Signed to Rage Records, the band released Rhubarb, their debut album, in 1997. Local legend has it that the album even outsold the Spice Girls, the girl-band who were at the time at the height of their popularity, in Cornwall.
Their most notable track - Mr Fixit - reach the top 40 of the UK music charts during the late 90s. Other singles included Can't Keep Living This Way, which stalled just outside the top 40. The band were unlucky - just as they were tipped to break through into the mainstream, their record company went bankrupt. They were unable to get a new deal, as the fashion at the time was for introspective indie music rather than their more upbeat style, and the band eventually called it a day in 2001. However, the story does not end there, as Harry Collier, bassist/vocalist for the band, went on to form piano-led pop-rockers Kubb who released their debut album, Mother, in 2005.
Anniversary
Rootjoose Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It never meant that much to me
I guess it's just what people say
When all their interest's leaked away
You never say just what you're thinking
Your eyes are permanently blinking
Your sentences are far too clean
You never look me in the eye
Afraid of what I'd realize
It's always "What is it you're drinking?"
I never quite know what you're thinking
You know your hopeless lives are sinking
[Chorus]
Pit stop
It's time that you were made to see
Wake up
Today's your anniversary
Stop and think of what is wrong
Life is not so very long
Don't escape by work routine
You are where you've always been
You find you have to scream and shout
Just to let the tension out
Is that what life is all about
Your fate Try not to let it be
Too late
Change your own biography
Pit stop
It's time that you were made to see
Wake up
Today's your anniversary
You never say just what you're,
It's always "What is it you're"
Your eyes are permanently blinking
[Chorus: x4]
The lyrics of Rootjoose’s song “Anniversary” speak of a relationship that has lost its spark and purpose. The singer addresses their partner, stating that the anniversary of their relationship means nothing to them, as it is just something that people say when they have lost interest in each other. The partner is described as being closed-off and not expressing their true thoughts and feelings. They use fake enthusiasm and superficial language to avoid confrontation or vulnerability. The singer feels ignored and unimportant, and the relationship seems to be lacking in intimacy and depth. The chorus encourages the partner to take a moment to reflect on their life and make changes to avoid living a hopeless existence, urging them to wake up to the reality of their situation.
The lyrics suggest that the couple has fallen into a routine and has lost touch with what truly matters in their relationship. The singer is frustrated with the lack of communication and connection, and it seems the couple is on the verge of falling apart. The song serves as a wake-up call to the partner to take charge of their life and change the narrative before it is too late. The use of a pit stop as a metaphor implies that the couple needs to pause and reflect on their situation before moving forward.
Overall, “Anniversary” by Rootjoose is a heartfelt and poignant reflection on a relationship that has lost its way. The singer’s concern for their partner’s well-being is evident, but they are frustrated with the lack of emotional depth and communication. The song encourages individuals to reflect on their relationships and make changes to ensure their lives are more fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
Today's your anniversary
The present day marks the anniversary of a significant event, but it doesn't hold any importance to me.
It never meant that much to me
The anniversary is not personally significant to me, and I don't attach any emotional value to it.
I guess it's just what people say
People often observe anniversaries and attach sentimental value to them, but I fail to see any reason for it.
When all their interest's leaked away
As time passes, people tend to lose interest and forget about significant events that once held importance.
You never say just what you're thinking
You rarely express your thoughts and feelings verbally, and I'm left guessing what's going on in your mind.
Your eyes are permanently blinking
Your nervousness is evident as your eyes appear to be constantly fluttering, and you seem to be hiding something.
What you say is falsely keen
Your words sound insincere, and your attempts at being enthusiastic come across as phony.
Your sentences are far too clean
Your responses are polished and rehearsed, lacking spontaneity, and authenticity.
You never look me in the eye
You avoid direct eye contact, possibly because you fear I would detect your true emotions and feelings.
Afraid of what I'd realize
You fear that I might uncover something you're trying to keep hidden, which may lead to consequences you'd rather avoid.
It's always "What is it you're drinking?"
You divert the conversation to trivial matters when asked direct questions or when things get uncomfortable.
I never quite know what you're thinking
Your thoughts and motives are often unclear to me, and I'm left wondering what's going on.
You know your hopeless lives are sinking
You're well aware your life is spiralling, and you're losing control of things.
Pit stop
Time to take a brief pause and reflect.
It's time that you were made to see
It's high time you realise the gravity of the situation and your need for change.
Wake up
A reminder to awaken from the mundane routine of life and take action.
Stop and think of what is wrong
Stop and introspect to identify what's going wrong in your life and the areas that require attention.
Life is not so very long
Life is fleeting, and we must not waste time in things that don't matter.
Don't escape by work routine
Don't use work as an excuse to avoid confronting your problems head-on.
You are where you've always been
Your current situation is a result of the choices and actions you've taken in the past.
You find you have to scream and shout
You feel the need to vent your frustration and anger, as the pressure builds up inside you.
Just to let the tension out
You scream and shout to release the pent-up emotions and stress that have been building up inside you.
Is that what life is all about
You question the purpose of life and whether it's all about bottling up emotions and suppressing feelings.
Your fate, Try not to let it be
Your life's outcome should not be determined by circumstances beyond your control, and you must take charge of your destiny.
Too late
A warning that if you don't take action now, it might be too late to rectify the situation.
Change your own biography
Take control of your life, make necessary changes, and rewrite your story.
Chorus: x4
Reiteration of the central theme of the song- urging the listener to take a pit stop, pause, introspect, and take action to change the course of their life.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: - CRAP, ROBERT FLUX, DERO GOI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Newton
Rootjoose were great, I don't know why they're not up there with other bands of the time
Connor Jackaman
my guitar teacher was the guitarist for rootjoose = win
itspastmycurfew
how in shitting-fuck have people not heard of this AMAZING band?? 642 views!! should be 6420000 views!!!
fullfatfairy1
sigh - i do miss rootjoose!
Steve Oliver
Fucking legends!
Mo-Fi
I just found my copy of the sting on tape :D :D
Julia Schlotel
On Amazon!
Mo-Fi
TOP KEK ALL ANNIVERSARY
Gary Peake
can anyone tell me where i can get Rhubarb? Mine stolen at Uni, missed these songs. Why the fuck are they not right at the top of the band tree? re-unions ever? What happened to them all?
Mo-Fi
daty parker flyanso' boys