Watts' genesis as a solo performer started to emerge at the beginning of 2002. While touring years earlier with the Wayne Horvitz 4+1 Ensemble, Watts was forced to downsize his effects pedal from a Roland Space Echo tape delay to a Line 6 DL4 delay modeler, a smaller device that makes it easy to travel. He began using the Line 6 in live shows with Maktub, in order to replicate the duplicate harmonies from the recorded material. Then he experimented with improvising entire songs in solo acts with the Line 6, playing initial gigs at small Seattle venues and artist bungalows. Inspired by The State and Wet Hot American Summer, he began infusing spontaneous comedic material with the beat box-driven musical compositions.
Wanting to concentrate on solo comedic performance, Watts moved to the Lower East Side, New York City, in 2004. He shot comedic web shorts for Superdeluxe, Vimeo and CollegeHumor, where his video "What About Blowjobs?" became a viral hit. He also formed a theatrical collaboration with playwright Tommy Smith, and began developing web philosophy/content with online entrepreneur Jakob Lodwick, with whom he recorded the EP Pot Cookies. Moving to Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2006, Watts started to branch out into performing for television and film, while continuing to pursue live performance and the creation of new performance technologies.
Movin' on
Reggie Watts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
don't be so alarmed
it's just the building shaking to the ground
when we've had enough, we shake off all the dust
get back on the road we'll be movin' on
can't be too sure these days
forevers not that long
must take advantage of whatever comes along
when nights are warm
and people shine on their own
no grand estates
or fine champagne
just loveliness abound
when you hear that sound
don't be so alarmed
it's just the building shaking to the ground
when we've had enough, we shake off all the dust
get back on the road we'll be movin' on
we can't concern ourselves with where, what, why, or when
its off to Monaco to visit with some friends
we check our bags
put down our flags
and live under the stars
in San Sabay(?) we'll love to play
the move seems not so far
when you hear that sound
don't be so alarmed
it's just the building shaking to the ground
when we've had enough, we shake off all the dust
get back on the road we'll be movin'...
when you break, there is no sense of happiness
cause you're halfway agree nothing is as good as it gets
when you give into the person you are
you'll be glad you came along
so I guess we better be movin' on
guess we better be movin' on
guess we better be movin' on (yeah)
better be movin' on
movin'
guess we better be movin' on
when you hear that sound
don't be so alarmed
it's just the building shaking to the ground
when we've had enough, we shake off all the dust
get back on the road we'll be movin' on
(sound
alarmed
ground
dust
on)
when you hear that sound
(scatting)
The song "Movin' On" by Reggie Watts is all about embracing change and moving on from what has held us back in the past. The lyrics suggest that life is short, and we should take advantage of whatever comes our way, without worrying too much about where it will all lead us. The opening lines of the song, "When you hear that sound, don't be so alarmed. It's just the building shaking to the ground," suggests that there will be unexpected changes and difficult times ahead, but we should not let them defeat us. Instead, we must shake off the dust and keep moving forward.
The song paints a picture of a life that is full of fun, adventure, and good times shared with friends. Watts talks about visiting Monaco to see some friends and playing music in San Sabay. There is no mention of grand estates or fine champagne in the song, indicating that the focus is on the people and the experiences, rather than material possessions. The song's chorus reinforces the message that Watts is trying to convey, reminding listeners that there is no sense of happiness in staying stagnant, and it is essential to keep moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
when you hear that sound
Don't panic when things shake up in your life.
don't be so alarmed
Don't worry, things will work out just fine.
it's just the building shaking to the ground
Things may fall apart, but it's okay because there's beauty in the breakdown.
when we've had enough, we shake off all the dust
Even when things don't go as planned, we don't give up. We get back up and dust ourselves off.
get back on the road we'll be movin' on
We keep moving forward no matter what happens.
can't be too sure these days
In an uncertain world, it's important to take risks and seize opportunities when they arise.
forevers not that long
Life is short, so we should make the most of every moment.
must take advantage of whatever comes along
Embrace every opportunity that comes our way because we never know where it might lead us.
we rock till dawn
We live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment, even when the night is long.
when nights are warm
We appreciate the beauty and warmth of life, even in the darkest hours.
and people shine on their own
We recognize and celebrate the individuality and strengths of others.
no grand estates
We don't need material possessions to be happy.
or fine champagne
We find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
just loveliness abound
We focus on the beauty and good in the people and world around us.
we can't concern ourselves with where, what, why, or when
We don't need to worry about the details, just enjoy the journey.
its off to Monaco to visit with some friends
We embrace adventure and travel, exploring new places and meeting new people.
we check our bags
We don't carry the weight of our problems with us, we leave them behind.
put down our flags
We let go of the things we cling to and embrace new experiences and perspectives.
and live under the stars
We appreciate the beauty of the world around us and find joy in simple pleasures.
in San Sabay(?) we'll love to play
We find joy and happiness in the present moment, enjoying the experiences as they come.
the move seems not so far
We are excited and ready for the next adventure, and it doesn't seem so far off.
when you break, there is no sense of happiness
When things fall apart, it can be hard to find joy or meaning in life.
cause you're halfway agree nothing is as good as it gets
When we're feeling down, it's easy to feel like things will never get better.
when you give into the person you are
When we embrace the unique qualities and strengths that make us who we are, we can find joy and fulfillment in life.
you'll be glad you came along
We appreciate the experiences we've had and the people we've met along the way.
so I guess we better be movin' on
We don't dwell on the past or stay in one place for too long, we keep moving forward.
when you hear that sound
We don't let the disruptions in life stop us from moving forward.
guess we better be movin' on
Time to keep moving forward and embrace the next adventure.
Writer(s): Reginald L. Watts
Contributed by Tristan A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tom Bowen
Reggie is one of my favorite musicians ever. period.
Joseph Lee
mhm
GuitaristInProgress
Freaking state-of-the-art soul music for the 21st century. Where has Reggie Watts been all my life?
Joseph Lee
not sure
jah.red
Doesn't matter when he goes on, he gets the mainstage and will rock it all the same. :)
Anthony Jackson
Just saw this dude in concert in San Francisco.......EFFIN GREAT!!!!!
DrippyEyez
He's beautiful. This is beautiful. I feel so lifted when listening to his music...
Hotdamn Alex Holland
take away all the comedy and beatbox and satire and he still holds his own. this is good music. Reggie Watts is one talented individual.
nick bellon
The greatest artists these days will never be noticed by everyone. but no matter what happens, if the future is a dead end in life we always keep our motto in heart. "to write these def words so they may one day fall upon deaf ears."
Bernardo G
Amazing song i am thoroughly impressed!