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.
Thirsty European
Rollerskate Skinny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the hunger of loneliness has fed better men than me
we're going to make a difference to everything that moves has gone all wrong lately
I am thirsty European
I sit at bay in silence
gathering their gathering down in the laughing stock
this could be the wandering to stop the wandering we're going to make a difference to everything that moves has gone all wrong
degenerate monsters were always going to thrash the slander bang the stones in praise of the popular schools
who can't remember their names they got lost in the lies
they won't just die for anyone forever
couldn't it be right to always be right
here and by besides
thirsty European
pass it round
throw up your money
for the angel clipper with the brainwash cheeks
that lost their rosy
these past weeks
living through hell living through hell
carry me to Christmas with bells on my toes
through Dublin streets on my musical feet
got no regrets no thanks to give
but mother I've been living through hell again
The lyrics of Rollerskate Skinny's song Thirsty European portray a feeling of hopelessness and pessimism about the world around them. The singer seems resigned to the fact that everything has gone wrong lately, and there is little they can do to change it. They describe the "ugly energy of cowardice hopeful and the hopeless hope" that surrounds them, suggesting that people are fearful and unsure of what the future holds.
The theme of loneliness is also present in the lyrics, with the singer acknowledging that "the hunger of loneliness has fed better men than me". They seem to be searching for a way to make a difference and stop the constant wandering and turmoil, but cannot find a way to do so. They are looking for something to believe in, something to hold onto amidst the chaos and confusion of the world.
Overall, the lyrics of Thirsty European are quite dark and introspective, painting a picture of a world that is fraught with uncertainty and despair. The singer seems to be struggling to find their place in this world, and is searching for something to believe in to give them hope and meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
Full of the thirst of the ugly energy of cowardice hopeful and the hopeless hope down in the laughing stock
I am filled with this unsatisfiable desire for the negative emotions that come from those who are afraid, those who have lost hope, and those who are down and out in society.
the hunger of loneliness has fed better men than me
I acknowledge that I am not the only one who has been affected by a deep feeling of loneliness; many others who are stronger and more capable than I have also had to battle with it.
we're going to make a difference to everything that moves has gone all wrong lately
My companions and I intend to change the course of everything that seems to be deteriorating around us and has lost its way.
I am thirsty European
I am a restless and unsatisfied European, longing for something more meaningful and fulfilling in life.
I sit at bay in silence
I am stationed and waiting quietly for something significant to happen or change in my life.
gathering their gathering down in the laughing stock
I see and recognize the gathering of those who are seen as failures and mocked by society.
this could be the wandering to stop the wandering we're going to make a difference to everything that moves has gone all wrong
This moment might be the turning point to end all wandering and finally make a change that will steer us away from the problems that we are facing.
degenerate monsters were always going to thrash the slander bang the stones in praise of the popular schools
I observe the destructive and cruel nature of those who have lost their way in life and now act as monsters attacking and slandering those who are popular and successful.
who can't remember their names they got lost in the lies
The people who have been affected by lies and deceit have been stripped of their identity and have forgotten who they truly are.
they won't just die for anyone forever
Those who have been hurt and damaged in life will not simply give up their lives for anyone and anything.
couldn't it be right to always be right here and by besides
Perhaps it is the right choice to stay present and close to where one is now, no matter what happens.
pass it round
Spread the message or idea around to others.
throw up your money
Spend money on this idea or cause.
for the angel clipper with the brainwash cheeks that lost their rosy these past weeks
Donate money to support the angelic figure who espouses this cause, although they have been exhausted and worn out lately.
living through hell living through hell
This situation and moment in my life feels like I am living through horrible and unbearable pain, suffering, and torment.
carry me to Christmas with bells on my toes through Dublin streets on my musical feet got no regrets no thanks to give
Despite the difficulties and hardships I have faced, I still hope to celebrate Christmas joyfully and without any regrets in Dublin through music and dancing.
but mother I've been living through hell again
I confide to my mother that my life has once again been full of pain and intense suffering.
Writer(s): Stephen Murray, Ken Griffin, Gerard Griffin Copyright: Chrysalis Music Ltd.
Contributed by Ellie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pitch Black
This song sounds ahead of it’s time.
sonoflavadome
This song.. Man. So good it hurts.