Singers and Vocalists, Song Lyrics

Tubthumping Lyrics and Meaning by Chumbawamba

Chumbawamba was a British anarcho-punk band formed in 1982 in Burnley and Leeds, England. It is known for its politically charged lyrics and eclectic musical style, which blends punk, pop, and folk.

Over a 30-year career, they championed causes such as anarchism, feminism, and anti-fascism, often combining activism with their music. Despite their mainstream success, Chumbawamba maintained a strong commitment to social and political issues.

About the Song

The song’s title, Tubthumping, comes from British slang for aggressive political protest. It is about never giving up, no matter how many times life knocks you down.

It uses drinking and partying as symbols for facing struggles together. The song celebrates the strength to keep getting back up.

Attribute	Details
Released	August 11, 1997
Album	Tubthumper (1997)
Writers	Danbert Nobacon, Boff Whalley, Lou Watts, Alice Nutter, Harry “Daz” Hamer, Paul Greco, Dunstan Bruce & Jude Abbott
Producers	Neil Ferguson

Tubthumping Lyrics by Chumbawamba

Album Intro: Danny from “Brassed Off”

Truth is, I thought it mattered
I thought that music mattered
But does it? Bollocks!
Not compared to how people matter

Intro: Chumbawamba

We’ll be singin’
When we’re winnin’
We’ll be singin’

Chorus: Chumbawamba

I get knocked down, but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down

Verse 1: Dunstan Bruce & Lou Watts

Pissin’ the night away, pissin’ the night away
He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the better times
Oh, Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy

Chorus: Chumbawamba

Verse 2: Dunstan Bruce & Lou Watts

Chorus: Chumbawamba

I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down (When we’re winnin’)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down (Ooh)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down (When we’re winnin’)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down (Ooh)

Chorus: Chumbawamba

I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (When we’re winnin’)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (Ooh)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (When we’re winnin’)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (Ooh)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (When we’re winnin’)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (Ooh)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (When we’re winnin’)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (Ooh)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (When we’re winnin’)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (Ooh)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (When we’re winnin’)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down (Ooh)
I get knocked down, (We’ll be singin’) but I get up again (Pissin’ the night away)
You’re never gonna keep me down

Meaning of the Song Tubthumping

The song has several meanings behind its catchy beat. At its core, it’s a drinking song.

Boff Whalley, a band member, said it was based on his Irish neighbor who would come home drunk, fall down, but always get back up, just like in the song’s famous chorus.

The line about “Pissin’ the night away” is actually British slang for drinking all night. Beyond being about alcohol, the song also speaks to working-class strength.

The stumbling neighbor became a symbol for ordinary people facing hardships but continuing to push forward. This fits with the band’s usual themes about standing up to authority.

As for the title, in England, a “tub-thumper” refers to a loud political speaker or someone sharing their views with lots of energy.

This name connects all the song’s themes of drinking, getting back up after falling, and class struggle. Whalley noted that while many just saw it as a fun drinking song, the band was fine with that.

They liked that it became music for regular people at sports events, in cars, and at parties rather than being seen as a serious political statement.

Similar Songs Like Tubthumping

Below are songs by Chumbawamba that share similarities with Tubthumping:

Amnesia: Another upbeat track with catchy melodies and socially conscious lyrics from the same album, Tubthumper.
Timebomb: A politically charged song with energetic punk effects highlighting the band’s activist roots.
Top of the World (Olé, Olé, Olé): A lively anthem with a celebratory vibe and sing-along chorus.
Homophobia: A song combining dance beats with a strong message against discrimination.
Enough Is Enough: Features Chumbawamba’s signature blend of punk and pop with pointed social commentary.

Similar Artists Like Chumbawamba

Here are some artists similar to Chumbawamba, known for their mix of punk, folk, and political themes in their music:

The Pogues
Genre: Punk Folk, Celtic Punk
Notable Albums: Rum, Sodomy & the Lash (1985), If I Should Fall from Grace with God (1988)
Billy Bragg
Genre: Punk, Folk, Protest Music
Notable Albums: Life’s a Riot with Spy vs Spy (1983), Talking with the Taxman About Poetry (1986)
Against Me!
Genre: Punk Rock, Folk Punk
Notable Albums: Transgender Dysphoria Blues (2014), New Wave (2007)
The Clash
Genre: Punk Rock, Reggae, Rock
Notable Albums: London Calling (1979), Combat Rock (1982)
The Levellers
Genre: Folk Punk, Alternative Rock
Notable Albums: Levelling the Land (1991), Zeitgeist (2008)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tubthumping Just a Drinking Song?

While the song refers to drinking (“He drinks a whiskey drink…”), it uses the imagery of drinking to symbolize perseverance and the spirit of the working class.

How did Tubthumping Perform Commercially?

The song was a major international hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

What Awards or Nominations did Tubthumping Receive?

The song was nominated for Best British Single at the 1998 Brit Awards and for Best New Artist in a Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards.

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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