"My initial meeting with Rocco - It was pure and centered and seemed to have a sense of purpose, and I felt that there was something burning in his heart that I could be helpful to. It had that kind of truth in it that I decided to run with. I like the street corner aspect of working with Rocco, it woke up a certain part of my renegade ways I’m trying to keep alive these days. I fully believe in DeLuca. I think that he’s got the power to be a contemporary troubadour, as I see it, and I hope I can be his friend for a long time, whether I am operating in the same limelight, ahead of him, behind him, in his shadow, whatever it takes, I’ll be there. The one thing that I love about Rocco DeLuca is he is driven by his own heart." - Daniel Lanois
Rocco Deluca (born December 27, 1975 in Torrance, California) was born in the winter in Southern California. Like other Angelenos he was surrounded by local literature, latino art, motorcycles, film and music. His early years were spent studying the likes of Billy Holiday and Nina Simone as well as the darker and raw Delta Blues heroes of the 1920's. At the age of seven, he taught himself to play listening to these records. By the time he was a teenager, Rocco had developed the skills and the confidence to start performing for others. For the first few years, he played only specific instruments. It wasn't until later he discovered he had a voice. Street busking, clubs, theatres and and festivals, Rocco has performed around the world many times over with his 1931 National by his side.
His authentic and unusual lyric and voice has since garnered him international attention and acclaim.
Rocco has had the good fortune to cross paths with and gain inspiration from various legends. John Lee Hooker gave DeLuca the opportunity to support his live shows. And later, Johnny Cash and June Carter were kind enough to invite him into their Hendersonville home, where values and excellence were displayed. Most recently, Deluca was recorded by and toured with Daniel Lanois, where he learned great lessons in work and experimentation.
After extensive travel from Kingston to London to the deserts of Texas and California, Rocco has placed his recent stories into a collection called Drugs 'n Hymns. Sifting through failures, cities, friendships, and geographic shapes, Rocco conjured images that were documented live in a room no bigger than a closet, with some help from the Echo Park Jubilee Tambo Flower Unsung Heroes Choir.
Drugs 'n Hymns is the culmination of detailed moments inspired by both the illuminated and the disturbed, unfolding into a drug deal that takes place during the Sacred Service- Always in conflict with salvation and sin, the cerebral and the bestial, light and shade. Rocco's love of contradiction is ever present.
Inspired by 'religion', literature and experience, DeLuca takes the listener on a pilgrimage, a forever evolving search for salvation.
Bright Lights
Rocco DeLuca & The Burden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The things that you're drawn to
Is what you've become
Money, is that what you wanted
Your paper is haunted
Inside your hands
Now that they found you
Now they surround you
You're losing control
You're losing control
Losing control
Losing control
Losing control
Honey, the hero is scheming
Tell us you're dreaming
Well, everything's fine (everything's fine)
Red lights
Now that they found you
Always surround you
You're losing control
You're losing control
Losing control
Losing control
Losing control
Now that they found you
Now you've been found
?
Yea, you're losing control
Losing control
? losing control
You're losing control
Honey, you know I love you
There's no one above you
And no one below
Interpretation:
“Bright Lights” is a song by Rocco DeLuca & The Burden that talks about the dangers of fame and money. It’s easy to be drawn in by the glamour and superficiality of the entertainment industry, with its promises of fortune and success. But as the song suggests, there’s a dark side to all of that. The pursuit of money can become all-consuming, and it can lead to a loss of control.
The lyrics suggest that the singer has become swept up in the world of fame and money. They’ve lost sight of what’s really important, and their priorities have become skewed. The “red lights” that surround them could symbolize the temptations and dangers of the industry, or perhaps the warning signs that they’re on the wrong path. The repeated refrain of “losing control” drives home the idea that the singer is in over their head.
There’s also a hint of desperation in the lyrics. The line “now that they found you” seems to suggest that the singer has been caught up in something they can’t escape from - as if they’re being pursued by something ominous. Despite all of this, there’s a glimmer of hope in the final lines, with the declaration of love for someone who is “above” and “below” the singer. It’s a reminder that there are more important things in life than fame and fortune.
Line by Line Meaning
Honey, it's all around you
The situation that surrounds you is what you have become.
The things that you're drawn to
Your desires and choices define who you are.
Is what you've become
Your actions and decisions shape your identity.
Money, is that what you wanted
Your primary motivation may be wealth and prosperity.
Your paper is haunted
Money can 'haunt' you and lead to negative consequences.
Inside your hands
You have the power to control and manage your wealth.
Red lights
Warnings and danger signs that indicate danger.
Now that they found you
Your mistakes or bad choices are catching up to you.
Now they surround you
The consequences of your actions have caught up to you.
You're losing control
You are losing the ability to manage your own life.
You're losing control
You are experiencing a sense of powerlessness and chaos in your life.
Losing control
Continued repetition of losing control emphasizes the gravity of the situation.
Losing control
Reemphasizing the sense of chaos and helplessness.
Losing control
Stressful situation can lead to a sense of emotional turmoil.
Losing control
Final repetition of losing control and the gravity of the situation.
Honey, the hero is scheming
People will sometimes hide their true intentions and motives.
Tell us you're dreaming
Expressing disbelief in someone's actions and suggesting they reconsider.
Well, everything's fine (everything's fine)
A sarcastic comment intended to suggest everything is NOT fine.
Now that they found you
Repeated warning that consequences for negative actions eventually catch up.
Always surround you
The effects of bad choices can impact and jeopardize your life.
You're losing control
Reechoing the feeling of being powerless and helpless.
You're losing control
Continuing to highlight the loss of control and the seriousness of the situation.
Losing control
Repeated emphasis of the primary concept of the song.
Losing control
Repeating the notion that repetition of certain actions and patterns can lead to loss of control.
Losing control
Final reiteration of the importance of the concept.
Now that they found you
Coming to terms with the consequences and how they're impacting your life.
Now you've been found
The consequences cannot be ignored and must be dealt with.
Yea, you're losing control
Accepting and acknowledging how the situation is affecting your life in a negative manner.
Losing control
Final reiteration of the gravity and severity of the situation.
You're losing control
Final remark of how the situation is deteriorating.
Honey, you know I love you
Despite making bad decisions, you are still cared for by others.
There's no one above you
You should not feel inferior as no one should hold dominion over you.
And no one below
You should not feel superior as no one should be below you.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rocco Deluca
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind