Roseability
Idlewild Lyrics


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Rose, ability, there is no roseability
Rose, ability, there is no roseability

You've got off with too much now
You're getting off with too much now
Stop looking through scrapbooks and photograph albums
Because I know
They don't teach you what you don't already know
You've always been, dissatisfied

Gertrude Stein said "that's enough"
(I know that that's not enough now)

Rose, ability, there is no roseability

You've got off with too much now
You're getting off with too much now
Stop looking through scrapbooks and photograph albums
Because I know
They can't teach you what you don't already know
You're always be, dissatisfied

Gertrude Stein said "that's enough"
Gertrude Stein said "that's enough"
(I know that that's not enough now)

Rose, ability, there is no roseability

You've got off with too much now
You're getting off with too much now
Stop looking through scrapbooks and photograph albums
Because I know




They won't teach you what you don't already know
You'll always be, dissatisfied.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Idlewild's "Roseability" touch on the idea that the grass is always greener on the other side. The repeated phrase "Rose, ability, there is no roseability" suggests that although we may desire something that appears beautiful and desirable, it ultimately does not provide the fulfillment and satisfaction we crave. The song addresses someone who is always searching for something better, never truly content with what they have. The line "Stop looking through scrapbooks and photograph albums" implies that this person is constantly looking back on their past, hoping to find some hidden answer or key to their happiness.


The reference to Gertrude Stein's quote "that's enough" could be seen as a call to accept the present moment and be content with what we have. However, the repetition of the line "I know that that's not enough now" suggests that the person singing the song is struggling with this concept themselves. The song's overall message is one of caution, reminding us not to get too caught up in our desires and to appreciate what we have in the now.


Line by Line Meaning

Rose, ability, there is no roseability
The idea of being able to achieve perfection is just a myth.


You've got off with too much now
You have been given too much but have not done enough to earn it.


You're getting off with too much now
You are getting away with too much, without putting in the necessary work.


Stop looking through scrapbooks and photograph albums
Stop dwelling in the past and start focusing on the present.


Because I know
The artist possesses a deeper understanding of the situation at hand.


They can't teach you what you don't already know
The singer believes that the things you already know cannot be taught to you through external means.


You're always be, dissatisfied
You will constantly feel discontent with what you have, even if you have achieved a lot.


Gertrude Stein said "that's enough"
The artist quotes Gertrude Stein's belief that contentment can be found in sufficiency.


(I know that that's not enough now)
The artist adds their own opinion that sufficiency may not be enough in the current times.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB FAIRFOULL, COLIN NEWTON, ROD PRYCE-JONES, RODDY WOOMBLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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