Let The Bad Times Roll
Paul Westerberg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out of my control I dig a hole
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
Then I'd rather not waste my life on hold
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
Just add water, I'm disappointed
Just like my father, I miss the point
I need someone not infection
Just add water, I'm disappointed
The good times hide, so will I
Watch the world roll by, from my hole
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
The lyrics of Paul Westerberg's song Let The Bad Times Roll seems to portray the struggles of the artist in coping with life's ups and downs. The opening lines of the song "The good times hide and so do I, out of my control I dig a hole" seems to suggest that when things get tough, the artist hides away from the world by digging a hole. The line "I'm gonna let the bad times roll" can be interpreted as the artist trying to embrace the difficult moments, accepting that it is simply a part of life.
The artist clearly prioritizes living life to the fullest in the present rather than wasting it on hold ("If that's all the time that you got, then I'd rather not waste my life on hold"). The repeated line "Just add water, I'm disappointed" alludes to the idea that the artist's expectations aren't being met, and he feels let down, just like he did with his father. The line "I need someone not infection" can be interpreted as the artist craving for a genuine connection with someone who's not toxic, someone who can understand and support him.
The song conveys a feeling of surrender, acknowledging that life isn't always going to be smooth sailing by letting the bad times roll. Overall, the song's message is about the importance of accepting life's challenges, learning from them, and enjoying life's moments to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
The good times hide and so do I
When the good times disappear, I tend to withdraw from the world.
Out of my control I dig a hole
I feel powerless and resort to isolating myself.
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
Instead of resisting, I will allow myself to experience the negative aspects of life.
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I will embrace the tough times rather than run from them.
If that's all the time that you got
Life is short and I don't want to waste it waiting around.
Then I'd rather not waste my life on hold
I refuse to put my life on hold for anything.
Just add water, I'm disappointed
Even the simplest things can let me down.
Just like my father, I miss the point
I see similarities between my own shortcomings and those of my father.
I need someone not infection
I want to find someone who won't bring negativity into my life.
Just add water, I'm disappointed
My disappointment is easily triggered.
The good times hide, so will I
When times are tough, I tend to retreat from the world.
Watch the world roll by, from my hole
I observe the world around me from my place of isolation.
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I am willing to endure the negative aspects of life.
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I won't try to fight the negative aspects of life.
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I am ready to accept the tough parts of life.
I'm gonna let the bad times roll
I am choosing to experience the bad times without resistance.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lawrence Frauens
One of my top 3 favorite American songwriters. Thanks Paul.
Merry Be
It was only after rewatching Catch & Release that I realized what an evocative, true, and mesmerizing song this is. Yes, instant classic.
Stranger InTheAlps
One of the greatest songwriting, producing and singing artists ever. Beautiful music.
Lane Ziegler
Paul is the ultimate rock and roll leader. his talent is beyond measure.
Rich Alderson
Instant Paul Westerberg classic for me.
Joey Levenson
Saw him do this on Leno, fell in love instantly. Its a great tune.
Johnny Sparta
umm...yeah....maybe ....his best solo song ever...repeated all the time in my head....song is complete perfection
giggsy 11
For me...This is music at it's purest, best form...speaks to my soul. Put this on with a beer and shot of whiskey..it's over
Paul Lantow
Deserves more views.
ShadeyDude
It’s fucking great!!! I bought it the day it came out... It was a great time in my life, this song was my favorite...