When the song “Tubthumping” aired on U.S. radio stations, many didn’t know what to make of the strange music title and even stranger band name, Chumbawamba. However, the song was almost an instant hit and was quickly heard on repeat on radio stations all over the country.

“Tubthumping” topped the charts in Canada, England, and New Zealand, and it reached the number 6 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100. Larry Flick from Billboard Hot 100 commented that though the song seemingly came out of nowhere, some songs just “command attention,” and this song was one of them. The lead singer of the group also commented on the single’s success, saying that “Tubthumping” is an anthem dedicated to “the resiliency of ordinary people,” and many connect with the message.

Fun Facts About Chumbawamba

“Tubthumping” is from Chumbawamba’s eighth studio album, Tubthumper, released on August 11, 1997.
The song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart.
“Tubthumping” topped modern rock charts in music markets globally.
Chumbawamba formed in 1982.
Four original lineup members were in a band called “Chimp Eats Banana”
Chumbawamba’s first seven albums were released on off-mainstream labels in Europe.
“Tubthumping” is about how the band’s been knocked down but keeps on going.
The B side of the single is “Farewell to the Crown.”
Most of their music is protest-driven by an anarchist ideology that characterized much of the punk rock and new wave movements.
The song is featured on EA Sports World Cup 98.
The band turned down a $1.5 million offer by Nike to use the song in a commercial.

Lyrics

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink

He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink

He sings the songs that remind him of the good times

He sings the songs that remind him of the better times

(Oh Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy)

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink

He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink

He sings the songs that remind him of the good times

He sings the songs that remind him of the better times

(Don’t cry for me, next door neighbor)

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down, but I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down