"Stood Up" by John Hiatt is a song about resilience, defiance, and personal growth. The lyrics describe the protagonist's journey of standing up for themselves, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. The song begins by stating that the protagonist's independent spirit emerged at a very young age, as they never followed instructions from their mother. Throughout their school years, the protagonist admits to not standing up for much, but they still stood their ground when they felt they had to. This determination has led them to where they are now. The chorus emphasizes the theme of standing up, both metaphorically and literally. The protagonist recounts how they stood up when love called their name, even if that love turned out to be unsuccessful. They also mention getting stood up by someone, being left in the pouring rain, but they still found the strength to stand up and would do it again. The lyrics then shift to a personal relationship, where the protagonist struggled with someone who had fiery red hair. They couldn't handle the intensity and left the situation. However, the memory of that person still lingers in their heart. The song continues by expressing that while the protagonist has stood up for themselves throughout their life, there are still things they haven't confronted or faced. Despite that, they acknowledge that their ability to stand their ground has led them to be independent and self-reliant. Towards the end, the lyrics touch on the protagonist's past struggles with drinking. They reveal that they used to have a hard time standing up after just one drink and would end up on the floor by the twentieth. But now, they have overcome their drinking habits and have found stability in their life. Overall, "Stood Up" revolves around the idea of standing up for oneself, no matter the circumstances or outcomes. It highlights the protagonist's personal growth and resilience in various aspects of their life, ultimately leading them to a place of strength and independence.
