In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Hush now, child, and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you, by and by
Move on up, toward your destination
You may find from time to time
Complication
Bite your lip, and take a trip
Though there may be wet road ahead
And you cannot slip
So move on up for peace will find
Into the steeple of beautiful people
Where there's only one kind
So hush now, child, and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you, by and by
Move on up, and keep on wishing
Remember your dream is your only scheme
So keep on pushing
Take nothing less, than the supreme best
Do not obey rumors people say
'Cause you can pass the test
Just move on up, to a greater day
With just a little faith
If you put your mind to it you can surely do it
Just move on up
Move on up
But move on up
Oh, child, but just move on up
But move on up
Move on up
Your folks might understand you, by and by
Move on up, toward your destination
You may find from time to time
Complication
Bite your lip, and take a trip
Though there may be wet road ahead
And you cannot slip
So move on up for peace will find
Into the steeple of beautiful people
Where there's only one kind
So hush now, child, and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you, by and by
Move on up, and keep on wishing
Remember your dream is your only scheme
So keep on pushing
Take nothing less, than the supreme best
Do not obey rumors people say
'Cause you can pass the test
Just move on up, to a greater day
With just a little faith
If you put your mind to it you can surely do it
Just move on up
Move on up
But move on up
Oh, child, but just move on up
But move on up
Move on up
Lyrics submitted by msephton, edited by Broken_and_Hollow, epiwoosh, iroc-z
Move on Up Lyrics as written by Curtis L. Mayfield
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kanjian Music, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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The lyrics are wrong in vital places. This is a rather cyncle, sarcastic and ironic song about growing up.
"Take nothing less - not even second best" should in fact be: Take nothing less - THAN the second best"
There is a big difference in meaning.
So after a couple of listens I was getting perplexed with this one. Right off the bat after the first few lines it started to make me question the lyrics v tone over and over again. I got really confused and perplexed with the opening two lines...<br /> <br /> " Hush now child, and don't you cry" <br /> <br /> Suddenly it had the feeling of ...<br /> <br /> "Shhhhsh! Child Stop making a fuss"<br /> <br /> An then <br /> After listening over and over a fair few times these lines sound less and less comforting for the 'Child' and more condescending towards the child.<br /> <br /> Next..<br /> <br /> "Your folks might understand you"<br /> (Your parants havent got a clue and Never will)<br /> <br /> "By and By"<br /> (By & By... FFS... Get used to this, deal with it)<br /> <br /> This is harsh man!!!! <br /> <br /> Tell's me that Curtis parents were unloving people consumeded with there own lives rather than there child!<br /> <br /> This is so very sad! <br /> <br /> Cant continute with this one right now.<br />
Yeah,I thought he said that too and that lyric always surprised me. Yet the song itself is inpiring.For the young Black generation especially that song had a lot of power back then."Your folks might understand you by and by".Many older blacks did not go for the big naturals and militant attitudes of the younger folks.Curtis was telling them that one day they would see that the youngsters were right about their passions.And he was VERY right about that final rapprochement.
@Comrade Liar
Dude.. which would be more inspiring.. telling someone to settle for second best, or telling them to settle for nothing less than the best (even second best..)
I find this song as one of the most beautiful and inspiring songs I have ever heard. It has a very optimistic tune/melody behind the words.
Bend it like Beckham!!
Anyway, this song always gets me in a good mood. It's a great vibe, makes everything in the world seem positive.
What does this song have to do with that film?
It's "take nothing less than the supreme best" - he just pronounces "sup-reme" a bit strangely and it's hard to hear
IM-dms - you are so right! I absolutely love this song, and find it incredibly moving, and that it captures some intense feeling of the 70's (when I was in my teens). But was always really flummoxed by that lyric....how could someone as smart as Curtis M. write a lyric that was nonsensical and seemed kinda demeaning. But yeah - it IS "supreme best" and that makes total sense. He had something really special, a real intensity and need to communicate.
Very inspiring indeed.