Rollin' With The Flow
Charlie Rich Lyrics


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Once was a thought inside my head
Fore I'd reach thirty I'd be dead
Now somehow on and on I go-o-o
I keep on rolling with the flow

Folks said that I would change my mind
I'd straighten up and do just fine
Ahh, but I still love rock and ro-o-oll
I keep on rolling with the flow

While guys my age are raising kids
I'm raising hell just like I did
I've got a lot of crazy friends
And they forgive me of my sins

Some might be calling me a bum
But I'm still out there having fun
And Jesus loves me, yes, I kno-o-ow
So, I keep on rolling with the flow
(Keep on rolling with the flow)

I don't guide my age on raising kicks
But I'm raising hell just like I did
I've got a lot of crazy friends
And they forgive me of my sins

Can't take it with you when you're gone
But I want enough to get there on
And I ain't ever growing o-o-old
So, I keep on rolling with the flow
(Keep on rolling with the flow)

I ain't ever growing o-o-old
If I keep on rolling with the flow
(Keep on rolling, keep on rolling)

Keep on rolling with the flow
(Keep on rolling, keep on rolling)





Keep on rolling with the flow
(Keep on rolling, keep on rolling)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Charlie Rich's "Rollin' With The Flow" describe a narrator who is defying societal expectations and living life on their own terms. The opening lines express a previously held belief that the singer would not live to see thirty years old, but now they continue to persevere and keep on "rolling with the flow." Despite others' predictions that the singer would "straighten up," they "still love rock and roll" and refuse to conform. The singer compares themselves to their peers who are raising families while they themselves are still living a carefree and wild lifestyle, surrounded by a group of forgiving friends. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of the risks of their choices, acknowledging that they "can't take it with you when you're gone," but they still embrace their youthfulness and reject the notion of aging.


The overall theme of the song appears to be one of rebellion and embracing one's individuality. The singer refuses to conform to societal expectations placed upon them, instead choosing to pursue a lifestyle that is meaningful to them even if it is atypical. The repeated chorus of "keep on rolling with the flow" echoes this sentiment, encouraging listeners to continue to persevere and stay true to themselves despite any obstacles they may face.


Line by Line Meaning

Once was a thought inside my head
I had once thought that I wouldn't make it past thirty years old and that I'd be dead.


Fore I'd reach thirty I'd be dead
I was sure that I wouldn't survive to see my thirtieth birthday.


Now somehow on and on I go-o-o
But now, somehow, I just keep on living, day after day.


I keep on rolling with the flow
I keep on living my life, taking things as they come, and not really worrying about anything else.


Folks said that I would change my mind
People expected me to mature and grow out of my youthful ways.


I'd straighten up and do just fine
They thought that I'd get my act together and start being responsible.


Ahh, but I still love rock and ro-o-oll
But I still have a passion for rock and roll music.


While guys my age are raising kids
Most of my peers are busy starting their families and being parents.


I'm raising hell just like I did
But I'm still living a wild and unpredictable life, just like I did when I was younger.


I've got a lot of crazy friends
I've surrounded myself with people who are equally wild and adventurous as me.


And they forgive me of my sins
My friends understand me and accept me despite my flaws and mistakes.


Some might be calling me a bum
Some people might judge me and view me as a failure or a loser.


But I'm still out there having fun
But I'm still enjoying my life and pursuing the things that make me happy.


And Jesus loves me, yes, I kno-o-ow
But I take comfort in knowing that no matter what others might think of me, I am loved by Jesus.


So, I keep on rolling with the flow
And so, I keep living my life and doing what feels right to me, without worrying about others' opinions.


Can't take it with you when you're gone
I can't take any material possessions with me when I die.


But I want enough to get there on
But I still want to have enough money and resources to live my life comfortably until the end.


And I ain't ever growing o-o-old
I never want to become old and boring, and I intend to stay young in spirit.


Keep on rolling with the flow
So I'll just keep living my life, embracing my passions, and taking things as they come.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jerry Hayes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

thom jones

Who's still listening to this in 2020? I know I still am what about everybody else?

Stacey Lane

Always & Forever

Sandra Martinez

Right here. Can’t get enough of this tune. Lack the words to describe the feeling each time listen.
Que Viva!

Rusty Carpenter

2022 here 🙋🏼‍♂️

Ryan Parsons

Almost fall of 2022... checking in

Chris Lawson

2022

29 More Replies...

LARRY YATSKO

I've always loved this song. It takes me back to a time when I was a young man sort of lost in my mind, not knowing what I wanted or what I expected. Rolling With The Flow is what I was doing in those days. This song has always had a special meaning for me. Still Love it today.
RIP Charlie Rich.

cjnpete

me too

Justin Wayne Elrod (Jrod)

Most underrated country song ever

80s Teen

That's because it's a lift of More Than I Can Say

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