“Stand and Deliver” is a 1981 new wave hit by Adam and the Ants, serving as the lead single from their third studio album, Prince Charming. Written by Adam Ant (Stuart Goddard) and guitarist Marco Pirroni, the song was recorded at The Townhouse Studios in London on February 25, 1981, with production by Chris Hughes.
The track emerged during a period of significant band transition, notably after bassist Kevin Mooney departed amid tensions, forcing Ant to take over bass duties for the recording. Musically, it features a distinctive “galloping” rhythm driven by dual drummers Hughes and Terry Lee Miall, layered with Burundi-style beats from a drum machine and Pirroni’s twangy guitar.
Lyrically, the song reimagines the 18th-century highwayman as a flamboyant “dandy” figure who steals attention and style rather than valuables, reflecting Ant’s interest in Georgian-era aesthetics and films like Tom Jones. The accompanying music video, directed by Mike Mansfield, was heavily influenced by the Monty Python sketch “Dennis Moore” and helped cement the song’s status as a cultural icon, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for five weeks in May 1981.
[Intro]
Stand and deliver!
[Verse 1]
I’m the dandy highwayman you’re too scared to mention
I spend my cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention
The devil take your stereo and your record collection
The way you look, you’ll qualify for next year’s old-age pension
[Chorus]
Stand and deliver
Your money or your life
Try to use a mirror
Not a bullet or a knife
[Verse 2]
I’m the dandy highwayman, so sick of easy fashion
The clumsy boots, peek-a-boo roots that people think so dashing
So what’s the point of robbery when nothing is worth taking?
It’s kind of tough to tell a scruff the big mistake he’s making
[Chorus]
Stand and deliver
Your money or your life
Try to use a mirror
Not a bullet or a knife
[Bridge]
Even though you fool your soul
Your conscience will be mine
All mine
[Guitar solo]
[Verse 3]
We’re the dandy highwaymen, so tired of excuses
Of deep meaning philosophies where only showbiz loses
We’re the dandy highwaymen and here’s our invitation
Throw your safety overboard and join our insect nation!
[Chorus]
Stand and deliver
Your money or your life
Try to use a mirror
Not a bullet or a knife
[Bridge]
Even though you fool your soul
Your conscience will be mine
All mine
[Outro]
Da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua
Da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua
Da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua
Da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Stand and deliver (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Your money or your life (da diddley, qua qua, da diddley, qua qua)
Yah!
