Founded as "The Hippyshakes" in the 1980s, the band became "Shake" and was characterised by a strawberry logo. In 1991, Jimi Shields joined the band and suggested a name change to "Rollerskate Skinny", chosen from a line in The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger:
"She's quite skinny, like me, but nice skinny, rollerskate skinny."
Rollerskate Skinny consisted of Ken Griffin, Ger Griffin (no relation), Jimi Shields and Steve Murray. Shields wrote material and played guitar & drums for much of the band's history but left due to constant media references to his brother which threatened to distract from the band itself.
After the release of "Shoulder Voices" in 1993, to much stateside critical acclaim, Rollerskate Skinny's four original members signed with the Sire imprint of Warner Bros. Records. Following Shields' departure The album Horsedrawn Wishes was recorded and subsequently released in February, 1996 to a great deal of praise, particularly in the Irish music press.
All of those involved with Rollerskate Skinny have gone on to other musical projects: Ken Griffin moved to New York City and formed the band Kid Silver, releasing the album Dead City Sunbeams in 1999. In 2004 Ken joined members of the former Philadelphia band, Aspera, to form his current band, Favourite Sons who are signed to Vice Records. Since Rollerskate Skinny, Ger and Steve worked on the project Walker. Stevie since started the band Empire, now known as The Radio.
Speed To My Side
Rollerskate Skinny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
where they lunge the mean
to the edge of Christ where they hoist the night
like a closing eye
for a lover for a lover
I'm only here to lean
noise flew birds through the crooked sky
and they all said see
nobody ever told me that this sort of thing come alive
down down back from where you came
you've come alive too late
the sweat shone like stars
on the violent hands that carried them away like whispers
from a crippled band
are you welcome are you welcome
do you want to be
oh the wrecking ball of nightmares is on its way to me
speed to my side
nobody ever told me that this sort of thing could come alive down down back from where you came
you've come alive too late
speed to my side
all for nothing lies
anger in the eyes because I love you
nobody ever told me that this sort of thing could come alive.
The lyrics of "Speed To My Side" by Rollerskate Skinny are complicated and enigmatic, as they seem to explore themes of love, fear, and uncertainty. The song is a mixture of surreal images and cryptic messages, as the singer follows footsteps to the edge of Christ, watches noise fly birds through the crooked sky, and talks about a wrecking ball of nightmares.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, as the singer talks about following footsteps "where they lunge the mean" to a place where "the night... closes like an eye." The second verse adds more surreal imagery, as the singer sees noise flying birds through the crooked sky and hears them say "Speed to my side." These lines all suggest a sense of fear or apprehension, as if something or someone is pursuing the singer.
The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, with its urgent plea to "speed to my side." This line could be interpreted in many different ways - perhaps the singer is asking for someone to come to their rescue, or maybe they're asking for help in escaping from a dangerous situation. The line "nobody ever told me that this sort of thing could come alive" underscores the mood of uncertainty and fear that runs through the song.
Overall, "Speed To My Side" is a complex and thought-provoking song that touches on many different themes. Its haunting lyrics and dreamlike imagery are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens to it.
Line by Line Meaning
I followed them footsteps
I followed in the same path as someone else
where they lunge the mean
where they take on the tough challenges
to the edge of Christ where they hoist the night
to the point of surrender, where darkness is lifted
like a closing eye for a lover for a lover I'm only here to lean
shutting down like an eye does after seeing too much, only present to support a lover
noise flew birds through the crooked sky and they all said see speed to my side
the noise of birds flying in a chaotic sky, urging to move quickly to their side
nobody ever told me that this sort of thing come alive down down back from where you came you've come alive too late
never warned that this situation could become so intense, too late to go back
the sweat shone like stars on the violent hands that carried them away like whispers from a crippled band
sweat glistening on rough hands that forcefully took them away like a weak band's whispers
are you welcome are you welcome do you want to be oh the wrecking ball of nightmares is on its way to me
asking if they are welcome, if they really want to be there, as fear approaches
all for nothing lies anger in the eyes because I love you
feeling angry and with nothing to show for it because of love
speed to my side nobody ever told me that this sort of thing could come alive down down back from where you came you've come alive too late speed to my side
urgently calling to move quickly to their side, realizing too late how intense things could become
Contributed by Nathaniel A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
FRO Films
One of the best Irish songs ever recorded. When I first moved to Dublin I used to go to their gigs and they were fantastic - they were bastard terrorists with an assault of noise and flashing lights into your eyes - the gig was a mixture of pain and pleasure in equal measure.
Angie Fitzgerald
This is a really great song - underrated band and still don't get the credit they deserve. Inventive song, good lyrics. It still stands out. Good video too.
Zo Manik
I never heard of this band until today when someone questioned my new FB moniker (I changed it to "Rollerskate Skinny" after Phoebe from Salinger's Catcher in the Rye). They are AWESOME. How have I not heard them til now?! :(
TheDayOfTheDog
Such a cool song by a band that was ahead of the curve back in 90s. The backing vocals sound dope, like something out of a ghost story, I dig it.
Conor O Rourke
Just about perfection!
Z. Sfeir
Happy Birthday to this work of art!!! 26 years
-i-light a candle and don't blow it out!Eugene Mc
First band i ever saw live, what a great start to get! Shoulder voices, the village, Cork. 1993 or 1994 maybe?
I had shoulder voices on cassette and wore it out..
ekso
not counted twice in the life
jeffhegarty
Finally someone put the full version up. Good man ekso!
ekso
a great surprise to know about shields but all remain excellent musicians who performed something unique and amazing