High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco’s 2018 hit “High Hopes,” from their sixth studio album Pray for the Wicked, stands as one of the band’s most triumphant and uplifting songs. It became a cultural anthem of perseverance, with its high-energy beats, empowering lyrics, and optimistic tone. Released in a period when the band had undergone significant changes, including becoming a solo project of lead vocalist Brendon Urie, “High Hopes” encapsulates the spirit of overcoming challenges and chasing dreams without fear of failure. The accompanying official video adds to this message, visually reinforcing the theme of reaching for greatness.

The Background of the Song
Panic! At The Disco, originally formed in 2004 as a pop-punk band, has evolved through various lineup changes and musical styles over the years. By the time “High Hopes” was released, Brendon Urie was the sole remaining member of the band, which marked a new chapter in Panic!’s history. Despite the changes, the band’s fan base remained loyal, and Urie continued to push his creative boundaries.

“High Hopes” was written as a motivational anthem, driven by Brendon Urie’s personal experiences of doubt, persistence, and ultimate success. Urie has spoken about how the song reflects his lifelong pursuit of his dreams despite obstacles, a theme that resonates universally. “High Hopes” became a beacon of inspiration not only for long-time fans but also for a new generation, encouraging them to keep aiming high, no matter the difficulties they face.

The Lyrics and Message
The lyrics of “High Hopes” are unapologetically motivational, with a clear message of self-belief, hard work, and optimism. The opening lines, “Had to have high, high hopes for a living / Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing,” set the tone for the entire song. The reference to “shooting for the stars” reflects the idea of aiming for lofty goals, even when success seems out of reach.

As the song progresses, Urie talks about the importance of resilience: “Mama said, fulfill the prophecy / Be something greater, go make a legacy.” These lines echo the age-old advice to strive for greatness and leave behind something meaningful, a legacy that outlives you. The mention of “prophecy” adds a mystical touch to the idea of destiny, hinting that some dreams are meant to be fulfilled if one has the courage to pursue them.

The recurring chorus drives home the message: “Stay up on that rise and never come down.” This line, repeated throughout the song, emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s ambition and never letting setbacks or failures bring you down. It’s a reminder to keep climbing toward your dreams, even if the road ahead seems impossible.

The Official Music Video
The official video for “High Hopes,” directed by Brendan Walter and Mel Soria, is a perfect visual representation of the song’s themes of ambition, determination, and breaking boundaries. It features Brendon Urie walking down a busy street in downtown Los Angeles, and as the video progresses, he defies gravity and begins to walk vertically up the side of a skyscraper.

The imagery of Urie ascending a tall building symbolizes the idea of overcoming insurmountable odds. The climb up the building is symbolic of his rise to success—reaching higher and higher as he approaches the top. The fact that Urie doesn’t hesitate or falter in his steps, confidently striding up the side of the skyscraper, reinforces the song’s message about having faith in your abilities and not letting fear stop you.

The visual metaphor of climbing to the top resonates with viewers, offering a literal depiction of “rising above” difficulties and challenges. The video ends with Urie standing triumphantly at the top of the building, overlooking the cityscape—a powerful image of success and accomplishment. This moment of triumph encapsulates the feeling that the song is meant to inspire: victory after struggle.

Chart Success and Cultural Impact
“High Hopes” was a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Panic! At The Disco’s highest-charting singles. Its infectious melody, combined with its feel-good message, made it a hit on radio stations worldwide, and it quickly became a fan favorite. The song also performed well internationally, charting in multiple countries and gaining a massive following across streaming platforms.

In addition to its commercial success, “High Hopes” became an anthem of positivity and motivation. It was widely used in motivational speeches, graduation ceremonies, and sports events. The song’s universal message of believing in oneself and pursuing one’s dreams resonated with people from all walks of life, making it an inspirational track for anyone facing challenges or doubts.

Furthermore, the song became a significant part of the band’s live performances, with Urie often delivering high-energy renditions that would uplift crowds at concerts and festivals. The emotional connection fans feel with the song has made it one of the most iconic tracks in Panic! At The Disco’s discography.

Conclusion
Panic! At The Disco’s “High Hopes” is more than just a catchy pop-rock anthem; it is a song that carries a deep and empowering message about chasing dreams and persevering through hardship. Through its inspiring lyrics and energetic beats, the song encourages listeners to keep aiming high, no matter the setbacks or failures they encounter. Brendon Urie’s personal connection to the message of “High Hopes” gives the track an authenticity that resonates with fans, while the visually symbolic official music video reinforces the idea of reaching for greatness.

In a world filled with uncertainty, “High Hopes” stands out as a beacon of optimism, reminding people to keep climbing, no matter how steep the path may seem.

LYRICS

Had to have high high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing
Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high high hopes
Had to have high high hopes for a living
Didn’t know how but I always had a feeling
I was gonna be that one in a million
Always had high high hopes

Mama said
Fulfill the prophecy
Be something greater
Go make a legacy
Manifest destiny
Back in the days
We wanted everything

Mama said
Burn your biographies
Rewrite your history
Light up your wildest dreams
Museum victories
Everyday
We wanted everything

Mama said
It’s uphill for oddities
The stranger crusaders
Ain’t ever wannabes
The weird and the novelties
Don’t ever change
We wanted everything

Stay up on that rise
Stay up on that rise
Stay up on that rise
Never come down

Mama said don’t give up, it’s a little complicated
all tied up, no more love and i hate to see you waiting

They say it’s all been done but they haven’t seen the best of me
So I got one more run and it’s gonna be a sight to see

Had to have high high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing
Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high high hopes
Had to have high high hopes for a living
Didn’t know how but I always had a feeling
I was gonna be that one in a million
Always had high high hopes

Mama said don’t give up, it’s a little complicated
all tied up, no more love and i hate to see you waiting

They say it’s all been done but they haven’t seen the best of me
So I got one more run and it’s gonna be a sight to see

Had to have high high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing
Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high high hopes
Had to have high high hopes for a living
Didn’t know how but I always had a feeling
I was gonna be that one in a million
Always had high high hopes