I. In the summer of 1999 Leonardo Silva and Peter Hollens met in a University of Oregon writing class. Their common passion for singing inspired them to start a vocal group. That winter, Pete and Leo gathered a small and talented group of 6 music lovers for their very first rehearsal. On the Rocks was born.
Known as the first official collegiate a cappella group in Oregon, On The Rocks began a tradition of excellence in a genre that was previously unheard of in the Northwest. Since 1999, several other groups, including University of Oregon’s Divisi and Oregon State’s Outspoken have followed their lead and joined the fast-growing A cappella community.
OtR has established itself as one of the top a cappella groups in the nation. Their current repertoire ranges from contemporary pop to doo-wop classics to holiday standards and the occasional original piece. OtR is comprised of mostly undergraduate students and usually consisting of 9 – 12 members. Every fall and spring, an extensive audition process is held to find quality replacements for graduating members in 4 different vocal categories-, tenor, baritone, bass and vocal percussion. Auditioning students are evaluated on tonal memory, solo talent, blending ability and, of course, personality. Once the new members are chosen, OTR can be heard singing every Friday @ the EMU amphitheater and around campus at various events throughout the year. Aside from hosting quarterly concerts, they have toured the West Coast and have visited the east coast often, and Canada. They have performed with the professional quartet the Coats and at various a cappella festivals all over the west coast.
In 2002 OtR placed 3rd at the International Competition of Collegiate a cappella and returned the next year in 2003 to place 2nd out of hundreds of groups. During the competitions they took in more than a dozen awards including, Best Soloist, Best Vocal Percussion, Best Arrangement and Best Hair. They have appeared live on the NBC Today show, along with other various semi-national news stations such as WB news @ 10 on “Toni Time”.
Every year in the winter since their inception OtR has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the UO Basketball Games in Mac Court. Their performance has been broadcast on UO radio to several thousand listeners and was received with uproaring praise from the appreciative 7,000 fans and radio commentators alike.
OTR has also reached viral status with their YouTube videos of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," and is probably best known for their version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," which reached 7.5 million views on YouTube. OTR has toured all over the US and Canada. The group travels to Berkeley, CA for the West Coast A Cappella Showcase every year. OTR has toured San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, New Haven, and Boston, and hope to tour more in the future. In 2010, OTR was featured on the second season of the hit NBC show "The Sing-Off".
Since it’s inception, On the Rocks has released two albums:The self titled OTR – 2002 and Backgammon Sessions – 2003. They are finishing up their latest CD, soon to be released in fall of 2005. Awards for their recordings include a selection on the 2004 BOCA compilation album (Best of Collegiate A Cappella). The selected track was Yellow off the Backgammon Sessions album and it was also chosen as the runner-up best male song of the year by CARA (Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards) Their most recent CD, Full Coverage includes tracks from such artists as Mr. Mister, Justin Timberlake, Rufus Wainwritght, and more. On the Rocks A cappella can be contacted via email at uoontherocks@hotmail.com.
II. On The Rocks
Colorado rock has a distinctive sound, identified by a blending of acoustic and electric guitars and an emphasis on tight vocal harmonies. No band around present this as powerfully as 'On the Rocks'. Add to the mix, dynamic rhythms and emotional originals, and you have the recipe for a band on the rise. Frontman Shawn Wright's gravely voice and passionate performances move audiences to frenzied levels, then gently brings the house down with love songs, such as 'til the end' or a power ballad like 'something more than this'. His sense of humor shines through with songs such as 'nailed your best friend'. Nn lead guitar is Ohio born Mike Princehorn. He cut his rock and roll teeth in the northern Colorado area. His versatile styles keep up with the bands ever-changing moods through each set. His strong vocals are heard on front as well as in harmonies. He's no shrinking violet, evident when harmonizing with Shawn's powerhouse vocals. Also a song writer, original material seems limitless. Arriving all the way from Detroit is bassist Sonny Lentz. He brings a streetwise edge and Motown influences to the music. Combining blues, rock, soul, country and reggae, his rhythms keep the songs, and the audience, moving. He contributes original material that is provocative and somewhat unpredictable. Rounding out the quartet is Colorado's own Norris Jones on drums. Norris has played with northern Colorado favorites 'canebrake run', Walt Jenkins, Liz Barnez, and 'harmony road'. His jazz and infusion roots add a cool and diverse bottom to the passionate original material. He is dynamite on the rockin' tunes as well. As word spreads, the band's calender is filling up. They are playing regularly up and down the front range, and extending into Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks - Intoxicated
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks
Discogs: On The Rocks - Mamonama
For the Longest Time
On the Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Put some weight in the tank now and fire up my favorite song
I'm gonna ride to nowhere or anywhere I can be free, yeah
'Cause I know somewhere there's a good time lookin' for me
I'm gonna find the crossroads and wash Mississippi clean
And deal that devil his due me and old Jimmy Beam
I'm gonna find some white lines and follow them wherever they lead
A juke joint jumpin' with whiskey flowing like a river, yeah
A cowboy band with a banjo picker and a fiddler, yeah
I'm gonna look under every stone and shake every tree
'Cause I know somewhere there's a good time lookin' for me
I'm gonna keep on moving even if I have to thumb my way
I'm so tired of feuding and watching my life slip away
Now I don't really care if it's New York or Tennessee
'Cause I know somewhere there's a good time lookin' for me
A juke joint jumpin' with whiskey flowing like a river, yeah
A cowboy band with a banjo picker and a fiddler, yeah
I'm gonna look under every stone and shake every tree
'Cause I know somewhere there's a good time lookin' for me
I said baby, baby, baby don't you wanna go?
I said baby, baby, baby don't you wanna go, yeah
I got my hand on the throttle, I'm telling you I'm on my way
I can't wait for tomorrow or sit around for Judgment Day
And I could care less about anywhere that I gotta be
'Cause I know somewhere there's a good time lookin' for me
'Cause I know somewhere there's a good time lookin' for me
'Cause I know somewhere there's a good time lookin' for me
Good time lookin' for me
Good time lookin' for me
Good time lookin' for me
The lyrics of For The Longest Time by On The Rocks feature a narrator who is feeling confined and constrained by their current situation and longs to break free of it. The song begins with the singer declaring that they are going to find a highway or back road they can roll on and put some weight in the tank while firing up their favorite song. This opening establishes a sense of restlessness and a desire for escape. The singer goes on to say that they're going to ride to nowhere or anywhere they can be free and notes that they're looking for a good time.
The lyrics then move on to the idea of the singer looking for a crossroads to wash Mississippi clean and deal with the devil, which is a reference to the legend of Robert Johnson, who is said to have sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for musical talent. This allusion to this legend emphasizes the singer's desperation and need for a change in their life. They then mention that they're going to look under every stone and shake every tree because they know somewhere there's a good time looking for them.
The overall message of the song is one of seeking adventure and new experiences, and it encourages listeners to be bold and seize the day. The idea that there's a good time waiting for the singer somewhere is a hopeful sentiment that carries throughout the song, and it serves as a reminder that it's never too late to make a change and find something better.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna find a highway or back road I could roll on
I'm looking for a way out, a path to follow that could take me away from my troubles and give me the sense of freedom.
Put some weight in the tank now and fire up my favorite song
I want to make sure I have enough fuel to get where I need to go and a good tune to boost my spirit along the way.
I'm gonna ride to nowhere or anywhere I can be free, yeah
I don't care where I end up as long as I can feel free, unburdened by responsibilities or problems that hold me down.
'Cause I know somewhere there's a good time lookin' for me
I firmly believe that there is someplace, somehow, that can offer me the kind of joy, satisfaction, and excitement that I need in my life.
I'm gonna find the crossroads and wash Mississippi clean
I'm determined to face my demons, overcome the hardships, and start anew, no matter how hard it may be.
And deal that devil his due me and old Jimmy Beam
I'm not afraid to confront my vices head-on, be it alcohol or other temptations that may lead me astray.
I'm gonna find some white lines and follow them wherever they lead
I'm ready to take risks, venture into unknown territory, and see where life takes me no matter how uncertain or dangerous it may seem.
A juke joint jumpin' with whiskey flowing like a river, yeah
I imagine myself in a lively, boozy atmosphere, surrounded by people who share my love for music, dancing, and good times.
A cowboy band with a banjo picker and a fiddler, yeah
I appreciate the sounds of country-western music, with its lively rhythms and soulful melodies that speak to my heart.
I'm gonna keep on moving even if I have to thumb my way
I'm not afraid of hitchhiking, of relying on the kindness of others, of taking chances and making my own way, even if it means traveling light and roughing it.
I'm so tired of feuding and watching my life slip away
I'm fed up with conflicts, disputes, and other troubles that have consumed my life and made me feel like I'm wasting my precious time.
Now I don't really care if it's New York or Tennessee
I'm open to any destination, any opportunity, any experience that can broaden my horizons, challenge me, or enrich my life, regardless of its location.
I got my hand on the throttle, I'm telling you I'm on my way
I'm the driver of my own destiny, in full control of my actions and choices, heading somewhere with purpose, confidence, and determination.
I can't wait for tomorrow or sit around for Judgment Day
I refuse to let the future or the afterlife dictate my present, my mood, my hopes, or my dreams. I want to enjoy life fully, without delay or fear.
And I could care less about anywhere that I gotta be
I don't have any pressing obligations, deadlines, or responsibilities that tie me down or limit my options. I'm free to go wherever the road takes me, heedless of any rules or conventions.
Good time lookin' for me
I'm sure that somewhere, somehow, there's a good time waiting for me, and I won't stop until I find it, cherish it, and make it my own.
Lyrics © O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: Marlon Young, Marlon Ray Young, Robert Ritchie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
whome2473
This is one of the first videos I watched on Youtube. I havent heard it in years but I still hear it in my head from time to time.
Daniel Stack
Same.
Íñigo Aramburu Arnaiz
I LOVE this cover...the best I've ever heard, it has Some styles, some good voices, and lots of laugh :) bravo!
Íñigo Aramburu Arnaiz
Nostalgic vibes
Norneth
Awesome! *--* I love these beautiful voices! ^^
22Di44
You guys are AMAZING. That's all there is to be said.
Matthew Pettit
Awesome job guys!!!! Great balance and dynamics!!!!!
MattMel15848
Wow that is soooooooooo great!!!! hope to hear/see some more from the guys
Brittany Ghinga
Keep it up guys! You did an amazing job.
Elise Krohn
You guys are my favorite!! Holy cow. What great talent! (: