In 1999, Rocky Votolato branched out from his work with Waxwing, having written a handful of songs which did not really fit in with their more aggressive, fast tempo syle. Along the way he has toured with the likes of Damien Jurado, Small Brown Bike, The Get Up Kids, The New Amsterdams, Owen and The Casket Lottery, members of the latter having provided assistance as backing musicians on occasion. His studio albums have also been littered with appearances from some of Seattle's finest musicians (including players in the bands Red Stars Theory, Sharks Keep Moving, The Blood Brothers, Death Cab for Cutie, Pedro the Lion and Sub Pop solo artist Rosie Thomas). On the production side, Votolato has worked with Matt Bayles (Pearl Jam, Botch, Murder City Devils, Hayden), along with Chris Walla (of Death Cab for Cutie). It is a creative input which has helped see Rocky progress sylistically with every release, from his low key self-titled album released in 1999 - all pretty much recorded live, right through to his recent, alt-country, folk-esque offering, 'Makers'. A video was shot for the first track of Makers, "White Daisy Passing", a song which also appears on the soundtrack of the forthcoming Seattle indie feature film Cthulu.
Rocky also starred in the film 'The Edge of Quarrel', which he worked on with Dave Larson from Excursion Records. It also includes members of the Murder City Devils and Botch, and is about a gang war between straightedgers and punk rockers.
He is married with two children, and lives in Seattle.
Automatic Rifle
Rocky Votolato Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It seemed like a safe enough game
For a man to play with his daughter
An automatic rifle and a bullet through the window
And the troops are satisfied that justice had been delivered
That was enough to set the spark of a vision in another
Eighteen years, eighteen year old girl, to see herself a martyr
Of an automatic rifle and a bullet through the window
And the troops were satisfied that justice had been delivered
Close your eyes to the suns blinding light
A three story concrete house and a steady paycheck
Cause open eyes will be
Infected with politics
And even a smart girl can end up
With a bomb strapped to her chest
The lyrics of Rocky Votolato’s song “Automatic Rifle” paint a chilling picture of the cyclical nature of violence and the larger political forces at play in its perpetration. The song begins with the singer reminiscing about a seemingly innocent moment of playing legos with his daughter, only to have it violently interrupted by an automatic rifle and a bullet through the window. The troops respond and the cycle of violence continues, with an 18-year-old girl envisioning herself as a martyr in response to the attack.
The lyrics suggest that the seeds of violence are sown early on, with the singer’s daughter potentially growing up in a world where violence is a part of everyday life. The reference to an automatic rifle and troops suggests a military or politically charged context, with the violence serving as a means of delivering “justice.” The image of the 18-year-old girl as a martyr is particularly striking, as it suggests a willingness to die for a cause, even if that cause is ultimately self-perpetuating and destructive.
The song ultimately suggests that there is no easy solution to the cycle of violence, with even “smart” individuals becoming caught up in its destructive force. The reference to politics suggests that larger systems of power are at play, with individuals ultimately becoming pawns in a greater political game. Overall, the lyrics are a haunting commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and its ability to perpetuate itself even in the face of resistance.
Line by Line Meaning
The night I turned twenty five it was legos on the floor
Rocky is setting a scene from his past where everything was seemingly harmless and playful.
It seemed like a safe enough game
Rocky reflects on the naivety and innocence of his past.
For a man to play with his daughter
He realizes the importance of bonding through simple yet meaningful interaction with his family.
An automatic rifle and a bullet through the window
The peace indoors is disturbed by the sound of violence originating from outside.
And the troops are satisfied that justice had been delivered
The use of the automatic rifle is a symbol of the military's perception of justice.
That was enough to set the spark of a vision in another
The sight of the rifle and the troops made an impression on someone else passing by.
Eighteen years, eighteen year old girl, to see herself a martyr
A young girl was influenced by what she saw and starts to see herself as a martyr.
To keep up with the cycle
The cycle of violence and vengeance is maintained by the use of weapons.
Of an automatic rifle and a bullet through the window
The sound of automatic rifles firing and the chaos they can cause is referenced again.
And the troops were satisfied that justice had been delivered
The cycle of cause and effect is reinforced, as the military continues to believe that responding to violence with violence will bring justice.
Close your eyes to the suns blinding light
A suggestion to look away from mainstream media and avoid becoming a part of a bigger political agenda.
A three story concrete house and a steady paycheck
The potential of normalcy and the advantages of steady living.
Cause open eyes will be
Becoming more aware to the severity of the violent situation in this world has consequences.
Infected with politics
Being informed about world events but through only a few select channels clouds one's perception of reality.
And even a smart girl can end up
No matter how intelligent, strength of will can still fall victim to propaganda.
With a bomb strapped to her chest
Propaganda can drive some to commit atrocities.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rocky Votolato
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
n lara
Such a beautiful song!! found this when I was 13 and I am 17!! always have felt such a connection to this song. one of my favorites ever!! Rocky is undiscovered talent!!
Lucia Prieto
So hauntingly good...remember listening to this ages ago...glad I rediscovered.. something reminded me of rocky votolato and I was fortunate to remember the names of a few songs to look up and find him again cuz I had forgotten his name.
E Kara
Love it
ScroteLord
How is this guy not more popular?
Prskati
3:29 I love his voice sometimes
Selcuk Iskenderoglu
awesome
Rafa Mcfly THEMDL RS334 RR270515
I really like this song and I remember always the adidas originals stores, congratulations you're unique ROCKY VOTOLATO #ROCKY VOTOLATO @ROCKY VOTOLATO......Rafa Castillo #sunny @sunny