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. Many of the songs on their albums are credited to "Certain and Stacey". These were in fact written by Flatt and Scruggs and various other members of the Foggy Mountain Boys. Certain and Stacey are the maiden names of the wives of Flatt and Scruggs. Louise Certain, wife of Earl Scruggs and Gladys Stacey, wife of Lester Flatt.
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 continued to perform until his death in March 2012. Flatt and Scruggs were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985
Flatt & Scruggs may be best known however as the performers of "The Ballad of Jed Clampit" the theme song from the sixties television show "The Beverly Hillbillies". Flatt & Scruggs made cameo appearances on the "The Beverly Hillbillies" as well.
Like A Rolling Stone
Lester Flatt & Earl 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 Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs is a classic example of a troubadour's lament. Throughout the lyrics, the songwriter is exploring the human condition, particularly in times of transition and loss. At the outset of the song, it seems as though the singer is addressing someone who once had it all - "Once upon a time you dressed so fine, threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?" However, as the song progresses, we realize that the person they are addressing has fallen from grace and is now living on the streets, scrounging for their next meal.
The second verse paints a vivid picture of a group of wealthy and privileged people, all of whom think they have it made. They are exchanging precious gifts and seem contented, ignoring the plight of the poor and homeless. In a sense, this verse is a warning to the listener not to take their good fortune for granted, as it could all be taken away in an instant. The final lines of the song - "How does it feel to be without a home, to be on your own, like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone?" - capture the despair and disorientation of being cast out from society and left to fend for oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time you dressed so fine threw the bums a dime in your prime didn't you
There was a time when you were wealthy and generous, even giving to those less fortunate.
People'd call say you're bound to fall you thought they were all kiddin' you
Others warned you of your impending downfall but you didn't listen, thinking they were joking.
You used to laugh about everybody that was hanging out
You used to mock those who were less successful or significant than yourself.
Now you don't talk so loud now you don't seem so proud
Your demeanor has changed, likely due to the struggles you're currently facing.
About having to be scrounging for your next meal
You have now fallen so far that you must search for food or money to sustain yourself.
How does it feel how does it feel with no directions home
You are lost and directionless, with nowhere to go and no plan for the future.
Like a complete unknown like a rolling stone
You feel like an outsider, disconnected from the world and literally rolling from place to place with no clear destination.
Princess on the steeple all the pretty people drinkin' thinkin' they got it made
Meanwhile, there are still those who are wealthy, successful, and confident.
Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts
These people exchange lavish and valuable gifts, likely as a result of their wealth and status.
You'd better lift your diamond ring you'd better pawn it babe
The artist is suggesting that the subject should part with their expensive possessions, as they are now meaningless.
You used to be so amused at Napoleon in rags and the language he used
You once found entertainment in the struggles of others, even taking pleasure in their suffering.
Pull to him now he calls you you can't refuse
Now, the situation is reversed, and the artist implies that the subject is powerless to refuse help from someone they once looked down upon.
When you got nothin' you got nothin' to lose
With no possessions or reputation to maintain, the subject is now free to take risks and live recklessly.
You're invisible now you got no secrets to conceal
The subject is now essentially invisible, with no secrets or accomplishments to distinguish themselves from anyone else.
How does it feel how does it feel to be without a home
The feeling of homelessness and instability is overwhelming, and the singer asks the subject to consider how it truly feels.
To be on your own like a complete unknown like a rolling stone just like a rolling stone
The subject is alone and disconnected, essentially a nobody with no direction in life, and this feeling is reiterated as being like a rolling stone, aimlessly moving from place to place.
Contributed by Molly N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.