All our needs put together
Don't bleed on their own
You paid for an eyeful
So behold the bull
Why can't I look up, (out in the clearing)
Tell me what's there below, (end over end)
While he's safe for the moment, (guess what he's learning)
He's never safe from the crowd, come one

So hats off to the bull
No giving up
(Either way, it makes ya mad)
(Well some of us)
Hats off to the bull, keep giving all
(What ya say we make amends)

To be monumental
Could mean the beyond
The simpler the treasure
Means the higher the cost
Well as for the ending, damn right I'm learning
You might ask for the door, end over end
Well I hate how the clouds hide
The gasps from above

So hats off to the bull
No giving up
(Either way, it makes ya mad)
(Well some of us)
Hats off to the bull, keep giving all
(What ya say we make amends)

Find your challenge, suffer miles
Colors gray, he brings them out
Don't mind the challenge, suffer miles
A little shallow, if I don't say

Hats off to the bull
His time ain't up
(Bitter hell in the lion's den)
For some of us
Hats off to the bull
The sun won't set
(Till the pain and the final breath)

So hats off to the bull
No giving up
(Either way, it makes ya mad)
(Well some of us)
Hats off to the bull, keep giving all
(What ya say we make amends)

Hats off to the bull
No giving up
Hats off to the bull
Keep giving up
Hats off to the bull
No giving up
Hats off to the bull


Lyrics submitted by totem5sk

Hats Off to the Bull Lyrics as written by Samuel Loeffler Peter Loeffler

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Hats Off to the Bull song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

10 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +3
    My Interpretation

    I think what is being said in these lyrics is that someone's got to be the one to never back down from the crowd. From my point of view, we all learn from an early age that it's easy (even "best") to agree with the majority, even if you do not agree. I believe that most people buy into to this thought process because I've seen most people do it every day of my life. When most people come across situations whether at work, in a relationship, politically, or socially when they have a different opinion or believe about something and are their opposition is put up against the numbers and thrown to the masses, they fold. Why? Because who wants to be involved in an unjust fight? Who wants to be the one opposed by the masses? It's a scary and insecure position for anyone to face.

    Then there are those who for some reason that never quit; even when odds, experience, or logic have likely already predicted the greatest possibility of failure. Whether it is a question of right/wrong, pride, ego, justice, or even freedom, something prevents them from selling out their side of it. The saddest thing about it is that when others see this going on in day to day life and realize what's happening, they too will come across the same predicament and be forced to make the same choice within themselves...(Are you tough enough, basically.)

    I believe in all honesty, that the world needs "these bulls" to prosper. Hence, the statement, "Hats off to the bull." How would we have gotten anywhere as a society or democracy if there was never anyone with the balls big enough to say hey, eff you guys, respect my authoritay! Or atleast a different way to think, believe, or live.

    All our needs put together Don't bleed on their own

    (Like saying, if no one(s) will pay the price, then not everyone would have a way of getting what they need. Which in my thoughts are the basics, like freedom of speech or the right to bare arms.

    As an American, this is what my country was founded on.

    We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, which among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.) You paid for an eyeful So behold the bull

    (There's an injustice we ALL pay when everyone isn't treated with respect or thoughtfulness. "A bull" will see this and definitely be the one to stand up and do something about it. Hey, they still have a chance, right???)

    Why can't I look up, (out in the clearing) Tell me what's there below, (end over end)

    (Okay, so most time this happens in our day to day life, it's something way smaller than anything I mentioned previously. You know, like, someone admitting that they agreed with Bush about the "war" on violence...That's a scary freaking thing to say now-a-days though, right? Might catch a couple of boo's or rocks thrown your way for it. However, my point is that we don't speak our minds or follow our hearts most times out of fear. So of course, in our own shame or guilt, we'd hate to see or watch someone else go down for own cowardliness.)

    While he's safe for the moment, (guess what he's learning) He's never safe from the crowd, come one

    (Unfortunately, a lot of times, there can be extreme consequences for standing up for something most will say they were against. Whether you win or lose, people will either hate you for doing it, hate you for changing it, or hate you for even trying. We can all probably agree that "a bull" may not have too many friends or allies during or after the fact. Therefore, in the beginning, you're just speaking your mind right? No harm, no fowl, yeah? WRONG! Human Beings just aren't that dignified yet, I suppose....? So yeah, I can also agree, the bull will never really be safe from the crowd's ridicule.)

    Aw, the bull. Brave! Hat's off, indeed.

    EnoughisEnoughon June 15, 2012   Link

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

Album art
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him. There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
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/
Album art
Blue
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it. “I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.