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.
Soul Train College Policeman
Robert Pollard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Silence will do
Up in an ugly room everybody dances
Soul train college policeman
Man, it's the age stars and stripes
Finger to the room
Baby stay shaking
Post Christmas cupcake hand-grenades
Soul train college policeman
The opening lines suggest that the subject of the song has perhaps quite a bit of power - if she wants an apology from someone, simple silence from that person might suffice. The second line, "Up in an ugly room everybody dances," could be interpreted in different ways - perhaps the subject is actually quite isolated, so even if she wants a public apology, there's no one around to give it. Or maybe it's saying that despite the strange, uninviting environment the people are in, they're still carrying on with their revelry.
As for the title phrase, "Soul train college policeman," it's a bit of a confounding one. It could be read as a nod to the TV show Soul Train (which aired from 1971-2006), which featured musical performances and a regular "soul train line" dance. The word "policeman" hints at some kind of authority figure, but it's unclear how this fits into the larger narrative of the song. The following line, "Man, it's the age stars and stripes," doesn't offer much clarity either. It could be referencing the American flag or some other symbol of patriotism. The ending lines ("Finger to the room/Baby stay shaking/Laughing and baking/Post Christmas cupcake hand-grenades") add more layers of surrealism and absurdity. It's tough to say exactly what's going on, but it paints a vivid, chaotic picture.
Line by Line Meaning
When she needs a public apology
When she requires an apology that is publicly announced
Silence will do
No response or saying nothing will suffice
Up in an ugly room everybody dances
In an unattractive venue, everyone is actively dancing
Soul train college policeman
An authoritative figure patrolling a college party with a vibe like the TV show 'Soul Train'
Man, it's the age stars and stripes
This is the era of American patriotism and nationalism
Finger to the room
Pointing at the crowd in the room
Baby stay shaking
A young woman remains dancing with energy
Laughing and baking
Having fun and enjoying carefree moments
Post Christmas cupcake hand-grenades
Leftover treats from holidays that could create chaos if used as a weapon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT E. JR. POLLARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind