All I Want
Roy Rogers (Country)/Buffalo Lyrics
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Wherever my bed roll could be tossed
I could find sleep in the back of a cab
I'm all that I have
I've got a girl a waiting for me
Just down the dock and over the sea
Until I lay my head in her lap
I'm all that I have
I'm all that I have
I'm all
I'm all
I'm all
Here the black toadstools logs and green moss
Are sealed from the city's violet exhaust ah
Only the sound of the thunderclap
I'm all that I have
I'm all that I have
I'm all that I have
I'm all that I have
Well I'm all that I have
In "All I Want," Roy Rogers sings about the simplicity of his life and finding contentment with what he has. The opening lines, "I could lay down on green Swedish moss, wherever my bed roll could be tossed," show that he is comfortable with sleeping outdoors and doesn't need a fancy bed or living situation to be happy. He goes on to say that he can even fall asleep in the back of a cab, indicating that he may be a traveler, constantly on the move. Despite this, he declares that he is all he has, which could mean he is self-sufficient or that he doesn't have many companions in life.
The next verse reveals that he does have a girl waiting for him, but she is over the sea, which may indicate distance or separation. Until he is with her, he is content with himself and being all that he has. The final verse describes a natural setting where "the black toadstools logs and green moss" exist, and the only sound is a "thunderclap." Again, Rogers emphasizes that he is all he has in this environment.
The song's message is one of self-reliance and finding peace within oneself. It's a reminder that material possessions or external factors are not necessary for happiness, and that true contentment comes from within. The song's simplicity and acoustic instrumentation add to its message, as it doesn't require anything elaborate or flashy to convey its meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
I could lay down on green Swedish moss
I am content with the simple pleasures of life, like laying down on nature's soft bed of green moss.
Wherever my bed roll could be tossed
I don't need fancy accommodations or a permanent home, wherever I can roll out my bed roll is where I can rest.
I could find sleep in the back of a cab
My needs and wants are few, I can even sleep in the back of a taxi cab if necessary.
I'm all that I have
In this unpredictable and constantly changing world, I am the only thing that is always with me and under my control.
I've got a girl a waiting for me
Despite my self-reliance, I have someone special in my life who is waiting for my return.
Just down the dock and over the sea
Although she is far away, she is within reach and I could go to her if I choose.
Until I lay my head in her lap
I long for the comfort and love of my partner, and until I am with her, I can only dream of that peace.
Here the black toadstools logs and green moss
In nature, away from the pollution and chaos of the city, I find solace and happiness.
Are sealed from the city's violet exhaust ah
The beauty and serenity of the countryside is protected from the negative influences of the city.
Only the sound of the thunderclap
The peacefulness of the countryside is only interrupted by the occasional, but powerful sound of thunder.
Well, I'm all that I have
At the end of the day, when everything is stripped away, all I have is myself and my own inner strength and resilience.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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