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.
Conquering Fools
O.A.R. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking for the gold and the modern day jewels
It come to pass what was stuck in my head
If I didn't quit on looking then I'm probably dead
I hit the road and I rolled up north
looking for the origin, the place of my birth
I didn't notice when I ran a red sign
Uh huh huh
People come and people go
But they never know what is going on
So they gotta try to be what they want to be
What the hell is happening to me
I hit the road and I rolled up north
Looking for the origin, the place of my birth
I didn't notice when I ran a red sign
Hoping that everything would really be fine
I set out about an hour ago
Looking for some gold, said hey oh
Then I went down looking for the big
The big brass show
So I went and then he started to go
Walking down the same old, same old road
Thinking to myself, this is quite a struggle
What can I gotta do tomorrow
Gonna find that gold
And conquer me some fools
Hey hey, hey oh
Conquering fools
Conquering fools
Conquer some fools
Hey we're conquering fools
The song "Conquering Fools" by O.A.R. is about embarking on a journey in search of wealth and success, only to face challenges and obstacles along the way. The first verse talks about setting out on a voyage to find gold and modern-day jewels, but realizing that perseverance is key to achieving these goals. The singer reflects on the importance of not quitting and continuing to search even in the face of adversity. The second verse is about driving north to find the place of birth, but getting distracted and running a red sign. The chorus emphasizes the transient nature of life, and the need to pursue one's dreams and be true to oneself despite not knowing what is going on around. The song ends on an upbeat and hopeful note, with the singer resolving to find the gold and conquer some fools.
Line by Line Meaning
Set out on the voyage of the conquering fools
Starting our journey with the intention of achieving our goals.
Looking for the gold and the modern day jewels
Searching for the riches and the luxuries of modern-day life.
It come to pass what was stuck in my head
What I was thinking about became a reality.
If I didn't quit on looking then I'm probably dead
If I didn't continue searching, I would have regretted it.
I hit the road and I rolled up north
I started driving north.
looking for the origin, the place of my birth
Searching for where I came from.
I didn't notice when I ran a red sign
I was distracted and didn't obey traffic laws.
Hoping that everything would really be fine
Trying to convince myself that everything will turn out okay.
People come and people go
People enter and exit your life.
But they never know what is going on
They aren't always aware of what's happening.
So they gotta try to be what they want to be
They should try to achieve their aspirations.
What the hell is happening to me
Expressing confusion and uncertainty.
I set out about an hour ago
The journey began not too long ago.
Looking for some gold, said hey oh
Searching for treasure.
Then I went down looking for the big
Continuing the search for something grand.
The big brass show
The ultimate event or achievement.
So I went and then he started to go
Continuing the journey forward.
Walking down the same old, same old road
Feeling stuck and unchanging.
Thinking to myself, this is quite a struggle
Realizing the journey is tough.
What can I gotta do tomorrow
Thinking about what to do next.
Gonna find that gold
Determined to find treasure.
And conquer me some fools
Overcoming obstacles and people who doubt us.
Hey hey, hey oh
An expression of enthusiasm.
Conquering fools
Defeating challenges.
Conquering fools
Defeating challenges.
Conquer some fools
Overcoming obstacles and people who doubt us.
Hey we're conquering fools
Celebrating our successes in the face of adversity.
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: MARC ANDREW ROBERGE, RICHARD ON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind