The song "Can't Push Me Down" by Joan Armatrading is a defiant and empowering anthem about resilience and inner strength. The lyrics convey a message of self-empowerment and standing up against those who try to bring you down. The repetitive phrase "You put your hands on my shoulder, but you just can't push me down" symbolizes someone attempting to exert control or dominance over the narrator. However, no matter how hard they try, the narrator remains unyielding and refuses to be pushed down. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for facing adversity, criticism, or oppression. The line "And I know it makes you mad" suggests that the narrator's strength and refusal to be controlled may provoke frustration or anger in the person attempting to dominate them. The repetition of this line emphasizes the narrator's awareness of this anger and their unwavering determination to remain strong. The mention of a "big streak down your back" that "looks kind of yellow" implies that the person trying to push the narrator down has a flaw or weakness, possibly related to cowardice or deceit. The line "you just can't make it black" suggests that this flaw cannot be hidden or disguised. The song acknowledges the sadness and heartbreak caused by the division that arises from these power struggles. The line "It's sad because it breaks my heart" reveals that the narrator feels a sense of loss due to the strained relationship and the inability to be everything to everyone. Ultimately, "Can't Push Me Down" is a song of liberation and self-assertion. It encourages listeners to embrace their inner strength, to resist attempts at control, and to remain resilient in the face of adversity. The song serves as a reminder that no matter how hard others may try, they can never push down someone who is determined to stand tall.
