In their career from 1996 to 1998, they released three full-lengths and three EPs (two of which were splits, one with Puller and one with Frodus). All of their releases were on Tooth and Nail Records. In 2002 they reformed, but disbanded a year after. In 2022 they reformed.
More precisely, Roadside Monument played the Slint-inspired "Louisville sound" math-rock sub-genre, stylistically similar to Slint, Rodan, and June of 44.
O.J. Simpson House Auction
Roadside Monument Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
a tender in your heart
why can't it be my way?
jealous note won't strike well
given to sell
both sides of the highway
black man to the hilt
plastered off white
mouths shut, hurry on
the media protector
hook him hard, pull him sidestage
pull him sidestage
The lyrics of Roadside Monument's song "O.J. Simpson House Auction" depict the auctioning off of the former home of O.J. Simpson in the aftermath of his infamous trial. The opening lines of "2.4 million sold" refer to the sale price of the house, which was sold to satisfy part of the $33.5 million judgment against Simpson for the wrongful deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. The next line, "a tender in your heart," suggests a possible sympathizing with Simpson or a desire to own the property oneself. The following line, "why can't it be my way?" implies a certain frustration or anger at the outcome of the trial or the way things turned out.
The lyrics go on to describe the scene of the auction, with "both sides of the highway" suggesting a busy and hectic environment. The description of Simpson as "black man to the hilt" and "plastered off white" may reference the contrast between Simpson's identity as a black man and his privileged status as a wealthy celebrity. The reference to "the media protector" highlights the role of the media in shaping the public's perception of the case and the auction itself. The final lines of "hook him hard, pull him sidestage, pull him sidestage" suggest a metaphorical hooking and pulling of Simpson out of the spotlight and into obscurity, with the auction of his former home serving as a symbolic farewell to his past.
Line by Line Meaning
2.4 million sold
The O.J. Simpson house was sold for 2.4 million dollars.
a tender in your heart
Some people may feel emotional about the sale of the infamous house.
why can't it be my way?
The singer wishes they could have control over the situation.
jealous note won't strike well
Being envious of someone else's property or possessions usually isn't seen as a positive trait.
given to sell
The house was put on the market by the seller for people to buy.
both sides of the highway
The location of the O.J. Simpson house is situated between two major roads.
black man to the hilt
O.J. Simpson, a black man, was involved in a high-profile case that received huge media attention.
plastered off white
The house is painted white and can be easily seen from the road.
this is where the sides change
This is the point where the situation takes an unexpected turn.
mouths shut, hurry on
People try not to be too vocal or opinionated about the sale of the O.J. Simpson house.
the media protector
The media has a major influence in shaping public perceptions and opinions about O.J. Simpson and the sale of his house.
hook him hard, pull him sidestage
The media is trying to manipulate the story and focus public attention on the more sensational elements of the O.J. Simpson case.
pull him sidestage
The media is trying to divert attention away from the actual sale of the house and focus on other aspects of the story.
Contributed by Asher W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.