Gotta Get Up

Harry Nilsson

About Gotta Get Up

"Gotta Get Up" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson and the opening track from his 1971 album Nilsson Schmilsson. It was first released as the B-side to his single "Without You". "Gotta Get Up" is an upbeat pop song with a music hall feeling and lyrics about transitioning from carefree youth to adult responsibility. Nilsson based the lyrics on his experiences working at a bank and on his parents.


Year:
1995
2:26
500 
#2

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Gotta get up, gotta get out, gotta get home before the morning comes.
What if I'm late, gotta big date, gotta get home before the sun comes up
Up and away, gotbig day, sorry can't stay, I gotta run run yeah
Gotta get home, pick up the phone, I gotta let the people know I'm gonna be late

There was a time when we could dance until a quarter to ten,
We never thought it would end then, we never thought it would end,
We used to carry on and drink and do the rock and roll,
We never thought we'd get older,
We never thought it'd grow cold, but now

Gotta get up, gotta get out, gotta get home before the morning comes.
What if I'm late, gotta big date, gotta get home before the sun comes up
Up and away, got big day, sorry can't stay, I gotta run run yeah
Gotta get home, pick up the phone, I gotta let the people know I'm gonna be late

Down by the sea she knew a sailor who had been to war,
She never even knew a sailor before, she never even knew his name
He'd come to town and he would pound her for a couple of days,
And then he'd sail across the bubbly waves and those were happier days, But now

Gotta get up, gotta get out, gotta get home before the mooorning comes.
What if I'm late, gotta big date, gotta get home before the sun comes up
Up and away, gotbig day, sorry can't stay I gotta run run yeah
Gotta get home pick up the phone, I gotta let the people know I'm gonna be late

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Harry Nilsson

Harry Edward Nilsson III (June 15, 1941 – January 15, 1994) was an American singer-songwriter who achieved the peak of his commercial success in the early 1970s. On all but his earliest recordings he is credited as Nilsson. He is known for the hit singles "Everybody's Talkin'" (1969), "Without You" (1971), and "Coconut" (1972). Nilsson's career is also notable for the fact that he was one of the few major pop-rock recording artists of his era to achieve significant commercial success without ever performing major public concerts or undertaking regular tours. more »

3 fans

Written by: Harry Nilsson

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation and Album
"Gotta Get Up" is a tune by American singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. It originally made its debut on Nilsson's seminal 1971 album, "Nilsson Schmilsson."
Theme and Narrative
The song tells a narrative of an average man struggling with daily routine, a fear of growing older, and the mundanity of life. It is noted for its themes of existential crisis.
Musical Construct
Musically, "Gotta Get Up" is characterized by its brisk piano riff, jaunty horns, and Nilsson's emotive, slightly off-kilter vocals.
Commercial Success
While never released as a single, "Gotta Get Up" remained one of the most streamed songs from Nilsson’s album due to its subsequent usage in media.
Usage in Television
The song gained fresh popularity when it was used as the theme song for the Netflix series "Russian Doll," released in 2019. In the show, the song is used to represent the cyclical nature of the main character's life, echoing the song's original themes.
Harry Nilsson's Life
Harry Nilsson, though not a celebrated figure during his lifetime, has been hailed as a genius songwriter posthumously. His life was marked by several hardships, and "Gotta Get Up" is often seen as a reflection of his feelings towards life.
Connection with Beatles
Nilsson was appreciated by members of "The Beatles". In fact, "Gotta Get Up" has reportedly been inspired by Beatles' style of music.
Cover Versions
There have been several covers of the song since its debut. One notable example is the one by Anthony D'Amato for The New Yorker's Radio Hour.
Relevance
Despite being released over half a century ago, "Gotta Get Up" continues to stay relevant due to its relatable lyrics and catchy tune. It's also brought up in the discussions on mental health and existential dread.
Legacy
Nilsson's "Gotta Get Up" has solidified itself as a classic in American music history, and its exploration of daily ennui and existential dread is just as relevant today, resonating with multiple generations of listeners.

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