The Rollercoaster Ride
Ofln - Belle & Sebastian Lyrics


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Hey people, looking out the window at the city below
Hey people, looking out the window, full of fun and sorrow
Hey people, looking out the window at the city below
Hey people, looking out the window, you'll be gone tomorrow

The rollercoaster ride
The rollercoaster ride
Of all the trouble kept her inside

Take Judy, with her bow and arrow, she's a mastermind
Too frumpy for the teenage population of her time
Car coat, she has a quilted jacket with a hood if it rains
Big pockets for the pharmaceuticals she takes to fix her brain

The rollercoaster ride
The rollercoaster ride
Of all the trouble kept her inside
Of all the trouble kept her inside

A puzzle, for the moment settle down to do it with him
You're happy cause your cosy and the rain comes rattling in
It tickles, and it's something that is very good for the skin
You're waiting for a baby, baby, watch the idiot running

You're hanging from the balcony upon the riverboat glass
You're watching with your mouth wide open for the top of the class





She came on with the boys while you were stuck in various poses
If you were to remove your clothes d'you think the singer would notice?

Overall Meaning

In "The Rollercoaster Ride," Belle & Sebastian sing about fleeting moments and memories through the lens of nostalgia. The song begins with the lyrics "Hey people, looking out the window at the city below/You'll be gone tomorrow" which evokes a transient feeling. The rollercoaster ride then serves as the song's primary metaphor. The repetitive nature of the chorus "The rollercoaster ride/Of all the trouble kept her inside" reinforces the central theme of holding onto experiences just out of reach.


The song shifts to focus on specific characters, like Judy, who, despite her unique qualities, is too "frumpy" for her peers. The song then jumps to a couple settling down to do a puzzle together, finding happiness even in the rain. The lyrics "You're waiting for a baby, baby, watch the idiot running" is another moment that highlights the fleeting nature of life. The final verse paints a vivid picture of a moment at a riverboat glass, with the singer pondering whether anyone would even notice if they removed their clothes.


Through these vignettes of various characters, "The Rollercoaster Ride" reflects on the impermanence of life and the importance of finding joy in the present moment.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey people, looking out the window at the city below
Observing the city through the window with a mixture of positive and negative emotions


Hey people, looking out the window, full of fun and sorrow
Gazing out the window and experiencing a range of contrasting emotions


Hey people, looking out the window at the city below
Peering through the window, aware that the view is temporary


Hey people, looking out the window, you'll be gone tomorrow
Realizing that one's visit to the city is fleeting and temporary


The rollercoaster ride
The ups and downs of life


The rollercoaster ride
The unpredictable journey of life


Of all the trouble kept her inside
She was trapped by her problems and difficulties


Take Judy, with her bow and arrow, she's a mastermind
Speaking of Judy's intelligence and skill with a bow and arrow


Too frumpy for the teenage population of her time
Judy was not considered fashionable or attractive by her peers


Car coat, she has a quilted jacket with a hood if it rains
Judy wears a practical coat that will protect her from the elements


Big pockets for the pharmaceuticals she takes to fix her brain
Judy carries medications to improve her mental health


A puzzle, for the moment settle down to do it with him
Working on a puzzle together with someone special


You're happy cause your cosy and the rain comes rattling in
Finding joy and comfort in rainy weather


It tickles, and it's something that is very good for the skin
The sensation of rain is pleasurable and beneficial for the skin


You're waiting for a baby, baby, watch the idiot running
Anticipating the birth of a child and witnessing foolish behavior around them


You're hanging from the balcony upon the riverboat glass
Hanging over a balcony on a boat, looking at the river through a glass floor


You're watching with your mouth wide open for the top of the class
Watching a competition or performance with intense anticipation


She came on with the boys while you were stuck in various poses
She socialized with other men while he was preoccupied or uncomfortable


If you were to remove your clothes d'you think the singer would notice?
Questioning whether or not the singer would take notice if he were to change his appearance




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAMPBE, CHRISTOPHER GEDDES, ISOBEL CAMPBELL, MICHAEL COOKE, RICHARD COLBURN, SARAH MARTIN, STEPHEN JACKSON, STUART MURDOCH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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