Chumbawamba, Tubthumping | Music Lifts

In the 54^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we’re uplifted by Chumbawamba performing, “Tubthumping.”

“We’ll be singin’ / When we’re winnin’ / We’ll be singin’.” Welcome to Music Lifts , a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 54^th  edition of Music Lifts (2023), we highlight “Tubthumping” as performed by Chumbawamba.

“I get knocked down, but I get up again / You’re never gonna keep me down.” WOO! Those lyrics, from the big, anthemic chorus of “Tubthumping” are both iconic and inspiring.  What I’m saying is, the musical lift is legit ! The disbanded, UK anarchist punk band Chumbawamba is renowned for the top-10 hit, which peaked a no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1998. “Tubthumping” commences Chumbawamba’s 1997, multiplatinum album, fittingly titled, Tubthumper.  For some context, Bianca Gracie (udiscovermusic) writes that “the title of the record derives from British slang for aggressive political protesting.” Sort of explains that big, resilient, and totally unflappable and unstoppable chorus!

The chorus is the crowning achievement of “Tubthumping.” However, there are so many reasons why this gave the band its sole top-40 hit in the U.S.  Still focusing on the lyrics, in the verses, the band is having a hell of a good time .  The drinks are clearly flowing per Dunstan Bruce (“He drinks a whiskey drink he drinks a vodka drink”) and Lou Watts, given that they’re “Pissin’ the night away” (drinking in British slang), and singing, “Oh, Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy .” Not only is the band having fun, so are the listeners – how can you not with this song right here? The musical backdrop is epic with the groove, punk/alternative rock cues, and some unique samples: Danny’s Speech from the 1996 movie, Brassed Off (1996) and Prince of Denmark’s March by English organist and composer, Jeremiah Clarke (1699). The trumpet solo ( Jude Abbott) is incredibly sweet, as well as the harmonized riffs that follow! Maybe drunkenness doesn’t provide the traditional, musical lift, and faith doesn’t have a role in the least, but that chorus – it pumps you TF up !

Chumbawamba • Tubthumper • EMI Germany • 1997

Chumbawamba, Tubthumping: Music Lifts No. 54 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; EMI Germany; Hamid Tajik, Qamar Rehman, vansh mehta, Viridiana Rivera via Pexels]