1) Roger Troutman (Nove… Read Full Bio ↴The name "Roger" can refer to three artists:
1) Roger Troutman (November 29, 1951 - April 25, 1999) was the lead singer of the band Zapp. Born in Hamilton, Ohio Troutman was the fourth of nine children. Like his mentor [George] Clinton, who recorded for several labels at the same time under different monikers, Troutman recorded simultaneously as Roger, releasing albums and hit singles on Warner Bros.
Innovative funkster Roger Troutman is considered by many the master of the Talk box -- an effects pedal usually used by guitarists, that Roger connected to keyboard to create robotic-sounding vocals. As a member of Zapp, a band that included his brothers Larry, Lester, and Terry, and recording under the solo moniker of Roger, he helped define and give life to a difficult-to-play instrument that previously was used for gimmicky effects and, as played by others, was basically devoid of personality. He'd often bring his Talk Box along on radio interviews, treating the listeners to his skills.
On Sunday, April 25, 1999, Roger Troutman was found shot and critically wounded outside a recording studio in Dayton, Ohio; he died during surgery at a local hospital. Roger's brother Larry was found dead in a car a few blocks away with a single gunshot wound to the head. It is likely that a personal dispute had developed between the two brothers; as far as can be determined, Larry shot Roger, then shot himself.
2) Teemu Metsälä - Armed with an electro pop manifesto in his head, wandering the rain soaked streets of Manchester, looking for like minded musical souls proved to be something of a waste of time for Finland's Teemu Metsälä. Although much critical acclaim followed the limited single releases and various compilation appearances he put out under his Roger moniker between 2002-2003, it was eventually the humans that failed him rather than the machines. Not one to be naturally confounded by this he responded to his newly found independence by writing some glacial electronic pop songs. Easily surpassing his previous work they led to Roger appearing at the ISEA and Carling Reading/Leeds music festivals during the summer of 2004.
3) Roger from the well known german Hip Hop Combo "Blumentopf"
See also Røger, a UK funk band.
See also ROGER, a French beat-maker.
If You
Roger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It didn't hurt quite so bad
'Cause tonight I´ve just lost
The best friend I've ever had
You were a maverick running
All away from New Orleans
We'd tell stories 'round the campfire late at night
Good friend, why did you have to go?
Just when I was getting to know you
I'll sing this song to show
You were a good friend
They don't make 'em quite like you
And in my memory
You'll always be a good, good friend to me
You said I got a home, boy
Haven't seen it for so long
Said I'm going home, boy
My work is done, I can feel it in my bones
Good friend, why did you have to go?
Just when I was getting to know you
I'll sing this song to show
You were a good friend
The song "If You" by Roger McGuinn is a tribute to a good friend who has passed away. In the first verse, the singer is trying to cope with the pain of losing someone close to him. He closes his eyes to try and lessen the pain, but it doesn't really work. The loss of his friend is too great. However, he can take some solace in the fact that he had a chance to know his friend and share stories with him. Throughout the song, the singer expresses regret that he didn't have more time to get to know his friend better.
The second verse gives more information about the friend who has passed away. He was a maverick who spent his life running away from New Orleans. The singer and the friend would spend hours talking around the campfire, enjoying each other's company. However, now that his friend is gone, the singer is left wondering why he had to go so soon.
Line by Line Meaning
If I closed my eyes
By shutting my eyes, I could lessen the intensity of pain that came from losing you.
It didn't hurt quite so bad
Although the pain remained, it was less unbearable with my eyes closed.
'Cause tonight I´ve just lost
Today, I lost the most valuable friend I ever had.
The best friend I've ever had
You were the best friend I ever had.
You were a maverick running
You were a rebel spirit who had left New Orleans and traveled far away.
All away from New Orleans
You had distanced yourself a long way from New Orleans.
We'd tell stories 'round the campfire late at night
In the stillness of night, we'd share stories and make memories.
When it was down to just you and me
At times, it was just you and me and nobody else.
Good friend, why did you have to go?
Why did you have to leave me, my dear friend?
Just when I was getting to know you
I was just starting to understand and cherish your presence when you left.
I'll sing this song to show
I'll express my feelings through this song.
You were a good friend
You were an amazing friend, and I will always cherish that.
They don't make 'em quite like you
There are very few people like you in this world.
And in my memory
In my recollection of the memories we shared,
You'll always be a good, good friend to me
you will forever remain a dear friend to me.
You said I got a home, boy
You reminded me that I still had a home to go back to.
Haven't seen it for so long
However, I had been away from it for an extended period of time.
Said I'm going home, boy
You had decided to head back home.
My work is done, I can feel it in my bones
You had completed your task, and it was time to head back home.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shaun Tall
This song was originally written for and recorded by my mother, Shelley Smith, when she had a deal with Warner Bros. through the production of Roger Troutman. One day I'd like to upload the original here on youtube!!
Kaevon Deloach
I would love to hear it
TMV Studios
Do it now Sir please
Mikhail Abu Nidal
@Kaevon Deloach @Shaun Tall
Me too
Kenji Takahashi
This love tune that Roger creates is really beautiful.
Nicole Price
RIP Roger you were one of my favorite artist back in the eighties know that you are looking down on everyone in heaven
Tina Price
I agree
Charles Wagner
How many nights I sat in the studio while Roger laid the tracks on this cut,that should had hit #1 on the R&B charts
Knight Ryder
I love that sax solo
Atl SWEET
Sexy ass song! R.I.p Roger. UNSUNG brought me here. Sad. To see such talent gone way to soon. But he did what GOD called him to do. Now he's sing the voicebox in heaven.