Lyrics
Ain’t gonna stop ’cause they tell me so
‘Cause 99 miles per hour baby,
Is how fast that I like to go.
Can’t keep up with my rhythm
Though they keep trying.
Too quick for the lines they throw.
I walk to the sound of my own drum,
We go, they go, we go, hey yeah yeah yeah
Oh, here we go
Feel it in my soul
Really mean it, mean it, so go
Gotta feel it, honey takes control
Really mean it, mean it
I wake up to the city of angels
To see my name headlining the coast
They say I’m a walking dreamer, baby
If I stop they would make the show
Can’t keep up with my rhythm
Though they keep trying.
Too quick for the lines they throw.
I walk to the sound of my own drum,
We go, they go, we go, hey yeah yeah yeah
Oh, here we go
Feel it in my soul
Really mean it, mean it, so go
Gotta feel it, honey takes control
Really mean it, mean it
Hey, here we go
Feel it in my soul
Really mean it, mean it, so go
Gotta feel it, honey takes control
Really mean it, mean it
Everybody walk
Everybody walk
Everybody walk, walk, walk
Oh, here we go
Feel it in my soul
Really mean it, mean it, so go
Gotta feel it, honey takes control
Really mean it, mean it
Oh, here we go
Feel it in my soul
Really mean it, mean it, so go
Gotta feel it, honey takes control
Really mean it, mean it
Fitz and the Tantrums’ foot-tapping, soul-inspired hit ‘The Walker’ serves as an emphatic mantra for the unapologetically individualistic. Framed within a soundscape infused with the rhythmic pulse of classic soul and modern pop, the song masterfully marries indie aesthetics with chart-friendly hooks.
A closer inspection reveals layers of meaning beneath its upbeat tempo, signifying a call to authenticity and self-driven progress—a true soundtrack for those who choose to lead rather than follow.
A High-Speed Chase Toward Authenticity
From the opening lines, ‘The Walker’ sets a pace that is frenetic and unrelenting. The lyrics, ’99 miles per hour baby, / Is how fast that I like to go,’ encapsulate a spirit that refuses to be slowed down by societal pressures or expectations. This isn’t just a narrative about speed; it’s a declaration of the velocity at which personal freedom is pursued.
By choosing to ‘walk to the sound of my own drum,’ the song’s protagonist becomes a metaphorical walker, skewing the notion of what is traditional or expected, and instead, trailblazing a path defined by their own rhythm and pace.
The Hidden Meaning Behind Those Infectious Beats
Beneath the soul-pop veneer and the chant-like chorus lies a profound meditation on self-identity and perseverance. In an industry—and indeed, a world—teeming with imitation and influence, ‘The Walker’ is a bold proclamation of individuality. It’s about traversing life unshackled from the binds of conformity.
The song’s lyrical journey through the ‘city of angels’ serves as an allegory for the pursuit of one’s dreams amidst a landscape that both glorifies and cannibalizes ambition, symbolizing that even in the face of Hollywood’s daunting allure, one should remain true to oneself.
The Anthem of the Misunderstood Dreamer
Beginning with a seemingly straightforward admission, ‘Ooh, crazy’s what they think about me / Ain’t gonna stop ’cause they tell me so,’ the narrative quickly unveils itself as an anthem for the misunderstood, the underdogs, the dreamers who are often labeled as ‘crazy’ or out of step with the mainstream.
Through ‘The Walker,’ these outsiders are given a voice, an expression of solidarity to embrace their quirks and harness them as strengths, not hindrances, in their forward march.
The Irresistible Chorus That Became a Rallying Cry
‘Oh, here we go / Feel it in my soul,’ serves as the infectious, rallying battle cry that solidifies the song’s place as a feel-good empowerment track. With every repetition, the chorus not only worms its way into the listener’s memory but also into their beliefs, reinforcing the credo of resilience and the power of trusting one’s instincts.
The repeated invocation to ‘feel it in my soul’ transforms the song from a personal testament to a universal chant, allowing anyone who hears it to adopt the song’s message as their personal mantra for self-affirmation.
‘Everybody Walk’: The Call to Collective Individuality
In an almost oxymoronic twist, ‘Everybody walk’ becomes a paradoxical invitation not to uniform action, but to a collective celebration of individuality. Each person is encouraged to walk, yes, but to do so in a way that is distinct and self-styled.
This line distills the essence of the song into a simple yet profound directive, one that serves as both a climax and a bridge: join the movement by moving in a way that’s truly your own. In doing so, ‘The Walker’ becomes an emblem of both personal and collective empowerment.