You've Got to Stand for Something (song)

"You've Got to Stand for Something" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Aaron Tippin. It was released in October 1990 as his debut single and the title track to his album You've Got to Stand for Something. It reached the top ten on the country singles chart in early 1991. Tippin wrote the song with Buddy Brock. Charley Pride later recorded the song in 1992 and released it as a single that year.

"You've Got to Stand for Something"
Single by Aaron Tippin
from the album You've Got to Stand for Something
B-side	"Up Against You"
Released	October 8, 1990
Genre	Country
Length	3:04
Label	RCA Nashville
Songwriter(s)	Aaron Tippin, Buddy Brock
Producer(s)	Emory Gordy Jr.
Aaron Tippin singles chronology
"You've Got to Stand for Something" (1990) "I Wonder How Far It Is Over You" (1991)

Content

"You've Got to Stand for Something" is a mid-tempo, exemplifying the patriotic blue collar themes that would show up in many of his later songs as well.[1] In it, the narrator recalls the life lessons taught to him by his father, who told him that he should stand up for his moral convictions.

In 1990, comedian Bob Hope heard Tippin perform the song, and invited Tippin to sing it on his USO tour for soldiers who were serving in the Gulf War at the time.[1]

Music video

This was his first music video and was directed by Bing Sokolsky and premiered in early 1991.

Chart history

Chart (1990-1991)	Peak position
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[2]	13
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[3]	6

Year-end charts

Chart (1991)	Position
US Country Songs (Billboard)[4]	74

References

1. "Aaron Tippin biography". Oldies.com. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
2. "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 1466." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. March 16, 1991. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
3. "Aaron Tippin Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
4. "Best of 1991: Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 1991. Retrieved August 16, 2013.