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
Who Are You?
On the Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know that's a lie
Why don't you just do what you're told
And I'll be the one to decide
I'm tired of the mystery
You think I can read your mind
The rest of it's history
Ask yourself what it is you're looking to find
Who are you to stand and stare
Blinded by the night
Who are you who cannot care
What gives you the right
Never thought I'd be the one who would leave
Boy you called that one right
Never thought I'd be the one who would grieve
Wounded by your wicked delight
What a painful discovery
You think I can read your mind
You made a quick recovery
Captured red handed
You turned and demanded your rights
Demanded your rights
Who are you to stand and stare
You're blinded by the night
Who are you who cannot care
What gives you the right
Who are you to stand and stare
You are blinded
Oh yeah what a painful discovery
You think I can read your mind
You made a quick recovery
Captured red handed
You turned and demanded
Who are you to stand and stare
You're blinded by the night
Who are you who cannot care
What gives you the right
Who are you to stand and stare
You are blinded
Who are you to stand and stare
What gives you the right
Who are you who are you
Who are you who are you
Who are you who are you
Who are you who are you
Who are you who are you
Who are you
The lyrics of On the Rocks's song "Who Are You?" delve into themes of control, betrayal, and self-discovery within a relationship. The singer confronts their partner about their desire for control, challenging the facade of authority that the partner claims to have. The lyrics question the partner's motives and actions, urging them to relinquish this false sense of power and allow the singer to make decisions. The singer is exhausted by the mystery and ambiguity in the relationship, highlighting the need for clarity and honesty.
The refrain "Who are you to stand and stare, blinded by the night" symbolizes the partner's blindness to the truth and their lack of empathy or consideration for the singer's feelings. The lyrics suggest a disconnect in the relationship, where one party is indifferent and selfish, lacking the ability to understand the impact of their actions. The repeated questioning of the partner's identity and behavior reflects a deep sense of confusion and frustration on the singer's part.
The song shifts towards an emotional revelation as the singer expresses their surprise at becoming the one who leaves and grieves in the relationship. The partner's betrayal and manipulation are unveiled, causing pain and resentment in the singer. The lyrics emphasize the partner's deceptive nature and the singer's realization of the truth, despite the partner's attempts at a quick recovery and justification of their actions.
The repetition of the question "Who are you" throughout the song serves as a powerful and introspective motif, prompting reflection on identity, accountability, and the dynamics of the relationship. The singer is grappling with the partner's character and intentions, ultimately questioning their right to behave the way they do. The lyrics capture a tumultuous and complex emotional journey, revealing the struggles of betrayal, self-discovery, and asserting one's worth in the face of deceit and manipulation.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you want to be in control
You claim to desire control over the situation
You know that's a lie
You are aware that it is not the truth
Why don't you just do what you're told
Why don't you simply follow instructions
And I'll be the one to decide
And I will be the one making the decisions
I'm tired of the mystery
I am fed up with the uncertainty
You think I can read your mind
You believe I can understand your thoughts
The rest of it's history
The outcome is already predetermined
Ask yourself what it is you're looking to find
Question yourself about what you are seeking
Looking to find
Searching for answers
Who are you to stand and stare
Who do you think you are to observe without acting
Blinded by the night
Unable to see clearly due to darkness
Who are you who cannot care
Who are you to lack compassion
What gives you the right
What entitles you to act in such a way
Never thought I'd be the one who would leave
Never expected to be the one to walk away
Boy you called that one right
You accurately predicted that outcome
Never thought I'd be the one who would grieve
Never anticipated being the one to mourn
Wounded by your wicked delight
Hurt by your malicious joy
What a painful discovery
An agonizing realization
You made a quick recovery
You bounced back swiftly
Captured red handed
Caught in the act
You turned and demanded your rights
You reacted by asserting your entitlement
Oh yeah what a painful discovery
Indeed, a distressing revelation
Who are you who cannot care
Who are you to lack empathy
You are blinded
You are unable to see the truth
Who are you who are you
Who do you think you are
Lyrics © WHIRLED MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Edward Milton III Selfe, Robin Pearl Selfe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hxllywood Official
Pull up to the liquor store baby what you tryna drink ,
You know I like on the rocks .. n** that’s my favorite drink ,
Told that girl get out the car do yo dance up in he street ,
N** what you want for me ,
Girl Girl Girl ,
Put yo hands on yo knees knees knees knees knees knees knees knees knees🚦🔥
sherri Ford
E
Marc Mann
Loving this song! Chicago Vibes all day. Plus, I'm a juke head.
Jonathan Graham
Being from Arkansas, we just had our family reunion in Chicago( southside) and I swear, Chicago energy is soo damn lit! Miami ain't got sh#! on Chicago party scene. #Chicago ALL day!
Critical Money Inc.
You did that w this one bro🔥
Hxllywood Official
🚦
De Chester
This song give me 2010 juke party footworking holding yo friend while he getting danced on type of vibes🤣🤣
Warming Center
This damn near my favorite drink now !!!
Hxllywood Official
🚦
Lil D
I'm using this as my workout song thanks Hxllywood 😊