Can't Nobody Hold Me Down

Album: No Way Out (1997)
Charted: 19 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song about achieving your goals despite resistance from others uses some prominent samples. The chorus is based on the 1983 Matthew Wilder song "Break My Stride," which has a similar, but lighter theme of getting past those who want to bring you down. The rhythm track comes from "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Donovan Berry - El Dorado, AR
  • In our interview with Matthew Wilder, he recalls the first time hearing this song, which interpolated his hit "Break My Stride." "That was the first I'd ever heard of something like that," said Wilder. "They came to us with the finished product and said, 'We've used your song' followed by 'Can we use it?' And I was like, 'You're kidding, right?' So it's been kind of an annuity."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."