Rockin' for myself
Motiv 8 Lyrics


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To bare it down to be in flight
To bare it down to be in flight
It wasn't about me, it was only a stone in my shoe
Then worries came to perch on us
Impatience and a painted bust
I kept you close to me, close to my ear
We set out once with folded shirts
With hairy chests and well rehearsed
I want it all, I want it all for myself
I'll set it right between your eyes
Your shoulder blades, your running knife
I want it all, I want it all for myself
Improving all the time, I am
Improving as I kiss the hem
I promise I won't be a trouble at all
For I'm okay, I'm in the red
Impressions of the unmade bed
You cradled close to me, close to my ear
We set out once, forget our shirts
With hairy chests and well rehearsed
I want it all, I want it all for myself
Out in the earth I smell of you




Of bathing boy, amazing you
I want it all, I want it all for myself

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Motiv 8's "Rockin' for myself" tell a tale of a journey toward success, all while battling personal obstacles and self-doubt. The opening lines prioritize the need to be stripped down and focused in order to reach one's goals, suggesting that success requires a simplified mindset. The following line, "It wasn't about me, it was only a stone in my shoe," implies that the obstacles and doubts one experiences are merely minor roadblocks that can be overcome with determination.


The lines "Then worries came to perch on us/ Impatience and a painted bust" convey that while pursuing success, worries and impatience can get in the way and cloud one's judgment. However, the chorus of "I want it all, I want it all for myself" emphasizes the determination to attain success no matter what, with the repetition of this line emphasizing its importance.


The lyrics then shift to a more personal and intimate tone with lines such as "Improving as I kiss the hem/ I promise I won't be a trouble at all." This suggests that the journey towards success not only involves external challenges, but also a personal journey of self-improvement and growth. The final lines "Out in the earth I smell of you/ Of bathing boy, amazing you/ I want it all, I want it all for myself" convey the idea that the journey towards success is not solely an individual effort, but also involves the support and inspiration of others.


Overall, the lyrics to "Rockin' for myself" portray a journey towards individual success, touched with a recognition of the role of others in the attainment of one's goals. It showcases the personal obstacles that can be encountered and how they are dealt with, emphasizing the importance of determination and focus to overcome them.


Line by Line Meaning

To bare it down to be in flight
Simplify yourself to soar freely


It wasn't about me, it was only a stone in my shoe
Mistakes aren't permanent or defining, just temporary obstacles to overcome


Then worries came to perch on us
Anxiety can settle on us unexpectedly and heavily


Impatience and a painted bust
Frustration and pretense can lead to stagnation and failure


I kept you close to me, close to my ear
I value and prioritize the input and presence of those I trust


We set out once with folded shirts
We started off neat and organized


With hairy chests and well rehearsed
Confident and ready to take on any challenge


I want it all, I want it all for myself
I have an intense drive and hunger for personal success and fulfillment


I'll set it right between your eyes
I face my problems and confront them head-on


Your shoulder blades, your running knife
The physical and emotional experiences you have make you tougher and sharper


Improving all the time, I am
I am constantly working on my self-improvement


Improving as I kiss the hem
I see and accept the value of humility and subservience in my journey to better myself


I promise I won't be a trouble at all
I am reliable and trustworthy, I won't be a burden or inconvenience to others


For I'm okay, I'm in the red
Although I may be in a stressful or difficult situation, I am handling it and staying strong


Impressions of the unmade bed
The experiences and memories of my intimate moments stay with me


You cradled close to me, close to my ear
I cherish and hold close to my heart those who have supported and comforted me


Out in the earth I smell of you
I am influenced and shaped by those around me


Of bathing boy, amazing you
I appreciate and admire the unique qualities and experiences that make you who you are




Contributed by Cooper W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@donnyazoff980

I am 55 years old and this song makes me want to dance!!!

@sabfan66

me too0. I was an aerobics instructor and this was one of the great tracks we used together with all the other great eurodance tunes o f 92 to 97

@gigigirl0

Me too 😁 I love it

@br8475

Motiv8 has that effect!

@emmahandley3789

Play this tune and even my teenagers and 9 year old love it, that’s when music was class

@fredmost

Still more in the tank donny 50s are the new 30s

3 More Replies...

@superman01011

Kids today simply wouldn’t understand the awesomeness of this and other legendary songs from our era of the magical 90’s. I’m so glad I was around for that time not the utter rubbish you hear these days

@benmccann2180

anthem 🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🏅

@emma7woodall

Im 48 and can still dance all night , all my 4 kids went home at 1 , i rolled in at 6 😂 still some life in me yet !!!

@dannysmith5229

Got this on cassette single from Woolworths to play in my Nova SRI lol... good times & great memories

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