Aerosmith’s “Get It Up” is one of those rock anthems that has left fans both mesmerized and puzzled. Packed with energetic riffs and Steven Tyler’s unmistakable vocals, the song invites listeners into a labyrinth of lyrics that are as enigmatic as they are thrilling. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at “Get It Up,” exploring the meaning behind its verses and chorus, as well as the cultural and musical context in which it was created. Whether you’re a long-time Aerosmith fan or new to their discography, this analysis will offer valuable insights into one of the band’s lesser-discussed tracks.
The Meaning of “Get It Up” by Aerosmith
In Aerosmith’s iconic track “Get It Up,” the band showcases their signature blend of raw energy and lyrical cleverness. At first glance, the song appears to be a straightforward anthem to youthful exuberance and rebellious spirit. However, a deeper listen reveals layers of metaphor and innuendo that reflect the band’s knack for weaving complex themes into their music. The phrase “get it up” serves as a double entendre, hinting at both the physicality of rock ‘n’ roll and the emotional high of seizing the moment. It’s a rallying cry for living life on the edge, capturing the essence of rock music as a force that defies convention and celebrates freedom. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Aerosmith’s discography, “Get It Up” invites you to experience the adrenaline rush of pure, unbridled rock.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Take me on you rocking whores
Hit the lights and shut your doors
Grab your ankles everyone
Ain’t my way of having fun
[Chorus]
Can’t give it up, got to get it up, give it up, come on Nancy
Can’t get it up, get it up, for your fancy
Got to get it up, get it up, come on Nancy
Can’t get it up, got to get it up, get it up
[Verse 2]
For your fantasies my ass don’t speculate
I’m just your slave, your master’s bait
And lots of luck into the night
Just waiting for the bright light fright
[Chorus]
Can’t give it up, got to give it up, get it up, come on Nancy
Can’t get it up, get it up, for your fancy
Got to get it up, get it up, come on Nancy
Get it up, got to get it up, come on Nancy
[Verse 3]
Really have a good time
Really have a good time
Sucking up the moonshine
Up underneath her clothesline
Really have a good time
Love me ’til the sun
[Chorus]
Can’t give it up, got to give it up, get it up, come on Nancy
Can’t get it up, get it up, for your fancy
Got to get it up, get it up, come on Nancy
Get it up, got to get it up, come on Nancy
[Verse 4]
Get it up and down and all around
Take the ride and paint the town
Slow me down and make it fast
Scream almost and make it last
You know you got to really have a good time
You know you’re really going to, really have a good time
Sucking up on moonshine
Up underneath her clothesline
You know you’re really going to
Really have a good time
You know you really want to
Love me until the sun
[Outro]
Can’t get it up
Get it up
[Verse 1] – Setting the Scene
“Take me on you rocking whores
Hit the lights and shut your doors
Grab your ankles everyone
Ain’t my way of having fun”
In the opening verse, Steven Tyler sets a vivid and provocative scene. The “rocking whores” and the command to “hit the lights and shut your doors” evoke a sense of secrecy and rebellion. The phrase “grab your ankles everyone” adds a layer of shock value, indicating that what follows will not be conventional by any means. Tyler concludes the verse by stating, “Ain’t my way of having fun,” which serves as a disclaimer that the forthcoming events diverge from normal social expectations.
Breaking Down the Chorus
“Can’t give it up, got to get it up, give it up, come on Nancy
Can’t get it up, get it up, for your fancy
Got to get it up, get it up, come on Nancy
Can’t get it up, got to get it up, get it up”
The chorus is arguably the most enigmatic part of the song. The repetition of “got to get it up” could easily be interpreted in various ways—whether as a euphemism, a motivational chant, or even a commentary on societal pressures. The recurring mention of “Nancy” adds another layer of mystery. Who is Nancy, and what does she represent? This ambiguity makes the chorus both fascinating and perplexing, encouraging listeners to draw their own interpretations.
[Verse 2] – Delving Deeper
“For your fantasies my ass don’t speculate
I’m just your slave, your master’s bait
And lots of luck into the night
Just waiting for the bright light fright”
In the second verse, Tyler dives deeper into themes of dominance and submission. The line “For your fantasies my ass don’t speculate” suggests a refusal to analyze or question the fantasies discussed. By stating, “I’m just your slave, your master’s bait,” Tyler introduces a dynamic of power imbalance, further complicating the narrative. The verse ends with “waiting for the bright light fright,” which can be interpreted as anticipating something shocking or revealing.
The Role of Fantasy and Reality
One recurring theme in “Get It Up” is the blurred line between fantasy and reality. Tyler’s lyrics often toggle between vivid, almost surreal imagery and grounded, straightforward statements. This juxtaposition creates a sense of disorientation, compelling the listener to question what is real and what is imagined. In this way, the song mirrors the chaotic and unpredictable nature of rock ‘n’ roll itself.
[Verse 3] – A Shift in Tone
“Really have a good time
Really have a good time
Sucking up the moonshine
Up underneath her clothesline
Really have a good time
Love me ’til the sun”
The third verse marks a tonal shift from the previous verses. Here, Tyler adopts a more carefree and celebratory tone. The repetition of “really have a good time” reinforces the idea of enjoying the moment. “Sucking up the moonshine” adds a rustic, almost Southern charm to the imagery, evoking scenes of late-night revelry. The phrase “Love me ’til the sun” serves as a poignant reminder that this euphoria is temporary, bound by the cycle of night and day.
The Dual Nature of Enjoyment
“Get It Up” masterfully explores the dual nature of enjoyment—the thrill of the moment versus the inevitable return to reality. While the third verse revels in the joy and freedom of the night, the underlying message is that such moments are fleeting. This duality adds depth to the song, making it more than just a rock anthem but a commentary on the human experience.
Revisiting the Chorus
“Can’t give it up, got to give it up, get it up, come on Nancy
Can’t get it up, get it up, for your fancy
Got to get it up, get it up, come on Nancy
Get it up, got to get it up, come on Nancy”
By the time we revisit the chorus, its repetitive nature takes on new meaning. The insistence on “getting it up” now seems to reflect a broader struggle—perhaps the challenge of maintaining one’s spirit and enthusiasm in the face of life’s ups and downs. The chorus serves as a mantra, a reminder to persist despite difficulties.
[Verse 4] – The Climactic Build-Up
“Get it up and down and all around
Take the ride and paint the town
Slow me down and make it fast
Scream almost and make it last
You know you got to really have a good time
You know you’re really going to, really have a good time
Sucking up on moonshine
Up underneath her clothesline
You know you’re really going to
Really have a good time
You know you really want to
Love me until the sun”
The fourth verse builds on the energy of the third, but with an added sense of urgency. Phrases like “Get it up and down and all around” and “Take the ride and paint the town” emphasize the whirlwind nature of the experience. The paradoxical commands to “slow me down and make it fast” and “Scream almost and make it last” add to the song’s frenetic pace. Tyler reiterates the need to “really have a good time,” but with an urgency that suggests time is running out.
Thematic Paradoxes
Throughout “Get It Up,” thematic paradoxes abound. The song oscillates between fast and slow, light and dark, joy and fear. These contradictions serve to highlight the complexity of human emotions and experiences. By acknowledging these paradoxes, Aerosmith creates a song that is both relatable and thought-provoking.
The Symbolism of Nancy
While “Nancy” is mentioned repeatedly throughout the song, her identity remains ambiguous. She could symbolize a muse, an unattainable ideal, or even the concept of desire itself. By leaving Nancy’s identity open to interpretation, Aerosmith invites listeners to project their own experiences and emotions onto the song.
The Significance of the Outro
“Can’t get it up
Get it up”
The song concludes with a truncated version of the chorus, emphasizing the phrase “Get it up.” This ending leaves the listener with a sense of unfinished business, mirroring the ongoing challenges and aspirations that define the human experience. It’s a powerful way to conclude a song that explores such a wide range of emotions and themes.
The Cultural Context of Aerosmith
Before we dissect the lyrics, it’s essential to understand the era and culture in which Aerosmith thrived. Emerging in the early 1970s, Aerosmith quickly became one of America’s most beloved rock bands. Known for their raw energy and rebellious spirit, the band often incorporated themes of love, freedom, and hedonism into their music. By the time “Get It Up” was released, Aerosmith had already cemented their reputation as rock legends, characterized by their boundary-pushing lyrics and electrifying performances.
Initial Impressions and Common Misinterpretations
When you first hear “Get It Up,” it’s easy to get swept away by its high-octane energy. However, the lyrics often leave listeners scratching their heads. The title itself can be misleading, conjuring various interpretations ranging from the risqué to the motivational. Let’s explore some of these common misinterpretations before we break down each verse and chorus.
The Rhythmic Journey
The pulse of “Get It Up” is the first thing that grips your attention. The driving force behind the song is its infectious groove that propels the listener into a state of motion. This isn’t just a song; it’s a sonic invitation to move, to feel, and to experience the music inside your very core. The heavy bass lines and the steady drumbeat create an unbreakable frame for the melody to soar. It’s a rhythm that’s both celebratory and liberating, urging the audience to break free from their mundane existence.
Unveiling the Narrative
If we listen closer to the lyrics, we unravel a narrative that is both primal and relatable. Steven Tyler’s words speak to the struggle within ourselves, the desire to rise above challenges and the human tendency to persevere in the face of adversity. The storytelling is layered with metaphors and imagery that is uniquely Tyler’s. It paints a picture of a soul that refuses to be bound by its circumstances, echoing the very ethos of rock ‘n’ roll.
The Instrumental Tapestry
The instrumental arrangement in “Get It Up” serves as a testament to the collaborative power of the band. Each member’s contribution is a thread that, when woven together, creates a rich tapestry of sound. Joe Perry’s guitar cries out with passion and resilience, harmonizing with Tyler’s iconic wails. The interplay between the instruments brings out the emotional core of the song, turning it from a mere performance into a shared experience.
A Catalyst for Empowerment
“Get It Up” is more than just a rock anthem. It’s a catalyst for empowerment. The song’s message is clear – there will be obstacles, but you have the power within you to rise above. It’s an anthem for the dreamer, the underdog, and the individual who dares to defy the odds and carve their path to greatness.
The Fan Perspective
For the Aerosmith fan, “Get It Up” is a treasure trove of memories and emotions. It’s a song that has been a companion through life’s highs and lows, a soundtrack to personal victories and heartaches. Fans often associate the song with pivotal moments in their lives, turning it into a personal anthem that reflects their own inner battles and triumphs.
Timelessness in Every Chord
“Get It Up” has stood the test of time, remaining as relevant today as it was upon its release. The universal themes it tackles – determination, resilience, and the quest for freedom – are timeless. The music itself, with its powerful melody and driving rhythm, defies the constraints of any era, ensuring its appeal for generations to come.
Conclusion
“Get It Up” by Aerosmith is far more than just a rock anthem. It’s a complex tapestry of emotions, themes, and paradoxes that reflect the human condition. From its provocative verses to its enigmatic chorus, the song challenges listeners to think deeply about the nature of enjoyment, desire, and reality. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Aerosmith’s music, “Get It Up” offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that stands the test of time.