Rougher
Dub Narcotic Sound System Lyrics


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It isn't really so unfair
Forgive him if he didn't care
To live on nothing but thin air
Each message that he sent shot through
With on beyond old "how are you"
With on beyond old "I love you"

Promised me it would be rougher
Promised me he wouldn't love her

The feeling that we'd never meet
I left his letters on the street
At least the ones I thought to keep
I'm so not mad, it was so rare
Forgive him if he didn't care
To live on nothing but thin air

Promised me it would be rougher
Promised me he wouldn't love her




Promised me it would be rougher
Promised me he wouldn't love her

Overall Meaning

In the song "Rougher" by Dub Narcotic Sound System, the lyrics describe a situation where a person is being taken for granted in a relationship. The singer addresses the person who has promised them that things will be "rougher" and that they won't love someone else, but it seems like these promises have been broken. The first verse acknowledges that the situation may not be entirely unfair, and asks for forgiveness for the other person not caring enough to sustain the relationship. The second verse portrays the feeling of not being able to connect with the other person, and leaving their letters on the street - this suggests that the relationship is quite distant.


The repetition of "promised me it would be rougher" highlights the disappointment and frustration felt by the singer, who seems to have been let down by the other person's lack of effort. The line "to live on nothing but thin air" alludes to the idea that the other person's words, promises and messages are like empty calories that do not offer much substance or sustenance. Throughout the song, there is no sense of anger or hostility, but a sense of acceptance and letting go - perhaps this is because the singer has realized that the other person won't change or live up to their promises.


Overall, "Rougher" is a song about unrequited love, disappointment, and the realization that sometimes relationships don't work out, despite the best of intentions. The repetition of key phrases and the simple instrumentation create a sense of melancholy, as if the singer is trying to come to terms with what has happened and move on.


Line by Line Meaning

It isn't really so unfair
The situation is not as unjust as it may seem


Forgive him if he didn't care
Don't be hard on him for not showing much interest


To live on nothing but thin air
To survive on very little or practically nothing


Each message that he sent shot through
Every communication he made really hit home


With on beyond old "how are you"
Going beyond the usual greetings of "how are you"


With on beyond old "I love you"
Saying more than the typical "I love you"


Promised me it would be rougher
He assured me that things would get more intense


Promised me he wouldn't love her
He made a commitment not to fall in love with her


The feeling that we'd never meet
The belief that we would never actually come face to face


I left his letters on the street
I discarded the letters he sent me on the sidewalk


At least the ones I thought to keep
I held onto the few letters I deemed significant


I'm so not mad, it was so rare
I'm not angry, it was an exceptional occurrence


Promised me it would be rougher
He guaranteed that it would become more challenging


Promised me he wouldn't love her
He committed to not developing feelings for her


Promised me it would be rougher
He promised me that it would be more difficult


Promised me he wouldn't love her
He made an oath that he wouldn't fall for her




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MAFFEO

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