It was during this time that they changed their name to Rock City Angels and worked different musical genres into their style. From glam, soul and blues to classic rock, the band then moved to Los Angeles where they quickly gained a following with their inclusion of guitar players, Johnny Depp and Mike Angel. In 1987 they were signed to Geffen Records, soon after Johnny had left to pursue a career in acting and Angel quit for personal reasons.
With the basic line-up in tow, they moved to Memphis where Bobby, Andy, Doug Banks and drummer Ringo Jukes hooked up with guitarist Mike Barnes to record the "Young Man's Blues" LP with Jim Dickinson who had just produced the Replacements.
"Young Man's Blues" went on to become a critical favorite of 1988 and sold hundreds of thousands worldwide. The band toured first with Jimmy Page, then Joan Jett and the Georgia Satellites. In 1991 the band toured Japan to sold out venues and continued to write for their next Geffen release.
That release would never come. Geffen failed to honor their contract and the band broke up in 1993. Throughout the 90’s Bobby and Andy continued to play in other bands while on the internet a revolution was coming. A compilation album was released in 1999, "Rock City Angels".
In 2001 Bobby discovered that Young Man’s Blues was still a cult favorite and decided to try to record something different, something more personal. He recruited his old friends Andy, Jimmy James (an original RCA guitarist) and new drummer Chris Yates to create "Use Once and Destroy".
"Use Once and Destroy" was released Thanksgiving 2008.
And, released 2010 by FnA Records, "Midnight Confessions - Lost sounds - 1989-1993") ! These demo's for the unreleased second Geffen album have been remastered and sound fantastic! Includes a legendary performance from Brian Robertson of Thin Lizzie, who wrote 6 songs with Bobby in late 1992. Check it out at http://www.fnarecords.net/artists/32-r/152-rock-city-angels-midnight-confessions
Another release "Southern Vision: Lost Recordings from 1989 to 1992, Vol. 2" followed in 2018.
South of the Border
Rock City Angels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've dreamed a thousand lives
Cuz I have seen the setting sun
Chains have set me on the run
Tiffany
See the hills on the other side
People going on with their lives
Cuz when the lonely tears break through
All the love and freedom too
Tiffany
And you know when the world is over
We can put our pain away
Till our dying day
Till our dying day my love
Till our dying day
You know we can live together
Till our dying day
Till our dying day my love
Till our dying day
You know we can live together
Till our dying day
Tiffany
The lyrics of Rock City Angels’s song South of the Border are about the struggle of living life in a way that is true to oneself, while also being aware of the consequences that come with it. The first two lines, “You know I’ve lived a thousand dreams and I've dreamed a thousand lives” suggest a yearning for something more, a need to escape the mundane existence that they’re currently living. The following line, “Cuz I have seen the setting sun chains have set me on the run” shows that despite their desire for something better, they are still held back by their circumstances.
The next two lines of the song, “See the hills on the other side people going on with their lives it will never be” convey a sense of longing for what others have. They see people carrying on with their lives across the hills, but feel as though they will never experience that sense of normalcy. The following lines, “Cuz when the lonely tears break through all the love and freedom too Tiffany” express the idea that even in moments of loneliness, they still hold onto a sense of love and freedom within themselves.
The chorus repeats the phrase “Till our dying day” several times, suggesting a commitment to living life to the fullest and being true to oneself until the end. The final line, “You know we can live together” is an invitation to others to join them on this journey towards living an authentic life.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I've lived a thousand dreams
I have experienced so many different life experiences and witnessed so many things that most people can only dream of.
And I've dreamed a thousand lives
I have imagined myself in so many different scenarios and imagined myself leading so many different lives throughout my existence.
Cuz I have seen the setting sun
I have witnessed the beautiful moment when the sun disappears below the horizon, marking the end of another day.
Chains have set me on the run
I have been held down and oppressed by forces outside of my control, leading me to run away and seek a better life.
Tiffany
A name or reference to something or someone important to the singer, and perhaps a representation of the love and hope he has for the future.
See the hills on the other side
The singer is looking across to the other side of a hill or mountain range, observing the people and activity happening over there.
People going on with their lives
Other people are continuing with their daily routines and living out their own experiences, regardless of what is happening around them.
It will never be
The singer recognizes that their own life experiences and journey will never be the same as anyone else's, even those who are living relatively close by.
Cuz when the lonely tears break through
The singer acknowledges that even with all of his experiences and achievements, there are still moments of loneliness and sadness that can't be avoided.
All the love and freedom too
Even in the midst of those difficult moments, the singer is grateful for the love and freedom that he has experienced throughout his life.
And you know when the world is over
In the face of the ultimate end of existence or time, the singer believes that there will still be a chance for peace and rest from pain.
We can put our pain away
He holds hope that we will be able to set aside the pain and suffering we've experienced in life, possibly in a new existence beyond death.
Till our dying day
The singer wants to hold onto the love and hope he has, even until the moment he dies.
Till our dying day my love
The love and hope he has is directed towards someone specific, perhaps a romantic partner or individual that he deeply cares for.
You know we can live together
The singer believes that with love and hope, people can live together harmoniously and without conflict.
Till our dying day
The singer reiterates that he wants to hold onto the love and hope he has, even until the moment he dies.
Till our dying day my love
The love and hope he has is still directed towards someone specific, reinforcing the strength of his emotions.
Till our dying day
Once again, the singer emphasizes holding onto love and hope until the very end of life.
You know we can live together
Ending the song on a hopeful note, the singer believes that love and hope can bring people together and unite them, regardless of differences or obstacles.
Till our dying day
The final repetition of this line further emphasizes the importance of holding onto love and hope until the very end.
Tiffany
The final mention of this name or reference to someone or something important to the singer, perhaps symbolizing the ultimate hope and love that he holds onto.
Contributed by Skyler R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Rev.P.S.C
I love all off these !!
Bobby you are missed!!🖤
@MorningMary67
This is so beautiful💗Such an awesome song!
@therockcityangelstheabuser2922
Thank you, so much!
@crazy-horsecrazyhorse8543
My respect to you Bobby missing you and the bands amazing performances.
Peace Crazyhorse ✌️. ❤️. 🎼.
Sing it here with Bobby! Lyrics below:
You know I've lived a thousand dreams
And I've dreamed a thousand lives
Cuz I have seen the setting sun
Chains have set me on the run
Tiffany
See the hills on the other side
People going on with their lives
It will never be
Cuz when the lonely tears break through
All the love and freedom too
Tiffany
And you know when the world is over
We can put our pain away
Till our dying day
Till our dying day my love
Till our dying day
You know we can live together
Till our dying day
Till our dying day my love
Till our dying day
You know we can live together
Till our dying day
Tiffany