“Stand & Deliver” by Adam & The Ants
In this track, the singers make use of the common phrase, “Stand & Deliver”, mostly used by highway men (travelling robbers) in stealing from their victims.
The writer presents himself as a highwayman who is more concerned about looking good rather than the crime he is committing. As is seen in the lyrics, he spends more money on looking his best and actually criticizes his victims for their poor fashion choices. Though highway men are noted for their daunting robbery, this particular one is not necessarily interested in his victim’s valuables.
In the chorus, the narrator utilizes the common phrase which is meant to loot their victim, but this time he tells them to use a mirror instead. Apparently, this fashion-conscious robber is so fed up with the lack of style by travelers that he feels they have nothing worth robbing. In essence, the meaning of the titular phrase could even be a call for victims to showcase better looking apparel before they are robbed.
“Stand & Deliver” Facts
- Primary Artist(s): Adam & The Ants
- Composition: Adam Ant alongside Marco Pirroni
- Production: Chris Hughes
- Release: April of 1981
- Album: Adam & The Ants third album entitled “Prince Charming”
Genre(s)
This is a new wave track. It can also fit perfectly into the genre of glam punk.
Chart
“Stand & Deliver” scored a British #1 single for Adam & The Ants. It remained at number 1 for a total of 5 weeks. After this period, it was replaced by Smokey Robinson’s “Being with You“.
Covers
The following are some artists that have recorded their own versions of “Stand & Deliver”:
- Sugar Ray in 1997
- The Young Knives in 2008
Sugar Ray’s version of the song was included in his second album entitled “Floored”
Was “Stand & Deliver” a single?
Yes. The band dropped the song as their lead single from their third album which was under the name “Prince Charming”. Other singles from “Prince Charming” include:
- “Ant Rap”
- “That Voodoo!”
Controversies/Lawsuits
Not at the moment.
