The Meaning Behind The Song: Gotta Get Up by Nilsson
“Gotta Get Up” by Nilsson is a timeless classic that has resonated with listeners for decades. It’s a simple yet powerful melody that encourages the listener to keep going no matter what.
The song is taken from the album “Nilsson Schmilsson,” which was released in 1971. It’s regarded as one of Harry Nilsson’s greatest albums and features several other popular songs such as “Without You” and “Coconut.”
The song is catchy and uplifting, but its true meaning is often misunderstood. In this article, we’re going to delve into the meaning behind the song and explore its significance.
The Story Behind The Song
“Gotta Get Up” was written by Harry Nilsson during a tumultuous time in his life. Nilsson had recently gone through a divorce and was struggling with alcoholism. He had hit rock bottom and was desperately trying to turn his life around.
In an interview, Nilsson stated that “Gotta Get Up” was his way of inspiring himself to keep going. The song was a reminder to him that no matter how bad things got, he still had to get up and start a new day.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Gotta Get Up” are simple yet profound. The song begins with the line, “Gotta get up, gotta get out, gotta get home before the morning comes.”
This line encapsulates the feeling of urgency that Nilsson was experiencing during this time in his life. He felt like he was running out of time and needed to make changes before it was too late.
The chorus of the song goes:
“Everybody’s saying that hell’s the hippest way to go. Well, I don’t think so, but I’m gonna take a look around it though. Gotta get up, gotta get out, gotta get home before the morning comes.”
This chorus speaks to the societal pressures that Nilsson was feeling at the time. He felt like he was expected to participate in a certain lifestyle, even if it wasn’t what he truly believed in.
The line “but I’m gonna take a look around it though” shows that Nilsson was willing to explore different options, even if they didn’t necessarily align with his values.
The Significance of the Song
“Gotta Get Up” is a song that has stood the test of time. It’s been covered by multiple artists and has been used in several movies and TV shows, such as “Russian Doll” and “Boogie Nights.”
The song’s significance lies in its universal message of hope. It’s a song that encourages listeners to keep going, even when things seem hopeless. It’s a reminder that there’s always a new day and a new opportunity to make things right.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is “Nilsson Schmilsson?”
“Nilsson Schmilsson” is a 1971 album by Harry Nilsson. It features several popular songs such as “Without You” and “Coconut.”
2. What inspired Harry Nilsson to write “Gotta Get Up?”
Harry Nilsson was going through a difficult time in his life when he wrote “Gotta Get Up.” He had recently gone through a divorce and was struggling with alcoholism. He wrote the song as a reminder to himself that he still had to get up and face a new day, no matter how difficult it was.
3. Why is “Gotta Get Up” such a popular song?
“Gotta Get Up” is a popular song because of its universal message of hope. It’s a song that encourages listeners to keep going, even when things seem hopeless. It’s a reminder that there’s always a new day and a new opportunity to make things right.
4. Has “Gotta Get Up” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Gotta Get Up” has been covered by multiple artists, including Andrew W.K. and Passion Pit.
5. What movies and TV shows has “Gotta Get Up” been featured in?
“Gotta Get Up” has been featured in several movies and TV shows, such as “Russian Doll” and “Boogie Nights.”
6. What is the meaning behind the lyrics “everybody’s saying that hell’s the hippest way to go?”
The line “everybody’s saying that hell’s the hippest way to go” speaks to the societal pressures that Harry Nilsson was feeling at the time. He felt like he was expected to participate in a certain lifestyle, even if it wasn’t what he truly believed in.
7. What message does “Gotta Get Up” send to listeners?
“Gotta Get Up” sends a message of hope to listeners. It’s a reminder that no matter how bad things get, there’s always a new day and a new opportunity to make things right.
8. How did “Gotta Get Up” impact Harry Nilsson’s life?
“Gotta Get Up” was a reminder to Harry Nilsson that he still had to get up and face a new day, no matter how difficult it was. It’s a song that helped him through a difficult time in his life and reminds him to stay hopeful and keep going.
9. What is the significance of “Gotta Get Up?”
The significance of “Gotta Get Up” lies in its universal message of hope. It’s a song that encourages listeners to keep going, even when things seem hopeless.
10. What emotions does “Gotta Get Up” evoke in listeners?
“Gotta Get Up” evokes feelings of hope and motivation in listeners. It’s a song that encourages them to keep going, even when things seem impossible.
11. What does the line “gotta get home before the morning comes” mean?
The line “gotta get home before the morning comes” speaks to the urgency that Harry Nilsson was feeling at the time. He felt like he needed to make changes before it was too late.
12. What is the lasting legacy of “Gotta Get Up?”
The lasting legacy of “Gotta Get Up” is its universal message of hope. It’s a song that encourages listeners to keep going, no matter how difficult things may seem.
