Going Back to My Roots
Odyssey Lyrics


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Zippin' up my boots
Goin' back to my roots, yeah

To the place of my birth
Back down to earth

I've been standing in the rain
Drenched and soaked with pain

Tired of short term benefits
And being exposed to the elements
I'm homeward bound
Got my head turned around

Zippin' up my boots
Goin' back to my roots, yeah

To the place of my birth
Back down to earth
Ain't talkin' 'bout no roots in the land

Talkin' 'bout the roots in the man
I feel my spirit's gettin' old
It's time to recharge my soul
I'm zippin' up my boots
Goin' back to my roots, yeah

To the place of my birth
Back down to earth





Zippin' up my boots
Goin' back to my roots

Overall Meaning

Odyssey's song "Going Back to My Roots" is a powerful anthem that speaks to the desire to reconnect with one's true self and purpose. The opening lines, "Zippin' up my boots, goin' back to my roots," signify a return to a more authentic way of life - one that is grounded in personal history and identity. As the song progresses, the lyrics continue to explore the theme of rediscovery, as the singer reflects on their past to find grounding in the present.


The phrase "going back to my roots" is a common expression that generally means to return to one's cultural or familial origins. In this song, however, the meaning is more nuanced. The singer isn't simply returning to their childhood home or cultural traditions; they are returning to their own innermost self, to the essence of who they are. This is represented by the line, "Ain't talkin' 'bout no roots in the land, talkin' 'bout the roots in the man." Here, the singer emphasizes that their roots are internal, rather than external.


The overall message of "Going Back to My Roots" is one of self-discovery and self-renewal. The singer is tired of feeling exposed and worn down by life's challenges. They recognize that they need to recharge their soul in order to keep moving forward. By returning to their roots - both literal and figurative - they are able to find the strength and resilience they need to face the future with renewed hope.


Line by Line Meaning

Zippin' up my boots
Preparing to go on a journey


Goin' back to my roots, yeah
Returning to where I came from for personal reasons


To the place of my birth
To my hometown where I was born


Back down to earth
To reality, to be grounded


I've been standing in the rain
I've been going through a hard time


Drenched and soaked with pain
Emotionally overwhelmed with suffering


Tired of short term benefits
Weary of only temporary gains


And being exposed to the elements
Being vulnerable and subject to harsh conditions


I'm homeward bound
I'm heading back home


Got my head turned around
I've changed my perspective


Ain't talkin' 'bout no roots in the land
Not referring to physical roots in the ground


Talkin' 'bout the roots in the man
Referring to personal identity and heritage


I feel my spirit's gettin' old
I feel emotionally exhausted and drained


It's time to recharge my soul
It's time to renew my energy and optimism


Zippin' up my boots
Preparing to go on a journey


Goin' back to my roots, yeah
Returning to where I came from for personal reasons


To the place of my birth
To my hometown where I was born


Back down to earth
To reality, to be grounded


Zippin' up my boots
Preparing to go on a journey


Goin' back to my roots
Returning to where I came from for personal reasons




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@SteveBilaoTyrell

I have fond memories of producing this track. It had tremendous success in England and in the rest of Europe. Props to my buddy Al Gorgoni who came up with this amazing arrangement.

@IITIMOTHY

You produced this song?

@connora5752

@@IITIMOTHY tbf his name is right there on thr disc

@user-hd3cm6fg1h

I found this last year when I was 27. I hope the younger generations continue to find this kinda magic 🙌

@Martineschido

@@user-hd3cm6fg1h I do sir, I'm 27 now and i can already taste how good this is good to sound on the club!!

@Cgjfinn76

Thank you Steve. Copied this 20 years ago from a tape I found in my dad's van. It brings me back to my youth.

67 More Replies...

@pasgas12safe58

I was doing plumbing work for a customer today, who left me a key for access. Top of the stairs on a table was a vinyl single...This one!! So I hooked up my phone to Bluetooth and YT & started work with a smile!!😁
I was 18/19 when I heard this all over the place!!👍
Thanks Steve Tyrell🙏

@markfarnon6742

That's a nice comment sir.

@pasgas12safe58

@@markfarnon6742 Thanks brother, I appreciate your comment😉👍

@stephenadams2608

Such a banger. It's a perfect song. That guitar. The baseline. The vocals. The layering. Just perfect.

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