"Falling Up" is a song by John Hiatt, a singer-songwriter known for his soulful and witty lyrics. The song talks about a protagonist who has decided to lower his standards and increase his price, meaning he is willing to settle for less but demand more in return. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is willing to compromise his values and integrity in order to achieve success and financial stability. He mentions taking bad advice and embracing his worst ideas, hoping they will eventually lead to a big reward. The line about getting out of a raggedy Ford and into a shiny new two-seater represents his aspiration for a better and more luxurious life. The protagonist also mentions dressing his girlfriend up like a cheetah, which could symbolize his desire to display his success and wealth through the way he presents his partner to the world. The song emphasizes the protagonist's self-centeredness and ego by saying he will sign his checks "Yours sincerely" for the money others hold dearly. He implies that he doesn't care about the consequences of his actions as long as he benefits personally. However, as the song progresses, the lyrics suggest that the protagonist may have had a change of heart. He acknowledges that his ego is growing while his output and creativity are diminishing. He realizes that people may see him as a swindler or someone who takes advantage of others. The phrase "Falling Up" represents the paradoxical nature of the protagonist's pursuit of success. It is a play on words, as normally falling is associated with going down, but in this case, the protagonist feels like he is climbing up in the world even though he may be compromising his integrity. In the end, the song reflects on the protagonist's transformation from someone bitter and self-centered to someone who has reconsidered his values and is willing to change. He no longer cares about innovation and is content with repeating the same things over and over, indicating a loss of passion and purpose. Overall, "Falling Up" portrays the journey of a person who is willing to sacrifice their values for success but eventually realizes the emptiness and lack of fulfillment that comes with it.
