Flatt and Scruggs met as members of Bill Monroe's band, the Blue Grass Boys in 1946. They both left that band early in 1948, and within a few months had formed their own group, the Foggy Mountain Boys. Scruggs' banjo style and Flatt's vocals gave them a distinctive sound that won them many fans. In 1955 they became members of the Grand Ole Opry.
Scruggs, who had always shown progressive tendencies, experimented on duets with saxophonist King Curtis and added songs by the likes of Bob Dylan to the group's repertoire. Flatt, a traditionalist, did not like these changes, and the group broke up in 1969. Following the breakup, Lester Flatt founded the Nashville Grass and Scruggs lead the Earl Scruggs Revue. Flatt died in 1979, while Scruggs still performs occasionally, as health permits. Flatt and Scruggs were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985.
Like A Rolling Stone
Flatt and Scruggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People'd call say you're bound to fall you thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to laugh about everybody that was hanging out
Now you don't talk so loud now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal
How does it feel how does it feel with no directions home
Like a complete unknown like a rolling stone
Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts
You'd better lift your diamond ring you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused at Napoleon in rags and the language he used
Pull to him now he calls you you can't refuse
When you got nothin' you got nothin' to lose
You're invisible now you got no secrets to conceal
How does it feel how does it feel to be without a home
To be on your own like a complete unknown like a rolling stone just like a rolling stone
The song "Like A Rolling Stone" by Flatt and Scruggs is a reflective piece that speaks of the fall from grace of a once-famous person who is now scrounging for their next meal. The first verse speaks of the former glory that this person had, how they dressed well and once threw money at bums, as well as how they used to find joy in the people hanging out. The second verse tells of how this person's life has changed. Suddenly, people are laughing at them and talking about how they are bound to fall, and this person is no longer interested in the people they once so enjoyed spending time with.
The third verse is a call to action. It tells about how the pretty people are drinking and looking smug, exchanging gifts between one another. The main character in the song is instructed to pawn their diamond ring because they have nothing left to lose. The final refrain repeats the main message of the song: how does it feel to be without direction, to be invisible, and to be a complete unknown? It is a contemplative piece that reminds us how quickly fortunes can change.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time you dressed so fine threw the bums a dime in your prime didn't you
In the past, you were well-dressed and generous with your wealth, but that's not the case anymore.
People'd call say you're bound to fall you thought they were all kiddin' you
People warned you of the consequences of your actions, but you didn't believe them.
You used to laugh about everybody that was hanging out
Previously, you ridiculed people who were less fortunate than you and struggled to make ends meet.
Now you don't talk so loud now you don't seem so proud
Currently, you're more subdued and less confident in yourself.
About having to be scrounging for your next meal
You're now in a situation where you have to search for food and basic necessities.
How does it feel how does it feel with no directions home
You're lost and have no clear path or destination in life.
Like a complete unknown like a rolling stone
You feel like an outsider and have no sense of belonging or stability in life.
Princess on the steeple all the pretty people drinkin' thinkin' they got it made
There are people in positions of power and privilege who think they have it all figured out.
Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts
These privileged individuals are exchanging extravagant and expensive presents.
You'd better lift your diamond ring you'd better pawn it babe
You once had expensive possessions like a diamond ring, but you're now advised to sell it.
You used to be so amused at Napoleon in rags and the language he used
You used to find humor in people who were less fortunate, like Napoleon who was once a powerful ruler but reduced to wearing tattered clothes.
Pull to him now he calls you you can't refuse
You're now seeking help from those you once ridiculed and you can't turn down their assistance.
When you got nothin' you got nothin' to lose
You have lost everything and have no more material possessions to cling to.
You're invisible now you got no secrets to conceal
You're now overlooked and have nothing to hide because you have nothing left.
How does it feel how does it feel to be without a home
You're homeless and have no permanent dwelling place.
To be on your own like a complete unknown like a rolling stone just like a rolling stone
You're alone in your struggles and feel like an outsider, like a rolling stone that has no direction or belonging.
Contributed by Molly N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.