Roots
T.M. Stevens Lyrics


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Chop some onions
Not too fine
Cue some music
Pour the wine
Melt some butte
In a cast-iron pan
Keep the cumin
Close at hand
Bulbs of garlic
Mince them soon
Stir it with
A wooden spoon
Lower flame
Lower lid
Magic happens
When it's hid

Peel potatoes
Skin the squash
Trim a beet
Once it's been washed
Carve a carrot
Good to eat
Parse a parsnip
Keep it sweet

Root for soup
Root for soup

Bring well water
To a gentle boil
After drizzling
Olive oil
Sprinkle yeast
Tamari dash
Bay leaf float
And Bordeaux splash

Sea salt crystals
Pepper grind
Random bits
Of orange rind
Poke a fork
Not too soft
Taste to make
A balanced broth

Root for soup
Root for soup

Slice some toast
Not too thick
Light the candles
Trim the wick
From the fridge
Grab sour cream
Sit down to
A dinner dream

Garnish with
Some cilantro
Slivered almonds
Good to go
Come here now
My little ladle
Throw your apron
On my table





Root for soup
Root for soup

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics to T.M. Stevens's song "Roots," we see a vivid portrayal of the process of preparing a nourishing and comforting soup. The very first lines instruct us to begin by chopping onions, setting the scene for a culinary journey that combines the practical tasks of cooking with the sensory pleasures of music and wine. The imagery continues as we are guided through the steps of melting butter in a sturdy cast-iron pan, emphasizing the importance of good ingredients and technique in creating a flavorful dish. The mention of cumin and garlic adds layers of aroma and taste to the mix, symbolizing the richness and depth of flavors that come together in a well-made soup.


As the preparation progresses, we move on to handling various root vegetables such as potatoes, squash, beets, carrots, and parsnips. Each vegetable is described with care and intention, highlighting the respect and attention to detail required in the culinary process. The act of peeling, skinning, and trimming these vegetables reflects the idea of uncovering and revealing the essence of each ingredient, much like exploring the roots of a plant to understand its true nature and potential.


The act of "rooting for soup" takes on a dual meaning in the lyrics, serving as both a literal encouragement to create a delicious soup from root vegetables and a metaphorical call to celebrate the simple pleasures of life, symbolized by the act of sharing a meal with loved ones. Through the precise instructions on seasoning the soup with well water, olive oil, spices, and aromatics like bay leaf and orange rind, the lyrics convey a sense of balance and harmony in both the culinary creation and the act of savoring a homemade dish.


In the final verses, the focus shifts towards the ritual of serving and enjoying the soup, with the gesture of slicing toast, lighting candles, and garnishing with cilantro and almonds adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the dining experience. The invitation to a "dinner dream" emphasizes the transformative power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. Overall, these lyrics beautifully capture the essence of cooking as a form of art, nourishment, and connection, inviting us to embrace the simple joys and rituals of sharing a meal with those we hold dear.




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jonathan Stevens

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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