After gaining a following as a popular live act on college campuses, the band has gained popular success since signing to Lava Records in 2005, with their singles "Love and Memories" and "Shattered (Turn the Car Around)" gaining mainstream radio airplay. Speaking with Songfacts in an interview, Roberge explained "Love and Memories" was inspired by the Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet movie, The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
The members of O.A.R. first came together in Rockville, Maryland in the basement of drummer Chris Culos' childhood home in 1996. As a young group of musicians, they were the prototype of the modern, self-starting band--taking charge of their fate by working the internet and building an identifiable sound. The band’s music, a rock/reggae fusion, consisted of songs that were fully accessible, yet teasingly elusive. Attracting fans all across the country, the band members toured relentlessly, pushing their album sales through boundless dedication and word-of-mouth appeal, never waiting for the industry to catch up. O.A.R. owes much of their success to piracy and Napster, the mp3 sharing engine. Around 2000, O.A.R.'s popularity greatly increased among college students because their song "Crazy Game of Poker" was a huge hit on Napster.
By the time the band had reached their 10 year anniversary together, they had sold over 1.2 million albums and performed in front of over 1 million people. Their studio record, Stories of a Stranger, produced radio favorites “Love and Memories” and “Heard the World” as well as mtvU’s Most Downloaded Video of 2006, “Lay Down.” The band followed up the successful release with a live double disc CD and DVD set, Live From Madison Square Garden, recorded during the band’s second sold-out performance at the prestigious arena.
Early in 2008, the band members holed themselves up in a studio in Los Angeles to work on their next project, All Sides. The album was released on July 15th.
The Heaven Songfacts reports that the first single from O.A.R.'s seventh studio album, King was released on June 7, 2011 on Wind-Up Records.
. For more information about O.A.R., go to www.ofarevolution.com.
Black Rock
O.A.R. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Writing a memory or writing a rhyme
Thinking about what is right or wrong
On the black rock is where I like to go
After a long night comin' home from the show
That's where I write my song all day long
The black rock
Sometimes, I just look around
That's just something I do sometimes
And then I just come out the door
Taking the wind coming off of the shore
And that's just what I'm doing tonight
On the black rock is where I spend my time
Writing a memory or writing a rhyme
Thinking about what is right or wrong
On the black rock is where I like to go
After a long night comin' home from the show
That's where I write my song all day long
The black rock
When you are on your own
Not speaking out is like fighting alone
And that is the worst damn way to fight
And when you are scared no more
You reach your hand out and just open the door
And that's just what I'm doing tonight
On the black rock is where I spend my time
Writing a memory or writing a rhyme
Thinking about what is right or wrong
On the black rock is where I like to go
After a long night comin' home from the show
That's where I write my song all day long
The black rock
The lyrics of O.A.R.'s song "Black Rock" convey a sense of isolation and introspection, as the singer spends his time writing and reflecting on life. The black rock serves as a physical location where he goes to escape the chaos of the world and focus on his art. He speaks of looking around and tapping into the energy of the earth, highlighting the importance of connecting with nature in finding inspiration.
The song also touches on the theme of bravery and standing up for oneself. The line "Not speaking out is like fighting alone" suggests that holding back one's thoughts and feelings is a form of self-imposed isolation. However, the singer encourages overcoming fear and being vulnerable by "reaching out" and "opening the door."
Overall, "Black Rock" is a song about finding the courage to be authentic and expressive, while also honoring the importance of solitude and creative expression.
Line by Line Meaning
On the black rock is where I spend my time
I like to be alone and think by the sea
Writing a memory or writing a rhyme
I write songs and poems about my life experiences
Thinking about what is right or wrong
I contemplate ethical and moral questions
On the black rock is where I like to go
I find solace and comfort in this place
After a long night comin' home from the show
I unwind here after performing
That's where I write my song all day long
I spend countless hours creating music
Sometimes, I just look around
Occasionally, I observe my surroundings
Taking the feeling coming out from the ground
I absorb the ambiance of the environment
That's just something I do sometimes
It's a personal habit
And then I just come out the door
I simply exit the area
Taking the wind coming off of the shore
I allow the sea breeze to envelop me
And that's just what I'm doing tonight
That's my plan for this evening
When you are on your own
Being alone can be difficult
Not speaking out is like fighting alone
Keeping silent can be daunting
And that is the worst damn way to fight
It's not an effective method of handling conflicts
And when you are scared no more
Once you conquer your fears
You reach your hand out and just open the door
The solution is right in front of you
And that's just what I'm doing tonight
That's my plan for this evening
On the black rock is where I spend my time
I find comfort and inspiration here
Writing a memory or writing a rhyme
I share my thoughts and feelings through art
Thinking about what is right or wrong
I reflect on ethical and moral issues
On the black rock is where I like to go
It's my happy place
After a long night comin' home from the show
I seek relaxation and rejuvenation here
That's where I write my song all day long
I'm endlessly creating new music
The black rock
It holds a special significance for me
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: MARC ANDREW ROBERGE, RICHARD JOE ON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JERRYSAUTOS
Your art work is beyond perfect for the song 🥰
@bycarolbarber
Cheesing sooooo big!!!! 🙏
@bycarolbarber
Right on time. 💫
@JamB9
The dwelling in the video looks like a Blockhouse.
@abdullahbhatti4234
I was searching for overhead absortion rate(oar accounting) when i found this
@oarmusic
Youtube tags working their magic. 😎
@bycarolbarber
😭
@DarkKnightCap
growing up i had a spot called the spot, or the rock. squantum quincy mass. passed from my older cousin to multiple groups of my freinds. my best freind grant passed and i scooped up about my whole class in highschool to go with some spray paint and prayers. havnt been up there in years... forgive me g . im up there soon, with ,y youngest cousins showing the legacy and best view of Boston
@DarkKnightCap
Rose. I understand. Wish you not but the best kiddo. You deserve all you've worked for. Another life perhaps we will meet again. Forgive me Freckles.
@bycarolbarber
Right on time. 💫