Dice Behind Your Shades
Paul Westerberg Lyrics
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Roll the dice behind your shades
Everybody`s trying to make you feel stupid
And you know they`re lyin`
`Cause their lips are moving
Bet this one is twice your age
Come on
Roll the dice behind your shades
Safer way to be strange
Roll the dice behind your shades
The avant garde unlock the door
You`re takin` notes and nothing more
A guy snaps your picture on roller blades
Come on roll the dice behind your shades
Roll the dice behind your shades
Safest way to be strange
Roll the dice behind your shades
Take it to a higher place
Where this world ain`t in your face
You and me, Carson McCullers
Take it to a higher plane
Take me where the action ain`t
Open windows
Open shutters
Bet this one is twice your age
Ohh...
The avante gardes unlock your cage
And you`re sick to death of the latest rage
Afraid of love it always fades.
Come on
Roll the dice behind your shades
The first verse of "Dice Behind Your Shades" suggests that the singer is dealing with people who are attempting to undermine them. The singer, however, knows the truth about the individuals who are speaking ill of them because they can tell that they are lying. The line "Bet this one is twice your age" suggests that the singer is younger than the person who is trying to undermine them, but that age is not a determining factor in one's ability to succeed. The chorus "Roll the dice behind your shades" suggests that the singer should take risks but not reveal too much, as the shades hide their eyes.
In the second verse, the singer is in an avant-garde situation where they are taking notes, but not necessarily participating. Someone takes their picture on rollerblades – this experience seems to embody the concept of taking risks while also maintaining an element of mystery. The chorus again advises the singer to take risks while being cautious – and being cool - "the safest way to be strange." The final verse references author Carson McCullers, who was known for her controversial writing and tragic personal life. The singer is seeking a higher place, where the world is not in their face, where they can escape and take risks.
Line by Line Meaning
Dice behind your shades
Taking calculated risks and being adventurous while maintaining a sense of cool confidence and detachment from social norms.
Roll the dice behind your shades
Continuing to take risks and be adventurous, despite the pressures of society to conform and fit in.
Everybody's trying to make you feel stupid
Feeling constantly undermined and judged by those around you who don't understand your unique perspective and way of being.
And you know they're lyin', cause their lips are moving
Recognizing when others are being dishonest or insincere, and not being fooled by their words or actions.
Bet this one is twice your age
Expecting that others will continue to underestimate and belittle you, despite your wisdom and experience.
Safer way to be strange
Using a sense of detachment and cool confidence as a way to stay true to oneself, without fear of negative consequences or judgment from others.
The avant garde unlock the door
Finding inspiration and liberation in unconventional and boundary-pushing art and culture.
You're takin' notes and nothing more
Absorbing and learning from avant-garde culture, while not necessarily seeking to emulate or conform to it.
A guy snaps your picture on roller blades
Attracting attention and interest from others, even if it mostly superficial or fleeting.
Take it to a higher place
Aspiring to transcend the limitations of everyday life and reach a new level of consciousness or creativity.
Where this world ain't in your face
Escaping from the constant bombardment of external stimuli and distractions in order to focus on internal growth and development.
You and me, Carson McCullers
Identifying with the struggles and isolation depicted in the works of the author Carson McCullers.
Take it to a higher plane
Pursuing a deeper, more meaningful existence beyond the superficial realities of daily life.
Take me where the action ain't
Seeking out peace and solitude, rather than the constant stimulation and excitement of the mainstream world.
Open windows
Open shutters
Embracing openness and transparency, both internally and externally.
Ohh...
The avante gardes unlock your cage
Feeling freed and empowered by the radical ideas and aesthetics of avant-garde culture.
And you're sick to death of the latest rage
Growing tired and disillusioned with the fleeting fads and trends of mainstream culture.
Afraid of love it always fades
Being hesitant to open oneself up to romantic love due to the inevitability of its eventual loss or dissolution.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: PAUL WESTERBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tone Rizor
Saw the Replacements many times. How they never made it big remains a mystery to this day to me
Elisabeth Scott
They were big in the mid-80s, but they destroyed any chance they had of getting bigger by playing when they were drunk. Most of the band is to blame. Paul Westerberg tried getting on a 12-step program, but he continued to drink because the whole band did. Maybe he's sober now that the band ended.
Z R
"Label wants a hit, we don't give a shit." - Treatment Bound (from Hootenanny).
Daniel Hayes
One of my favorites from Paul Westerberg. Music can stand on merits alone. Enjoyed his music since hearing "Left Of The Dial" Wednesday October 30, 1985. Thanks WPRB 103.3 Princeton University.
Dennis .Brown
My fav song from 14 Songs. Awesome.
Drifter70
Couldn't find this one until now, thanks for the upload man.
David Schlessinger
great song. Wish there was a video
Elisabeth Scott
What exactly does it mean to roll the dice behind your shades? I'm confused.
Reese
@ThatDarnCat Thank you!
ThatDarnCat
@Elisabeth Scott you're welcome, Paul is a great lyricist