Strike It Up: Why Common Sense Never Goes Out of Style

Strike It Up: Why Common Sense Never Goes Out of Style

"Strike It Up" by Black Box isn't just a song of the 90s—it's a call for personal accountability and action that stands at odds with modern victimhood culture.

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

Ever wondered why everything seems to go wrong precisely when lofty liberal ideals dominate the public discourse? Enter "Strike It Up," an anthem that, unbeknownst to many, serves as a metaphorical wake-up call, urging society to return to the roots of common sense and realism. Released by Black Box in 1991, "Strike It Up" was not just another dance floor track but a rhythmic manifesto that extolled self-reliance, independence, and raw energy—qualities sorely lacking in today's mollycoddled culture.

In the bustling, neon-lit streets of early 90s America, this potent mix of house music became the soundtrack for a generation yearning to break free from an overbearing, increasingly collectivist society. Imagine the reconciliation of capitalism’s drive for progress and the individual’s need for expression embodied in a pulsating four-minute track. But what's behind the curtain that makes this tune still memorable and relevant?

First off, what better way to remind everyone of personal accountability than a song that commands you to "Strike It Up"? This is not a passive-aggressive decree but an assertive call to action. It's a phrase suggesting taking control, making things happen. In a culture that rewards victimhood and excuses, Black Box provides the backdrop for an anthem stressing individual empowerment, something practically rebellious today.

Think about the raw, untamed rhythm of those opening beats. They don't ask permission; they demand attention. It's like life handed you two options: sit and pity your circumstances or rise above them. Which will you choose? By today's standards, this might be seen as overly aggressive. But look around. Isn't it high time someone loudly declared that the world isn't a safe space and never should be?

Moreover, none can ignore that this isn't just about sound. It's about a lasting legacy of self-determination. Long before social media's monotonous groupthink, "Strike It Up" fueled a culture of individual responsibility and promised rewards for those willing to hustle. Unlike today's fleeting TikTok trends, this song didn't need viral gimmicks to inspire lasting change. It dared the people listening to think for themselves—an achievement that shouldn't be underestimated.

Even the song’s structure mirrors the path of capitalist success: start with a bang, keep pushing forward, and finish on a high. The pulsating chorus and the unwavering tempo are musical equivalents of climbing the socio-economic ladder. And if you're waiting for someone to lift you, remember: this anthem’s beat doesn't slow for stragglers. You either move forward, or you're left behind.

What made "Strike It Up" more than just a tune for summer beach parties was its independence from the norms that shackled others. Had its creators bent to the whims of censorship or political correctness, it might have been another forgotten hit. Instead, its principles stand tall today, quietly challenging the status quo and beckoning listeners to match its audacity.

Now, as we commemorate over three decades since its release, what can society learn from the rhythmic resilience of "Strike It Up"? That real, impactful music isn't about feel-good platitudes but a call to action. So go ahead, channel that energy into some hard work, appreciate the fruits of meritocracy, and remember the invigorating beat that once inspired individuals to do, act, and strive for more—on their terms.

Ultimately, "Strike It Up" is a cultural staple that proves substance over fleeting styles will never fall out of fashion. Iconic for all the right reasons, it leans into the truth that satisfaction doesn't come from a handout but from the sweat of achievement. Stand up, strike it up, and embrace the power that comes from taking personal responsibility. Celebrate the journey of earning one's way—it's an anthem our society could do well to remember.