used to chime in w/ "the motor city" after their call letters, even though they broadcast from Canada. I like this song, along w/ many of the other great artists like Sam Roberts, Tragically Hip, etc.
To me, i find this one of the worst and most overrated songs ever. End of story.
Are you kidding? A solid bass groove, 3 very distinct verses, a wicked saxophone solo, words that actually mean something and that feeling it gives you, where you just want to dance. <br /> <br /> But you did a good job of backing up your opinion :S<br /> <br /> Anyway, go to hell or something.