Pollard began releasing solo records in 1996, alongside regular releases from Guided by Voices. These albums were typically recorded with a small group consisting of current or former Guided by Voices members, and they were generally considered to informally be part of the Guided by Voices canon, as that band would regularly perform selections from the solo releases in concert.
After the dissolution of Guided by Voices in 2004, Robert Pollard launched his official solo career with the release of From a Compound Eye in February 2006. Pollard's recent studio work has eschewed the live-band format, instead relying on the multi-instrumental talents of Todd Tobias, who produced several Guided by Voices albums. In 2006, he resumed touring with a new band informally dubbed "The Ascended Masters", which featured Tommy Keene on lead guitar and keyboards, Dave Phillips on guitar, Jon Wurster on drums, and Jason Narducy on bass. After Normal Happiness was released, the band returned to the road but subsequent to the cancellation of some 2006 dates due to a leg injury, Pollard announced his retirement from touring. Pollard, however, has since toured with Boston Spaceships.
Pollard resides just outside of Dayton, OH. with his wife, Sarah.
Roofer's Union Fight Song
Robert Pollard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The roofers cry
Under the underdog bullwhip
A "Nothing For Granted" requested
Abusing the signal
Went forth the student of mystery
Show him the teaching tool
Only "No Ones" get through the gate
...not in my airforce
The song Roofer's Union Flight Song by Robert Pollard seems to describe the struggles and obstacles faced by the roofers while working hard during the weekends. The phrase "under the underdog bullwhip" might imply the harsh treatment or pressure that they have to endure while performing their duties. The request for "nothing for granted" could be interpreted as the roofers asking for equal recognition and fair treatment for their hard work.
The next line "abusing the signal, went forth the student of mystery" could potentially refer to an unidentified person who is taking advantage of their position and authority to manipulate the situation. The words "out there in the way- let's waste him" seem to imply that someone is being targeted or victimized for standing up against the mistreatment.
The last line "not in my airforce" might suggest that the singer doesn't condone such behavior and that he refuses to be associated with it. Overall, the lyrics seem to be a commentary on the struggles faced by the working class and how they are often taken for granted and mistreated.
Line by Line Meaning
For every wild weekend
Every weekend is filled with wildness and excitement
The roofers cry
The roofers express their emotions loudly
Under the underdog bullwhip
Feeling the pressure of being less powerful or successful
A "Nothing For Granted" requested
Asking for assurance that nothing will be taken away or lost
Abusing the signal
Misinterpreting or ignoring a warning or message
Went forth the student of mystery
A person with a mysterious or enigmatic personality moved forward
Out there in the way- let's waste him
Someone is in the way, and they should be eliminated to proceed
Show him the teaching tool
Teach the person a lesson or a new skill
Only "No Ones" get through the gate
Only those who are unimportant or unnoticed are allowed to enter
...not in my airforce
This does not apply or matter to me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT E. JR. POLLARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind