The song named after Italian boxer Primo Carnera, whose nickname was Ambling Alp; ‘Alp’ because he was born in a municipality in northeastern Italy – so in the actual alps – and because of his height (1.97m – 6 ft 6 in).
Nevertheless, he song is written from the perspective of Joe Louis' father, gi...
[Verse 1]
Now kid, I know I haven't been a perfect man
And I've avoided doing things I know I can
But if I've learned one thing to tattoo on my arm
Or burn into my thumb
It would be that
[Chorus]
You must stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
[Verse 2]
Oh Max Schmeling was a formidable foe
But Ambling Alp was, too, at least that's what I'm told
But if you learn one thing, you've learned it well
In June you must give fascists hell
They'll run but they can't hide
[Chorus]
You must stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
[Bridge]
And when those thunder clouds are crying in the skies, in the skies
And when those fireflies keep shining in your eyes, in your eyes
Keep your mind on the time, with your ass on the line
Keep your fleet feet sliding to the side, to the side
[Verse 3]
Now, the world can be an unfair place at times
But your lows will have their complement of highs
And if anyone should cheat you
Take advantage of, or beat you
Raise your head and wear your wounds with pride
[Chorus]
You must stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Ambling Alp was written by Anand Wilder & Chris Keating & Ira Wolf Tuton & Yeasayer.
Ambling Alp was produced by Yeasayer.
Yeasayer released Ambling Alp on Fri Oct 30 2009.
In the Pitchfork documentary about Odd Blood, lyricist Chris Keating said:
My grandfather was a boxer. And I was reading a lot about Joe Louis and I got into the idea of ‘what’s some advice that his father would’ve given him?’ You know, some fictional advice that someone would give to their kid to...