Up against the wind
Lori Perry Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴Day after Day seems like I push against the clouds
They just keep blocking out the sun
It seems since I was born
I've wakened every blessed morning
Down on my luck and up against the wind

Don't you stop, don't you run, don't you cry
You'll do fine, you'll be good, you'll get by


Night after night seems like I rage against the moon
But it don't ever light the dark
I curse the falling rain
But it won't stop for my complaining
Down on my luck and up against the wind

Don't you stop, don't you run, don't you cry
You'll do fine, you'll be good, you'll get by

Swimming against the tide and striking the indifferent air
I'm swinging with empty hands
Driving that empty dream

Mmmm

Day after Day I fend myself against heat

But it don't ever cool the breeze
Don't you stop, don't you run, don't you cry


Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Lori Perry’s song “Up Against the Wind” reveal a message of perseverance despite adversities in life. In the first verse, the singer describes how they feel like they are constantly pushing against the clouds that block out the sun. This imagery is a metaphor for the struggles the singer faces, as if they are continuously trying to overcome obstacles that thwart their efforts. The singer acknowledges that they have been accustomed to facing difficulties since birth, making them accustomed to being “down on [their] luck”. However, they remain resolute in continuing to push forward.


The chorus serves as an affirmation of hope to the listener. It is a reminder that no matter how hard things may seem, we must persist and eventually we will succeed. The words “Don’t you stop, don’t you run, don’t you cry / You’ll do fine, you’ll be good, you’ll get by” are an encouragement to the listener to not give up when faced with struggles or disappointment. The second verse is similar to the first, where the singer describes how they rage against the moon at night, but it never lights the dark. This is another metaphor for feeling lost and hopeless, despite one’s efforts. The singer acknowledges their own complaints and cursing at the falling rain but recognizes that it won’t make the situation any better.


The bridge offers a more physical description of the struggles the singer is facing. They are swimming against the tide and striking the indifferent air, which shows how they are fighting a battle where the odds are against them. They may feel as though they are swinging with “empty hands” and driving towards an empty dream. However, despite all of this, the singer remains resilient and determined to keep going. They know that they will face more difficulties, such as when they fend themselves against heat, but they won’t give up.


Line by Line Meaning

Day after Day seems like I push against the clouds
Every day feels like a struggle and I can't seem to make any progress.


They just keep blocking out the sun
The obstacles in my life keep me from finding happiness and success.


It seems since I was born I've wakened every blessed morning
For as long as I can remember, I've had to face challenges and difficulties every day.


Down on my luck and up against the wind
I feel like I've been dealt a bad hand in life, and everything I do is a struggle.


Don't you stop, don't you run, don't you cry
Don't give up or run away from your problems. Keep going, even if it's difficult.


You'll do fine, you'll be good, you'll get by
If you keep pushing through, eventually things will get better and you'll find success.


Night after night seems like I rage against the moon
I feel like I'm fighting against things that are beyond my control.


But it don't ever light the dark
No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to find the light at the end of the tunnel.


I curse the falling rain
I'm frustrated with the obstacles that keep popping up in my life.


But it won't stop for my complaining
No matter how much I complain, the difficulties in my life aren't going away.


Swimming against the tide and striking the indifferent air
I feel like I'm going against the grain and facing challenges that no one else seems to understand or care about.


I'm swinging with empty hands
I feel like I'm trying to accomplish something, but I don't have the resources or support I need to make it happen.


Driving that empty dream
Despite my struggles, I'm still trying to pursue my dreams and make something of myself.


Day after Day I fend myself against heat
Every day, I have to face difficult and uncomfortable situations.


But it don't ever cool the breeze
No matter what I do, things never seem to get easier or more comfortable for me.


Don't you stop, don't you run, don't you cry
No matter how hard things get, I have to keep pushing through and not give up.


Contributed by Anthony H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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