Randy Rogers songwrinting ability means he will never run out of material as an entertainer. He wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on this album. The Listener will feel like they're sitting in the front row at the Legendary Concert venue in the historic Fort Worth Stoclyards. in the midst of the crazy crowd as Rogers sings "Down and Out" and reminds us to keep on keeping on.
Randy Rogers Band has all the ingredients to be superstars in country music while in Rogers words "Staying true, keeping it real, writing songs that oeioke will dig, and writing with people that will continue to broaden my horizons."
excerpts taken from the Randy Rogers Band Live at Billy Bobs Texas album.
Down & Out
Randy Rogers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I washed up when I thought I would drown
I've been down and I've been out
Never flown so high with both feet on the ground
I've been walking in circles, all my life
Chasing my own tail
I've got a penny in my pocket but the rest of my change
I've got my mind made up but what I can't figure out
Is how am I gonna leave my mark
When all I've got left is doubt
I've been down and I've been out
I washed up when I thought I would drown
I've been down and I've been out
Never flown so high with both feet on the ground
I've wasted my time all these years
Just looking for a little bit more
But it's hard to keep your shoes clean
When all you've got is dirt on the floor
And I've hit rock bottom with some good friends of mine
We sat and watched the sun rise but we never saw it shine
There's a man on the radio says he's got it all worked out
He's got a show on the road but he don't know
What it's all about
I've been down and I've been out
I washed up when I thought I would drown
I've been down and I've been out
Never flown so high with both feet on the ground
The Randy Rogers Band's "Down & Out" is an introspective song that deals with themes of feeling lost and uncertain. The opening lines, "I've been down and I've been out, I washed up when I thought I would drown," paint a picture of someone who has experienced tough times and barely came out the other side. However, the following lyrics shift towards an optimistic tone, as the singer declares that they have "never flown so high with both feet on the ground." This juxtaposition suggests that the struggles and setbacks that the singer has faced have made them stronger and more resilient.
Later on in the song, the singer reveals that they have been "walking in circles, all my life" and chasing their own tail. This repetition and lack of direction has led to doubt and uncertainty about how to leave their mark on the world. The imagery in the lines, "I've got a penny in my pocket but the rest of my change is down at the bottom of the well," continues this theme of feeling like they have been chasing something that is out of reach.
The song also touches on the idea of friendship and shared experiences. The lines "And I've hit rock bottom with some good friends of mine, we sat and watched the sun rise but we never saw it shine," convey a sense of camaraderie in the face of adversity. Despite feeling lost and uncertain, the singer has a support system in the form of friends who have gone through similar struggles.
Overall, "Down & Out" is a poignant and contemplative song that explores themes of perseverance, uncertainty, and the power of friendship.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been down and I've been out
I have experienced moments of sadness, misfortune, failure, and depression.
I washed up when I thought I would drown
I managed to overcome the challenges and obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.
Never flown so high with both feet on the ground
I have never experienced such an abundance of joy, happiness, and fulfillment while still being grounded and humble.
I've been walking in circles, all my life
I have been aimlessly wandering through life, feeling stagnant and purposeless.
Chasing my own tail
I have been chasing after fleeting desires and goals without making any substantial progress or accomplishment.
I've got a penny in my pocket but the rest of my change
I have a small amount of money and assets, but the majority of my wealth is lost or inaccessible.
Is down at the bottom of the well
My resources and hopes are buried deep and out of reach.
I've got my mind made up but what I can't figure out
I have a clear idea of what I want, but I am unable to devise a feasible plan or strategy to accomplish it.
Is how am I gonna leave my mark
I am wondering how I can make a significant impact or contribution to the world.
When all I've got left is doubt
I am filled with uncertainty, skepticism, and lack of confidence.
I've wasted my time all these years
I have spent a lot of time on frivolous and unproductive activities or pursuits.
Just looking for a little bit more
I have been craving a small extra amount of success, satisfaction, or recognition.
But it's hard to keep your shoes clean
It is difficult to maintain a pristine and respectable appearance or reputation when the circumstances are dirty and unfavorable.
When all you've got is dirt on the floor
When you are surrounded by messy, grimy, or unpleasant surroundings or situations.
And I've hit rock bottom with some good friends of mine
I have reached the lowest point in my life, accompanied by some of my closest allies.
We sat and watched the sun rise but we never saw it shine
We were present and physically viewing a beautiful natural phenomenon, but we were unable to appreciate or feel its beauty or significance.
There's a man on the radio says he's got it all worked out
There is a man on the radio claiming to have the ultimate solution or answer to life's challenges and questions.
He's got a show on the road but he don't know
He has a tour or performance where he displays his supposed wisdom and expertise, but in reality, he lacks true understanding and experience.
What it's all about
He is oblivious to the true meaning, purpose, and value of life.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRA BLACK, BRADY BLACK, GEOFFREY HILL, JON RICHARDSON, LESLIE LAWLESS, RANDY ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind