About The Song
(watch the video below)
"Stand & Deliver" is a powerful and emotive song by the iconic guitarist and singer-songwriter Eric Clapton. Released in September 2021, the track serves as a rallying cry for unity and resilience in the face of adversity. Written and recorded during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the song captures the spirit of resilience and hope that has emerged in response to the unprecedented challenges of recent times. With its soulful vocals, evocative lyrics, and stirring instrumentation, "Stand & Deliver" stands as a testament to Clapton's enduring talent as a musician and his ability to capture the zeitgeist of the moment.
The song opens with a haunting guitar riff that sets the tone for the introspective lyrics to follow. Clapton's soulful vocals draw the listener in as he sings of the need to stand together and support one another in times of hardship. The opening lines, "Stand and deliver, you know what I mean / Stand and deliver, you can count on me," serve as a powerful call to action, urging listeners to unite in the face of adversity.
As the song progresses, Clapton's emotive guitar playing takes center stage, weaving intricate melodies that mirror the emotional depth of the lyrics. His blues-infused guitar solos convey a sense of longing and yearning, reflecting the universal desire for a return to normalcy and stability.
Throughout the song, Clapton's lyrics address a range of pressing issues, from the erosion of civil liberties to the loss of personal freedoms. He sings of the need to stand up for what is right and to resist the forces of oppression and injustice. Lines like "Stand up and be counted, you know what I mean / Stand up and be counted, we can't let it be" resonate with listeners who share his frustration with the status quo.
The song's chorus serves as a rallying cry for change, with Clapton passionately urging listeners to join him in speaking out against injustice and standing up for their beliefs. The repeated refrain of "Stand and deliver" becomes a powerful mantra, driving home the urgency of the song's message.
In addition to its powerful lyrics and soulful vocals, "Stand & Deliver" is distinguished by its haunting melody and evocative instrumentation. Clapton's guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with his emotive playing adding depth and resonance to the song's themes of hope and resilience.
Overall, "Stand & Deliver" is a powerful and timely song that speaks to the challenges of the modern world while offering a message of hope and resilience. With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals, and evocative instrumentation, the song is a testament to Clapton's enduring talent as a musician and his commitment to using his platform to address pressing social issues.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Stand and deliver
You let 'em put the fear on you
Stand and deliver
But not a word you heard was true
But if there's nothing you can say
There may be nothing you can do
Do you wanna be a free man
Or do you wanna be a slave?
Do you wanna be a free man
Or do you wanna be a slave?
Do you wanna wear these chains
Until you're lying in the grave?
I don't wanna be a pauper
And I don't wanna be a prince
I don't wanna be a pauper
And I don't wanna be a prince
I just wanna do my job
Playing the blues for my friends
Magna Carta, Bill of Rights
The constitution, what's it worth?
You know they're gonna grind us down, ah
Until it really hurts
Is this a sovereign nation
Or just a police state?
You better look out, people
Before it gets too late
You wanna be your own driver
Or keep on flogging a dead horse?
You wanna be your own driver
Or keep on flogging a dead horse?
Do you wanna make it better
Or do you wanna make it worse?
Stand and deliver
You let 'em put the fear on you
Slow down the river
But not a word of it was true
If there's nothing you can say
There may be nothing you can do
Stand and deliver
Stand and deliver
Dick Turpin wore a mask, too
