englishPop, Rock

High Hopes Lyrics

by Panic! at the Disco

Lyricist: Brendon Urie, Ryan Keen, Jake Gilliam

10 views • Published on Sep 25, 2026

High Hopes 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, wanted everything Mama said Burn your biographies Rewrite your history Light up your wildest dreams Museum victories, everyday We wanted everything, wanted everything Mama said don't give up, it's a little complicated All tied up, no more love and I'd hate to see you waiting 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 It's uphill for oddities The stranger crusaders Ain't ever wannabes The weird and the novelties Don't ever change We wanted everything, wanted everything Stay up on that rise Stay up on that rise and never come down Stay up on that rise Stay up on that rise and never come down Mama said don't give up, it's a little complicated All tied up, no more love and I'd 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 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

Meaning of High Hopes

“High Hopes” by Panic! at the Disco is a relentlessly optimistic anthem built on a foundation of youthful ambition and unwavering belief, delivered with Brendon Urie’s signature theatrical flair. At its core, the song chronicles a persistent, almost defiant, pursuit of dreams despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The lyrics paint a picture of someone driven by an unshakeable vision – “didn't have a dime but I always had a vision” – relentlessly aiming for the extraordinary ("shooting for the stars") even when conventional success seems out of reach. This isn’t a naive fantasy; it’s interwoven with the pragmatic wisdom of a mother (“Mama said… fulfill the prophecy, be something greater”) urging her child to forge their own legacy and embrace individuality, symbolized by the instruction to “burn your biographies” and “rewrite your history.” The song's emotional landscape oscillates between exhilarating aspiration and moments of poignant vulnerability. The repeated refrain of "high, high hopes" isn’t just a catchy hook but a declaration of resilience against setbacks – acknowledging the complexities ("it's a little complicated") and potential heartbreaks (“all tied up, no more love”) – yet ultimately refusing to surrender. Urie’s soaring vocals amplify this feeling, building towards a crescendo that suggests an unwavering determination to “get one more run” and prove doubters wrong. Ultimately, "High Hopes" is a powerful reminder to embrace audacious goals, trusting in your instincts, and persevering through adversity, transforming personal struggles into fuel for extraordinary achievements – a message delivered with infectious energy and a distinctly theatrical flourish characteristic of Panic! at the Disco’s sound.

Tags:

panic! at the discohigh hopesmotivationalpop rockambitious lyrics

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