Alive And Kicking Lyrics
And like the sweetest cup I'd share with you
You lift me up, don't you ever stop, I'm here with you
'Cause you say you'll follow through
You follow me, and I, I, I follow you
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 until your love is, until your love is, Alive
Oh 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'll take me home where the magic's from
And I'll be with you
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?
Don't say goodbye
Don't say goodbye
In the final seconds who's gonna save you?
Stay until your love is, love is, Alive and Kicking
Oh, Alive and Kicking
Stay until your love is, love is, Alive and Kicking
Simple Minds received some amounts of criticism in the 1980s for trying to be like U2 with songs that used Christian symbolism to project double meanings and spiritual overtones into their songs. This song was among those.
There is definitely an element of double entendre in the lyrics of this song. I've tried to find some commentary from the group (credited as the writers) about the meaning, but haven't found it yet. But there has to be some level of spiritual meaning to the lyrics.
I think there are two subjects in this song and the writer addresses the verses to one of those 'persons' and the bridges and choruses to the other person.
At face value, it is definitely a love song that values the enduring qualities of real love -- patience, perseverance, strength. There's no doubt that those can develop in a personal relationship between two people.
But, too many of the references in the lyrics speak of connections on deeper levels than people can have with each other, whether they would want to or not.
The first verse is vague enough to leave room for argument that this is written about another person, though 'you lift me up' and 'the sweetest cup' references begin to create imagery that is a little deeper than a simple love song.
Then the bridge to the first chorus - a barrage of questions seemingly pointed to a different subject than the subject of the verse - ultimately gives away the deeper meaning behind the lyrics, as the questions move from queries of fidelity in tough times to the ultimate question that faces mankind: "Who's gonna save you?"
The chorus then becomes a plea to the second subject to stay. Stay until the feelings match the reality of the relationship, until the love that is there is alive and kicking.
The second verse goes deeper into the spiritual aspects of the writer's relationship to his subject. "You lift me up to the crucial top where I can see," indicates the benefits the writer experiences currently from this relationship. But the verse progresses to an even bigger payoff in the relationship: "You'll take me home where the magic's from, and I'll be with you."
Somehow, some way, when all else collapses or crumbles or dies, this relationship will still exist and the writer will be forever with the subject of his song.
And then, again looking back to the secondary subject, the barrage of questions drills home the point that, ultimately, everything else is going to come to an end with the exception of this one permanent relationship.
Who's gonna save you? The writer seems to have found his savior and is confident of their existence together even after it all comes down. His exhortation appears to be that we stay with him.
A great love song about not running away from love. 'Stay until your love is alive and kicking' means don't give up so quickly.
This is a great love song, but not an ordinary one. Is it written about God or a woman? Jim married Chrissie Hynde, singer with the Pretenders, in 1984 so this could be a celebration of their love. Anyway this is an uplifting song in many senses. It takes me back to the mid 80s seeing the video. I remember thinking this is a beautiful song and a beautiful video. A great song elevates you. It lifts you up to the crucial top.
A truly timeless piece I never tire of. I think it can be taken with a double meaning, as a love song between two people, as well as religious. I loved it then, and I still love it now. It's perfect and has a great tune! Of course the Lyrics are good too. I dislike the "ohh baby bayby yeah baby ohhh yeahh yeah whoo baby" crap that's being put out these days!
I agree. :)
I agree. :)
TD Phoenix: Simple Minds are Scottish, Burchill and Kerr were children together.
Also, I'd like to point out that even U2 stated back in the 80s that they endeavoured to sound more like Simple Minds.
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A&K is a great song!
I've never commented on this song. But it is one of my favorites. Thank God for some bands with great songs that were the only thing that saved them and got them through their lousy teeange years. GREAT SONG. :) Jim Kerr is one of the best male vocalists in this last 30 years.
Oooh, this song is excellent. I could listen to it all night and just sing and sway along and have a quiet drink. <3
I could never get tired of this song. It's timeless! One the best 80's tunes!
Amazing song! I wish there were more like it...
The song is about the relationship Christians have with God. No matter how far a believer strays, God will be with that person.
Also listen to Sanctify Yourself. It has religious connotations as well. Both songs have made me wonder through these years if Simple Minds was a Christian "rock" group.