Buffalo Tom is an American alternative rock band from Boston, Massachusetts… Read Full Bio ↴Buffalo Tom is an American alternative rock band from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 1986. Its principal members are guitarist Bill Janovitz, bassist Chris Colbourn, and drummer Tom Maginnis. The band's name is derived from the band Buffalo Springfield and the first name of the drummer.

According to Songfacts, Buffalo Tom's name is derived from the band Buffalo Springfield and the first name of the drummer Tom Maginnis. The band epitomized the rise of indie guitar rock in the 1990s, but unfortunately they had only limited commercial success, despite the consistently high quality of their records.

While Buffalo Tom never 'officially' broke up, they took a seven year break, starting around 1999/2000. During that time while singer/guitarist Bill Janovitz and singer/bassist Chris Colbourn worked on solo material and other projects (Bill with his band, The Crown Victoria, Chris with former Fuzzy singer/guitarist Hilken Mancini). Drummer Tom Maginnis took up a day job in publishing.

In 2007 the trio began playing again and released an album of new material, Three Easy Pieces.

As of 2018 they are again active, touring behind their album released 3/2/2018, "Quiet and Peace."

www.buffalotom.com
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www.billjanovitz.com

Velvet Roof
Buffalo Tom Lyrics

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Scraggly hair and messed up shoes
I'm looking all around for you
Find you in the corner bar
But you can't find the keys to your car
She's as sharp as a razor blade
But she could cut my wrists open just the same
Softer than my velvet floor
Gatherin' up the veil and going home

Scraggly hair and messed up shoes
I'm looking all around for you
Find you in the corner bar
But you can't find the keys to your car
She's as sharp as a razor blade
But she could cut my wrists open just the same
Softer than my velvet floor
Gatherin' up the veil and going home

Hey man what's the matter with
Hey man what's the matter with you
Hey man what's the matter with
Hey man what's the matter with you
Hey man what's the matter with

Hey man what's the matter with you
Hey

Overall Meaning

man what's the matter with
Hey man what's the matter with you

The lyrics to Buffalo Tom's "Velvet Roof" describe a tense and possibly toxic relationship between the singer and a woman he is drawn to. He describes waiting for her outside, eager to meet her but also feeling competitive with her. When she arrives, he invites her onto his "velvet roof", a metaphor for a luxurious and comfortable place where they could potentially find happiness together. However, their interactions remain fraught with tension, as she is sharp and unpredictable, capable of causing him harm. The singer continues to search for her throughout the song, eventually finding her in a bar but unable to help her due to her disorientation. The song ends on a repetitive chorus, with the singer asking "Hey man what's the matter with you", possibly directing the question at himself and his own inability to connect with this woman.

The lyrics to "Velvet Roof" are somewhat enigmatic and open to interpretation. On the one hand, the song could be read as a cautionary tale about getting involved with someone who is ultimately bad for you, someone who can cut you like a razor blade. On the other hand, it could also be seen as a lament for a missed connection, with the singer trying to understand why he is unable to bridge the gap with this woman. The use of metaphors, such as the "velvet roof" and the "golden tooth", adds to the song's dreamlike quality and makes it feel like a surreal, heightened experience.

Line by Line Meaning

Here she comes across the street
I see the person I am interested in approaching.

But I'm already there downstairs to meet with her
I am already waiting for her and ready to interact with her.

She could make my life complete
I believe that this person could fulfill my life.

But I'm already there to compete with her
I am also aware that I am competing with other potential suitors.

Climb aboard my velvet roof
Come with me and experience my luxurious lifestyle.

And smile showing me one golden tooth
I am attracted to her smile and want her to show it off for me.

A simple gesture yes or no
I wish she had given me a clear answer to my advances.

Would have been enough to let me know
Her response would have given me the information I need to move forward.

Scraggly hair and messed up shoes
She may not have perfect appearance, but I am still attracted to her.

I'm looking all around for you
I am actively searching for her presence.

Find you in the corner bar
I located her in a specific location.

But you can't find the keys to your car
She appears to be experiencing problems or obstacles.

She's as sharp as a razor blade
She has a sharp wit or intelligence.

But she could cut my wrists open just the same
At the same time, she also has the potential to harm me emotionally.

Softer than my velvet floor
She is gentle and tender to be around.

Gatherin' up the veil and going home
She is leaving and moving on from the situation.

Hey man what's the matter with
Repeating this line indicates frustration or confusion.

Hey man what's the matter with you
Trying to understand the cause of the issue with the person being addressed.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BILL JANOVITZ, CHRIS COLBOURN, TOM MAGINNIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Here she comes across the street
But I'm already there downstairs to meet with her
She could make my life complete
But I'm already there to compete with her
Climb aboard my velvet roof
And smile showing me one golden tooth
A simple gesture yes or no
Would have been enough to let me know

Scraggly hair and messed up shoes
I'm lookin' all around for you
Find you in the corner bar
But you can't find the keys to your car
She's as sharp as a razor blade
But she could cut my wrists open just the same
Softer than my velvet floor
Gatherin' up the veil and goin' home
Hey, hey
Hey, hey

Scraggly hair and messed up shoes
I'm lookin' all around for you
Find you in the corner bar
But you can't find the keys to your car
She's as sharp as a razor blade
But she could cut my wrists open just the same
Softer than my velvet floor
Gatherin' up the veil and goin' home

Hey man what's the matter with
Hey man what's the matter with you?
Hey man what's the matter with
(Hey man what's the matter with)
Hey man what's the matter with you?
(Hey man what's the matter)
Hey man what's the matter with
(Hey man what's the matter with)
Hey man what's the matter with you?
(Hey man what's the matter with you?)
Hey