In the fall of 2011, RDGLDGRN recorded their breakout song I Love Lamp and uploaded their self-produced and directed music video to YouTube, where it reached over 100,000 hits within days. In the spring of 2012, RDGLDGRN recorded their debut album at Sound City Studios with Kevin Augunas (The Lumineers and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes), producer and founder of Fairfax Recordings. The group asked fellow Northern Virginia native Dave Grohl, who was filming his Sound City documentary, to drum on I Love Lamp. Grohl agreed and played drums for the entire record, with the exception of Million Fans, which features a sampled breakbeat. An additional Virginia native became involved when Pharrell Williams co-wrote and co-produced Doing the Most.
In June 2012, the demo recording of I Love Lamp was used as the theme song for the world record Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare at the 2012 X Games in Los Angeles, California. In January 2013, British magazine NME released Million Fans. Days later, Rolling Stone released I Love Lamp with Dave Grohl on drums. The Red Gold Green EP was debuted February 12, 2013 and reached the top 100 on the American iTunes album chart. RDGLDGRN made their television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in March 2013 performing both I Love Lamp and Million Fans. RDGLDGRN performed at SXSW in March 2013, the DC101 Chili Cook-Off in May 2013, and the Vans Warped Tour 2013. RDGLDGRN released their debut self-titled full-length album in September 2013.
Elevators
RDGLDGRN Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(hey)
forget about the world and its tragedies
you need to get like me (hey)
workings only hard when it aint what you need
and I don't get stressed out, stressed out
cause this is how i breakdown, breakdown
I don't get stressed out, stressed out
cause this is how i breakdown, breakdown
pick it up
up up and down
break up and down
let see some elevators
up up and down
break up and down
let see some elevators
up up and down
break up and down
up up and down
break up and down
gettin' it, gettin' it down
reppin' retrieving these rounds
mah mah you feelin' my style
thats cause you gettin' it now
i'm gettin' butter with all of my color brothers
i'm tryna be on the cover of every magazine ever
you try to do it
but homie we do it better
take guitars, 808s, and mix em in all together
vini mal vini bon
sa pa sote kem
elevatin' everybody with this creole slang mang
and I don't get stressed out, stressed out
cause this is how i breakdown, breakdown
up up and down
break up and down
let see some elevators
The song Elevators by RDGLDGRN is about finding inner peace and not letting the outside world’s tragedies bring you down. The lyrics begin with the artist encouraging the listener to adopt his lifestyle, stating that they need to “get like me” and forget about the world’s troubles. The chorus emphasizes the importance of not getting stressed out and instead breaking down those negative thoughts and emotions. The artist encourages the listener to rise above these feelings and to elevate themselves like an elevator.
The second verse is more focused on the artist’s personal journey and success. He brags about how he and his fellow “color brothers” are getting better and gaining more recognition. He also mentions his style and how people are “feeling it now.” The creole slang mentioned in the song may represent the artist’s Haitian heritage and how he’s using that influence to elevate himself and others.
Overall, the song is an upbeat and empowering message to the listener to focus on their own success and not letting outside factors bring them down.
Line by Line Meaning
you need to get like me
I suggest that you try to emulate my lifestyle and values.
(hey)
A casual interjection to grab the listener's attention.
forget about the world and its tragedies
Don't dwell on the negative events and circumstances of the world.
you need to get like me (hey)
My lifestyle is aspirational and desirable.
workings only hard when it aint what you need
Working for the sake of it is not fulfilling or necessary.
and I don't get stressed out, stressed out
Stress does not affect me because I have a positive outlook.
cause this is how i breakdown, breakdown
This is how I cope with challenges and obstacles.
pick it up
Anonymously addressed call to action.
up up and down
Going through the process of success and failure.
break up and down
Breaking down and picking oneself up again.
let see some elevators
Let's see some growth and improvement.
gettin' it, gettin' it down
Making progress towards achieving goals.
reppin' retrieving these rounds
Representing and retrieving personal achievements and accomplishments.
mah mah you feelin' my style
I have a unique and recognizable style that is attractive to others.
thats cause you gettin' it now
People recognize my style because they are starting to see my success.
i'm gettin' butter with all of my color brothers
Me and my friends are making progress together.
i'm tryna be on the cover of every magazine ever
I have high aspirations and want to be widely recognized.
you try to do it
Others attempt to achieve similar success.
but homie we do it better
Me and my friends are better at achieving success.
take guitars, 808s, and mix em in all together
We mix different elements and influences to create something unique.
vini mal vini bon
Creole saying that means 'come what may.'
sa pa sote kem
Creole saying that means 'nothing can stop us.'
elevatin' everybody with this creole slang mang
We use our language and culture to inspire and uplift everyone.
Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MrSlidthunder
this band has so much potential.
jesse fernandez
Love this band, really can't wait for more songs
Matthew Johnson
why does this only have 3000 views!! we as fans must spread the word!!!!
From Chaos
bro i’ve tried. dave grohl tried. jimmy kimmel tried man i love em but they ain’t catching on and it’s too bad because this song rocks
What Shrek
All of us need to share it to 3 people and they get onto 50K
Tunku Latif
you guys are really good, hope u guys get big!
Christopher Alston
Great group. Lots of fun. Keep doing what you are doing.☆☆☆☆☆
TheDrumchef
Just discovered you guys tonight! Love your vibe keep it up, you're gonna go far! Come play in Scotland, I'll be there.
Andressa Vargas
This band is so fucking awesomeeee, love from Brazil, keep doing this amazing songs ❤️🇧🇷🇧🇷
David Schultz
Time after time you guys kill it!