After trying out a string of lesser-known groups including Blonds, Young Circles, Blond Fuzz and Stonefox, he signed to Jay Z's label Roc Nation in June 2013 to eventually release his original solo music. Boots' meteoric rise to fame came about when Beyoncé's self-titled album debuted at no. 1 on the charts, with 85% of the album featuring his production skills and four songs he'd written. Boots' debut solo album is the self-produced mixtape WinterSpringSummerFall.
2. Boots is one of the many pseudonyms of someone who is maybe named Robyn Nice who seems to release each new record under a new name. The Boots record was released in a box with LPs by C.C. and Snake & Remus.
Howl
Boots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pitch black cold heart
Rockstar squad car
Pitch black cold heart
(x3)
I get scared,
I left my best days behind me
When those cold bitter nights came to find me
It's who I am, know what I do that defines me
Oh, invisible and naked
Oh, everything is changing
Oh, into the sun
What we'll become?
What we'll become?
What we'll become?
Rockstar squad car
Pitch black cold heart
Rockstar squad car
Pitch black cold heart
Rockstar squad car
Pitch black cold heart
Everything around fade out
HOWL at the Moon and stay down
Everything around fade out
HOWL at the Moon and say: baby don't you move!
Oh, invisible and naked
Oh, everything is changing
Oh, into the sun
What we'll become?
What we'll become?
What we'll become?
Everything around fade out
HOWL at the Moon and stay down
Everything around fade out
HOWL at the Moon and say: baby don't you move!
(x2)
Baby don't you
Baby don't you
Baby don't you move
Everything around fade out, aw aw
HOWL at the Moon and stay down, aw aw
Everything around fade out, aw aw
HOWL at the Moon and say: baby don't you move!
Everything around fade out
HOWL at the Moon and stay down
Everything around fade out
HOWL at the Moon and say: baby don't you move!
The lyrics of Boots's song "Howl" are reflective of someone who is having an existential crisis. The opening lines of "Rockstar squad car, pitch black cold heart" paint a dark and ominous picture. The repetition of this phrase throughout the song creates a foreboding atmosphere that persists till the end. The singer’s fear is evident as they admit to being scared and having left their best days behind. The cloudy roads and cold nights have found them, and they seem to be struggling to define themselves. The use of the word ‘invisible’ gives the feeling of a person who has lost touch with their identity and is searching for meaning. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the line, "everything is changing, into the sun." It is pure hope and light in an otherwise dark perception.
The chorus of the song serves as a release for the singer. "Everything around fade out, howl at the moon and stay down," seems to suggest a retreat from the world, a temporary respite. The image of the moon has traditionally been associated with various meanings and beliefs, from a harbinger of myth, mystery, and magical forces to a symbol of change and renewal. In this song, it stands for emotional rebirth and a source of strength. The phrase "baby, don't you move" is a plea to someone, perhaps to a loved one, to stay and offer comfort.
This song allows the listener to connect with the singer’s fears, uncertainties, and his search for meaning. The repetition of the rockstar squad car suggests that it represents a symbol of fame and fortune, yet the singer's reality is lonely and depressing. The "Howl" calls to the Moon allow the listener to be transformed and gives them a place to escape. Ultimately, the song provides a message to overcome one’s fears and insecurities, to howl at the moon and find healing.
Line by Line Meaning
Rockstar squad car
The singer feels like a powerful figure in society.
Pitch black cold heart
Despite appearing dominant, the singer feels empty and unfeeling inside.
I get scared,
At times, the singer feels frightened and vulnerable.
I left my best days behind me
The artist regrets not being able to relive the good moments of their past.
When the clouds heavy roaded is unwinded
During tough times, the artist feels like they're navigating a difficult path.
When those cold bitter nights came to find me
The singer associates hard times with feeling cold and bitter.
It's who I am, know what I do that defines me
The singer feels that their actions are the most important part of who they are.
Oh, invisible and naked
The artist feels exposed and vulnerable, lacking protection or cover.
Oh, everything is changing
The artist senses that their life is in a state of constant and unsettling flux.
Oh, into the sun
The artist hopes for a brighter future, away from their current troubles.
What we'll become?
The singer is uncertain about what they will eventually achieve or become.
Everything around fade out
The artist feels like everything they know is disappearing or falling apart.
HOWL at the Moon and stay down
The singer suggests expressing their pain or discomfort, and remaining in that place for a time.
Howl at the Moon and say: baby don't you move!
The singer addresses their loved one, asking them to remain present and supportive during tough times.
Baby don't you
The singer is affectionately addressing their partner.
Baby don't you move
The artist is asking their partner to stay by their side and be supportive.
Contributed by Stella K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.