Roger Troutman (November 29, 1951 - April 25, 1999) was the lead singer of … Read Full Bio ↴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.

So Ruff So Tuff
Roger Troutman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now wait a minnuuute yo!

So ruff, so tuff out here baby
So ruff, so tuff out here baby
So ruff, so tuff out here baby

Now lemme tell you people
Let me tell you now

Let tell you people
Show these people how

Ruff out here
Ruff out here
Ruff out here
Ruff out here baby

So ruff, so tuff out here baby
So ruff, so tuff out here baby
So ruff, so tuff out here baby
So ruff, so tuff out here baby

Let me tell you people
Let me tell you now
Let me tell you people

You really make me (good god!)
You really make me
You really make me

You make me wanna scream
You make me wanna scream
You make me wanna scream
You make me wanna scream

Owwwwwwwwww
Owwwwwwwwwwww

Ooohh, yeah yeah, yeah

Let me tell you people
Let me tell you now
Let me tell you people

You sure love playin' ruff

So ruff so tuff out here baby
So ruff so tuff out here baby
So ruff so tuff out here baby
So ruff so tuff out here baby

Let me tell you
Check this out
Jus get on down
Jus get on down
Jus get on down
Just get on doowwwwn!

And shake it
And shake it
All around
All around
All around

Forget about ya troubles
Jus get on down
Forget about ya troubles
Jus get, get on
Forget about ya troubles
Jus get on down
Forget about ya troubles

Baby, baby, baby, baby

So ruff so tuff out here baby'

So ruff so tuff out here baby
So ruff so tuff out here baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Roger Troutman's "So Ruff So Tuff" depict a world that is hard and difficult to navigate. The repetition of the phrases "so ruff, so tuff out here baby" emphasizes the harshness of this world, and the urgency of the singer's message. The use of the phrase "let me tell you now" and "let me tell you people" further emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the importance of the message.

The lines "you really make me wanna scream" and "you sure love playin' ruff" suggest that the harshness of this world is not a natural occurrence, but rather a result of the actions of others. The repetition of the phrase "forget about ya troubles" suggests that while the world may be harsh, it is possible to find solace in music and dance. The repeated call for the listener to "just get on down" and the line "and shake it all around" suggest that music and dance can provide an escape from the difficulties of the world.

Overall, the lyrics of "So Ruff So Tuff" paint a picture of a difficult world that requires strength and resilience to navigate. The message of the song is that even in the face of these difficulties, it is possible to find moments of joy and escape through music and dance.

Line by Line Meaning

Now wait a minnuuute yo!
Hey, hold on a second!

So ruff, so tuff out here baby
Life is tough and difficult in this context.

Now lemme tell you people
Now, let me address my audience.

Let me tell you now
Listen up!

Let tell you people
I have something to say to you.

Show these people how
I'm about to demonstrate or teach you something.

You really make me (good god!)
You're driving me crazy!

You make me wanna scream
You're annoying me!

Owwwwwwwwww
An expression of pain or surprise.

Ooohh, yeah yeah, yeah
An expression of enthusiasm or affirmation.

You sure love playin' ruff
You enjoy acting tough or aggressive.