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.
The Life Vest
Roadside Monument Lyrics
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windfalls and pitfalls
They pay what they pay
Car crash, talk trash
Bloodbaths and witchcraft
If that's what you see
How can I make somethin' so wrong somethin' so right
How can I make somethin' so wrong somethin' so right
Shipwreck, lifevest
You swim to shore
Or you sink away
Mistake, bad take
Just spit it out
And it goes away
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics of "The Lifevest" by Roadside Monument touch on the ups and downs of life, both the good and the bad experiences that one encounters along the way. The first verse talks about headaches, heartaches, windfalls, and pitfalls, illustrating that life can be both joyful and challenging. The line "they pay what they pay" suggests that we must accept the consequences of our actions, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. The second verse touches on car crashes, talk trash, bloodbaths, and witchcraft, which could be interpreted as symbols of violence and negativity in society. The chorus then ponders the question of how we can turn something wrong into something right, which could be seen as a challenge to seek positivity and hope in even the darkest of situations.
The final verse shifts to the imagery of a shipwreck and a lifevest, symbolizing the struggle to stay afloat in turbulent times. The line "you swim to shore or you sink away" suggests that we must take action to save ourselves in times of crisis, rather than simply accepting defeat. The last line "just spit it out and it goes away" implies that we can overcome our mistakes and move on by confronting them head-on. Overall, "The Lifevest" encourages us to persevere through life's challenges and seek a way to turn even the bleakest situations into something positive.
Line by Line Meaning
Headaches, heartaches
The physical and emotional pain we experience in life
windfalls and pitfalls
Unexpected success or failure that can alter our journey
They pay what they pay
The consequences of our actions or circumstances are unavoidable
Car crash, talk trash
Dangerous and negative behaviors we engage in
Bloodbaths and witchcraft
Violence and manipulation that can occur in relationships or society
If that's what you see
Perceptions of the world around us are subjective and can influence our choices
Shipwreck, lifevest
Unexpected disasters and the measures we take to save ourselves
You swim to shore
Perseverance to overcome obstacles and reach safety
Or you sink away
The possibility of failure and giving up in the face of adversity
Mistake, bad take
Errors and bad decisions that we make
Just spit it out
The importance of honesty and owning up to our faults
And it goes away
Letting go of our mistakes and moving forward
How can I make somethin' so wrong somethin' so right
The possibility of redemption and finding positivity in negative situations
How can I make somethin' so wrong somethin' so right
Reinforcing the idea of turning negative experiences into positive ones
Chorus: x2
Repeating the chorus to emphasize the song's central theme
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS ROBINSON, CHRISTOPHER MARK ROBINSON, RICH ROBINSON, RICH S. ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind