Meaning of "Ambitions" by Joe McElderry

The lyrics of "Ambitions" by Joe McElderry convey a sense of inner conflict and self-doubt in the face of external expectations. The protagonist grapples with feelings of inadequacy and pressure, questioning their ability to achieve success and fulfill their ambitions. The repeated refrain of "if somebody's going to make it, then this somebody ought to be you" suggests a sense of resignation and perhaps a desire to pass on the burden of success to someone else. The imagery of cutting "my way out of control" with a "silver blade" alludes to a struggle for autonomy and agency amidst the chaos of striving for one's dreams. Ultimately, the song captures the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed by ambition and the fear of failure, while also hinting at the possibility of finding peace in accepting one's limitations and shifting the focus onto others.