Rosebud
Holger Czukay & U-She Lyrics
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Let's take a moment
You are what you are
I'm no alarmist
One look, if you wanna see
There's a rosebud for you
And one for me
We've all got one we call home
But in the event of a nine one one
Who holds the key is what you need to know
You and you alone
You and you alone
You and you alone
You and you alone
You and you alone
You and you alone
(You and you alone) use those keys and take a drive
Through the back alleys of your mind
Have mercy
You and you alone
You and you alone
You and you alone
You and you alone
You and you alone
(You and you alone) use those keys and take a drive
Through the back alleys of your mind
(Have mercy) a cage holds you
We've all got one we call home
In the event of a nine one one
Who holds the key is what you need to know
Let's face it
Admit that it's all related
Just try it with eyes closed
You'll make it, it'll hurt
I promise you
What is your rosebud? You've got to know
The secret won't reach the coast
I see a man in the crowd with a rope
Death arms like a crooked T
No act of telepathy could reveal your rosebud to me
Let's face it
Admit that it's all related
Don't mess this up now
You'll make it, it'll hurt
I promise you
What is your rosebud? You've got to know
It'll hurt
It'll hurt
It'll hurt
It'll hurt, I promise you
It'll hurt (you and you alone)
You and you alone
(You and you alone) it'll hurt
You and you alone
(You and you alone) it'll hurt
You and you alone
(You and you alone) it'll hurt, I promise you
The lyrics to "Rosebud" by Holger Czukay and U-She can be interpreted as a reflection on self-discovery and personal liberation. The song begins with a call to stop and take a moment to acknowledge oneself. The line "You are what you are" implies self-acceptance and self-awareness. The singer reassures that they are not an alarmist, suggesting that they are not overly concerned about the complexities of life.
The concept of a cage is introduced, symbolizing the constraints or limitations that individuals may feel in their lives. The mention of a nine one one emergency situation highlights the importance of knowing and understanding who holds the key to that cage. This can be seen as a metaphor for recognizing one's own agency and taking control of their own life.
The repeated lines "You and you alone" emphasize the individual's responsibility and power in navigating their own journey. The lyrics encourage the listener to use their own keys, metaphorically representing personal choices and decisions, to explore the depths of their mind and discover their true selves. The refrain "Have mercy" suggests that this process may be challenging or painful but ultimately necessary for growth and self-realization.
The song then asks the listener to admit that everything is interconnected and related, inviting them to experience life with closed eyes as a way of deepening their understanding. The reference to "rosebud" is a reference to the movie "Citizen Kane," where the term represents a symbol of the singer's lost innocence and happiness. Here, it represents a personal secret or truth that each individual must uncover for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop
Pause and take a moment to reflect
Let's take a moment
Let's pause and reflect on something important
You are what you are
Embrace who you truly are
I'm no alarmist
I am not someone who panics easily
One look, if you wanna see
Take a closer look if you want full understanding
There's a rosebud for you
There is something special and personal for you
And one for me
And there is something special and personal for me
A cage holds you
We all have limitations and restrictions in life
We've all got one we call home
We all have a familiar place we consider our safe space
But in the event of a nine one one
During times of crisis or emergency
Who holds the key is what you need to know
It is important to figure out who has control or power in those situations
You and you alone
You and only you have the responsibility
Use those keys and take a drive
Utilize your abilities and explore your thoughts deeply
Through the back alleys of your mind
Explore the hidden corners and thoughts in your mind
Have mercy
Be compassionate and understanding towards yourself
Let's face it
Let's confront the truth
Admit that it's all related
Accept that everything is interconnected
Just try it with eyes closed
Attempt to understand without visual distractions
You'll make it, it'll hurt
You will succeed, but there might be pain involved
I promise you
I guarantee it
What is your rosebud? You've got to know
What is the special and personal thing that you must understand?
The secret won't reach the coast
The hidden truth will not be revealed to others
I see a man in the crowd with a rope
I observe someone in the midst of others holding a significant tool of control
Death arms like a crooked T
An ominous presence with the power to harm or end lives
No act of telepathy could reveal your rosebud to me
Even if I had psychic abilities, I wouldn't be able to discover your personal truth
Don't mess this up now
Do not make a mistake or ruin this opportunity
It'll hurt, I promise you
It might be painful, but I assure you
It'll hurt
There will be pain
It'll hurt, you and you alone
The pain is an individual experience
It'll hurt
It will be painful
It'll hurt
It will cause pain
It'll hurt, I promise you
I guarantee that it will cause pain
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Rich Morel, Meg Remy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Walston
Genius