Before Queen, Taylor founded Smile with Brian May. Smile released one album in Japan which is now available throughout the world as Ghost of a Smile. Smile wrote a few of the songs which would later appear on Queen's self-titled debut album, and one - Doin' Alright was featured on the Smile album.
Taylor also fronted another band, The Cross from 1987 to 1991. The first album, Shove it (1988) was a solo album by Taylor in all but name - he wrote all the songs and played most of the instruments himself. This was an experiment that didn't really work for Taylor and in the other two albums by The Cross he allowed the other members of the band to contribute more, resulting in more traditionally styled rock albums.
Out of the four original members of Queen Taylor and guitarist Brian May continued to play as Queen + Paul Rodgers between 2004 and 2008. Of the other original members singer Freddie Mercury tragically died in 1991 and bassist John Deacon retired from music business in the mid-1990's.
In 2009, after the partnership between him, Brian and Paul ended, Roger worked on some new solo material from which his single The Unblinking Eye (Everything is Broken) was digitally released at 23th November at Queenonline.com. At the moment it is unclear how the future of Queen will look like, though Roger has announced that he will do a short tour in the spring of 2010.
Rough Justice
Roger Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We criminalize - your kind of voodoo
Make me sell my soul for the easy life
Sell my mother, trade in my wife
Rough justice - alright - rough justice on the streets tonight
Rough justice - we're the chosen few
If you want to scream, if you want to fight
It's rough justice
Your bleeding heart got a hold on me
Your criminal heart won't let me be
For finer feelings I didn't feel the need
When I'm dealing you'd better watch my speed
Get rough
Rough justice - alright
Rough justice - on the streets tonight
Rough justice - we're the chosen few
Rough justice - somebody loosened my screws
Vigilante man of the neighborhood
Well I ain't like Doris Day, and I ain't no Robin Hood
It's rough justice
Your criminal eyes - don't cut no ice
We criminalize - don't take no outside advice
It's a real cruel life when you have to lose it
It's a heavy knife, when you have to use it
It's rough justice - it's rough justice
In Roger Taylor's song "Rough Justice," the lyrics convey a sense of rebellion against authority and socio-economic inequality. The song describes a world in which people with criminal hearts and corrupt intentions hold power and enforce their rule through force and intimidation. The singer of the song is a vigilante who takes justice into his own hands and confronts those who abuse their power. The line "Your criminal eyes, that see straight through, We criminalize - your kind of voodoo" implies that those in power can see through the façade of the singer's actions, and as a result, the singer is labeled as a criminal.
Throughout the song, "Rough Justice," Taylor criticizes society for forcing people to compromise their values for the sake of an easier life. The line "Make me sell my soul for the easy life, Sell my mother, trade in my wife" suggests that some individuals are willing to do anything to obtain the privileges and material comforts that come with success. However, Taylor warns that this road leads to a life where "It's a real cruel life when you have to lose it, It's a heavy knife, when you have to use it." He suggests that the cost of material comfort may be too high if it requires a person to abandon their values.
In summary, "Rough Justice" is a commentary on the societal pressures that force people to compromise their principles for the sake of an easier life. The song warns against those who hold power and abuse it, while also celebrating the resilience of those who are willing to stand up against them.
Line by Line Meaning
Your criminal eyes, that see straight through
I see through your lies and your true intentions
We criminalize - your kind of voodoo
We condemn your evil actions and manipulative behavior
Make me sell my soul for the easy life
I'm forced to compromise my morals for the sake of convenience and comfort
Sell my mother, trade in my wife
I'm willing to betray the people I love in order to succeed
Rough justice - alright - rough justice on the streets tonight
There's a sense of vigilantism and retribution in the air
Rough justice - we're the chosen few
We're the ones who will make sure justice is served, no matter how rough it may be
If you want to scream, if you want to fight
If you're unhappy with how things are, you need to take action
Better take it to the man with the big house - in white
Take your anger and frustration to the people in power who can make a difference
Your bleeding heart got a hold on me
Your compassion and empathy is affecting me deeply
Your criminal heart won't let me be
Your manipulative and deceitful nature is making it hard for me to move on
For finer feelings I didn't feel the need
I didn't prioritize emotions like love and kindness in my pursuit of success
When I'm dealing you'd better watch my speed
I'm not afraid to use any means necessary to get what I want
Rough justice - alright
I recognize that the path to justice may be rough, but it's still necessary
Rough justice - on the streets tonight
The streets are filled with people seeking justice and retribution
Rough justice - we're the chosen few
We're the ones who will take matters into our own hands and make sure justice is served
Rough justice - somebody loosened my screws
I've been pushed to my limit and I'm finally taking action
Vigilante man of the neighborhood
I've taken it upon myself to become a vigilante and protect my community
Well I ain't like Doris Day, and I ain't no Robin Hood
I'm not a naive, idealistic hero - I'm willing to get my hands dirty
Your criminal eyes - don't cut no ice
I can see through your lies and manipulations
We criminalize - don't take no outside advice
We condemn your actions and won't listen to anyone who disagrees
It's a real cruel life when you have to lose it
It's a harsh reality when you have to risk everything for justice
It's a heavy knife, when you have to use it
It's tough to take justice into your own hands, but sometimes it's necessary
It's rough justice - it's rough justice
Justice can be brutal and rough, but it's still justice
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROGER MEDDOWS TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind