Hey, got my hands in my back pocket
I’m a jumpin’
Unscrewing the light from the socket
And I’d rather stand than sit
Puttin’ all the people in the dark
Tellin’ everyone good night bye bye
I put the sound
Carryin’ the truth in my back pocket
My hands are holdin’ me down
I’ve been waiting for people to ask me
What have you found
I’m a jumpin’ humpin’ hip hypocrit
I was dead before a gypsy
She held my head and
Fought with my boots till my eyes turned red
I’m a jumpin’ humpin’ hip hypocrit
Oh I’d rather stand than sit
I’ve been down to the gutter
Hopin’ I’ve lived on honey and butter
But with me a life’s a game
I call insane
I’m not the one to blame
I’m called insane
I was hung when I was young
I was named insane
I’m a jumpin’ humpin’ hip hypocrit
I broke all the laws before my age
I’m a jumpin’ humpin’ hip hypocrit
Yeah I’d rather stand than sit
I’m a jumpin’ humpin’ hip hypocrit
I turn around to see the clown
But with me a life’s a game
I call insane
I’m not the one to blame
I’m called insane
I’m a jumpin’ humpin’ hip hypocrit
I’d rather stand than sit
I’m a jumpin’ humpin’ hip hypocrit
I’d rather stand than sit
I put the sound
Embracing Contradictions: Analyzing “Jumpin’ Humpin’ Hip Hypocrite”
“Jumpin’ Humpin’ Hip Hypocrite” by Bob Seger is a whirlwind of self-examination and restless energy. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who is both playful and tormented, acknowledging contradictions within himself. Seger’s narrator describes carrying “the truth in my back pocket” while admitting to hypocrisy, suggesting a struggle with authenticity and personal identity. The repeated insistence on standing rather than sitting is a metaphor for resistance and a refusal to remain passive.
Living on the Edge
Throughout the song, Seger weaves references to rebellion, insanity, and the search for meaning. The character has “broken all the laws before my age” and views life as a game, highlighting a sense of alienation and misunderstood individuality. This energetic confession is underscored by raw, bluesy language, making the song both a personal anthem and a critique of societal expectations.
Song Credits
Artist: Bob Seger
Songwriters: Bob Seger
Release Year: 1972
Label: Capitol Records