He has played and toured with Shovels & Rope, Jonny Corndawg, Caitlin Rose, Houndmouth, Robert Ellis, and Jason Isbell.
Following the success of the 2010 EP Tennessee Time, Coin Records released the 7-inch single “Big Bad Love” in May 2012 and Combs’ debut full-length album, Worried Man, on October 30, 2012. The album was co-produced by Mike Odmark and features guest appearances from Caitlin Rose and Nikki Lane, along with the core band of Jeremy Fetzer, Spencer Cullum, Jr., Michael Rinne, Micah Hulscher, and Jon Radford.
Rose Colored Blues
Andrew Combs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waking with an aching in his head
Wiping off yesterday
All the hurt and spiteful words that were said
Well it seems to me he's fallen
From grace in some sweet darling's eye
But somewhere there's another town
Lost love and slow trains
Whichever way you choose
It don't ever get too bad
When you got them ramblin', rose colored blues
If he's headed west and falls behind
Derailed neath blue Missoula sky
If the whistle blows him east
Into the dirty screaming New York City night
He might sleep beneath the stars
Or on some borrowed bed he'll find along the way
He might charm a pretty face to keep him warm
But come the morning, on his way
Lost love and slow trains
Whichever way you choose
It don't ever get too bad
When you got them ramblin', rose colored blues
No storyline of destiny,
Fable, or fantasy you'll find
Just another nowhere man
Going anywhere, anytime he minds
So while the world turns and worries
Money, war and glory, right or wrong
Silhouetted by the gloaming, off he goes
Singing this old song
Lost love and slow trains
Whichever way you choose
It don't ever get too bad
When you got them ramblin', rose colored blues
It don't ever get too bad
When you got them ramblin', rose colored blues
The lyrics of Andrew Combs's song Rose Colored Blues describe the life of a man who has fallen from grace in the eyes of someone he once loved. The song reflects on the man's travels, as he moves from place to place in search of meaning and purpose in his life. The opening lines describe the man waking up with an aching head, wiping away the memories of hurtful words and lost love. It is clear that he is searching for something, but unsure of what that might be.
Throughout the song, the man's travels are depicted in various settings, from the blue skies of Missoula to the dirty streets of New York City. He may sleep under the stars at night, or find comfort in the arms of a pretty face. But always, the journey continues. As the song says, "Just another nowhere man, going anywhere, anytime he minds." It is a story of constant movement, with no clear destination in sight.
Despite the man's struggles, the song ends on a note of optimism. No matter where he goes, or what challenges he faces, he always has his music, his "ramblin' rose colored blues." It is a constant in his life, a source of comfort and inspiration. And so, even though his journey may be uncertain, he carries on, singing his old song and embracing the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
One more dark and stormy morning
Another day of gloom and despair.
Waking with an aching in his head
He wakes up to a headache, likely worsened by his current situation.
Wiping off yesterday
He's trying to forget the past, wiping the slate clean.
All the hurt and spiteful words that were said
Words were said in anger that have left a lasting wound.
Well it seems to me he's fallen
He has lost favor in the eyes of someone he cared about.
From grace in some sweet darling's eye
He has lost the love of a woman he cared about.
But somewhere there's another town
The world is a vast place, and there are other opportunities elsewhere.
And another woman waiting down the line
There may be someone else out there for him.
Lost love and slow trains
Reflecting on a past love and the slow pace of life.
Whichever way you choose
No matter which direction he goes, there will be challenges.
It don't ever get too bad
Things are tough, but they could be worse.
When you got them ramblin', rose colored blues
He has a wanderer's spirit and can maintain hope despite his struggles.
If he's headed west and falls behind
Despite planning and intentions, things may not always go according to plan.
Derailed neath blue Missoula sky
He may encounter setbacks, but must persevere.
If the whistle blows him east
He may be called in a different direction than he initially intended.
Into the dirty screaming New York City night
He may end up in a place that is completely different from where he began.
He might sleep beneath the stars
Sleeping outdoors is a possibility.
Or on some borrowed bed he'll find along the way
He may have to rely on the kindness of strangers.
He might charm a pretty face to keep him warm
He could use his charisma to win the affection of someone.
But come the morning, on his way
He may have to leave that person behind and continue his travels.
No storyline of destiny,
He doesn't believe in fate and thinks that he is in charge of his own path.
Fable, or fantasy you'll find
There are no fantasies or fairy tales in his view of the world.
Just another nowhere man
He is just one of many people in the world who feel lost.
Going anywhere, anytime he minds
He is free to travel wherever and whenever he wants.
So while the world turns and worries
While others are caught up in their problems, he is focused on his own journey.
Money, war and glory, right or wrong
There are many things people are concerned with, but he isn't.
Silhouetted by the gloaming, off he goes
He is walking away from that life.
Singing this old song
He is steadfast in his beliefs and perspective.
It don't ever get too bad
Things are tough, but they could be worse.
When you got them ramblin', rose colored blues
He has a wanderer's spirit and can maintain hope despite his struggles.
Writer(s): Andrew Combs
Contributed by Reagan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mrbobevans
Andrew is so talented and so underrated.
Shane Dorough
Absolutely love this song! You've earned a new FAN!!
Blake Mile
Great song, timeless Quality - reminds me of Gentle On My Mind
Shelley
Love this!đź’•
Gustavo Vásquez Molina
I love this song. Beautiful man.
John Tucci
Very very good. Authentic and soulful.
drbeeper
Dat 'trumpet' at 2:20 :)
Nogge
no