Roll Up Roll Out
The Cotones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While it’s night outside in Boston
The smoke clings to the air as we go down the stairs
We take our coats and toss them
I didn’t know what to say on the way
I felt my tongue a little tied
Am I just another fool who noticed you
And started running blind?
Should I hold your hand? But I don’t know how
Wish I could hear you but it’s too damn loud
Roll up
And roll out
Show up
Let’s go out
Now we’re dancing in the dimly lit house
I look at you and you at me
Your eyes outshine the neon lights
That drape around the pillars painted green
And beneath the ivy forest on the stage
The Twisted Oak fills the void
And for just an evening there’s a freeing
Feeling of the song and the soul being joined
The music’s blasting in our ears
We drink the songs that were planted here
In the Garden as we’re breathing in the atmosphere
Roll up
And roll out
Show up
Let’s go out
And at the end of the show we say goodbye
I probably could’ve kissed you if I tried
But the heat from the house is gone
And left my feet cold
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
In "Roll Up Roll Out," The Cotones encapsulate a vivid experience of nightlife within the context of a basement concert in Boston. The imagery of a "sweaty basement made of stone" sets the scene for an intimate yet raw atmosphere where excitement, anxiety, and possibility intermingle. The act of descending the stairs is symbolic of delving into a world marked by both sensory stimuli—such as the smog of smoke hanging in the air—and emotional undertones characterized by uncertainty. The singer's internal struggle is palpably conveyed through the references to feeling tongue-tied and questioning their own social status in the presence of someone captivating. The tension between desire and hesitation is pronounced, suggesting a moment when the everyday constraints of self-awareness transform into something potentially transformative when encountering a new romantic interest.
As the music begins, the dynamics shift significantly. The singer grapples with the desire for connection—wondering whether they should instinctively extend a hand yet feeling uncertain about the execution of such a gesture. The overpowering sound of the music serves as both a barrier to communication and a catalyst for emotional expression. It creates a disconnect between word and feeling, emphasizing the intoxicating yet overwhelming nature of the setting. The chorus, with its repeated commands to "roll up" and "roll out," suggests a desire for spontaneity and freedom, encouraging listeners to let go of inhibitions and embrace the lively energy that nightlife offers. This duality of social interaction—where one's inner thoughts clash with the external vibrancy of music and movement—underscores the search for connection amid chaos.
As the song progresses, the ambiance transforms into a scene painted with romantic possibilities. The dimly lit house and neon lights juxtapose the naturalistic elements of "beneath the ivy forest" with man-made constructs of entertainment and nightlife. The singer’s admiration for the other person's eyes, described as surpassing the neon glow, evokes a sense of deeper attraction transcending superficial elements. The reference to "the Twisted Oak" suggests a metaphorical sanctuary that provides temporary respite from the strains of reality, allowing the singer to feel a sense of liberation through shared music experiences. The phrase "we drink the songs that were planted here in the Garden" further illustrates a communion with the music, indicating that it nourishes not only the body but also the spirit and connection to others.
Ultimately, the song’s conclusion captures the bittersweet essence of transitory connections and missed opportunities. The assertion that "I probably could’ve kissed you if I tried" encapsulates the unfortunate reality of unfulfilled longing, hinting at regret for not taking the leap when the moment felt ripe. The heat of the basement concert symbolizes a fleeting intensity of emotions and energies, and when it dissipates, the coldness of reality sets in, leaving the singer feeling disconnected and introspective once more. The repetition of the "ba-da-da-da" refrain serves as a whimsical echo, a lingering reminder of the night’s euphoric highs and the disheartening coolness that comes with its end. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of nights spent in pursuit of joy and connection amidst the constraints of everyday life, underscoring the fleeting yet impactful moments we often cherish and the potential for personal growth that arises from them.
Line by Line Meaning
A sweaty basement made of stone stays alight
An underground venue filled with heat and energy remains vibrant and alive.
While it’s night outside in Boston
As darkness envelops the city, life pulses in this hidden space.
The smoke clings to the air as we go down the stairs
A haze of atmosphere envelops us as we descend into the intimate setting.
We take our coats and toss them
We shed our external layers, physically and metaphorically, settling into the moment.
I didn’t know what to say on the way
Words fail me as I navigate my feelings through this charged environment.
I felt my tongue a little tied
Nervousness stifles my ability to express myself freely.
Am I just another fool who noticed you
I wonder if I’m just another person drawn in by your captivating presence.
And started running blind?
I impulsively pursue this attraction, uncertain of where it might lead.
The music’s getting started now
The rhythm fills the space, signaling the onset of a shared experience.
Should I hold your hand? But I don’t know how
I feel a desire for connection, yet I lack the courage to bridge that gap.
Wish I could hear you but it’s too damn loud
The overwhelming sound drowns out the chance for deeper conversation.
Roll up
Engage and embrace the night ahead.
And roll out
Expand your horizons and explore the experiences awaiting us.
Show up
Be present and open to what unfolds.
Let’s go out
Let’s venture into the world, leaving our worries behind.
Now we’re dancing in the dimly lit house
We find ourselves lost in the moment, moving to the pulsating beat.
I look at you and you at me
Our gazes meet, creating a shared intimacy amid the crowd.
Your eyes outshine the neon lights
Your captivating gaze holds more brilliance than the artificial glow surrounding us.
That drape around the pillars painted green
The colorful decor enhances the ambiance, framing our connection.
And beneath the ivy forest on the stage
Natural elements blend with the scene, creating a magical backdrop for our experience.
The Twisted Oak fills the void
An emblematic symbol or band occupies the space, enriching the atmosphere with sound.
And for just an evening there’s a freeing
In this fleeting moment, we feel liberated from the constraints of reality.
Feeling of the song and the soul being joined
Music and energy intertwine, creating a profound sense of unity and expression.
The music’s blasting in our ears
Powerful tunes resonate within us, immersing us in the experience.
We drink the songs that were planted here
The melodies seep into us, nourished by the atmosphere of this special place.
In the Garden as we’re breathing in the atmosphere
Surrounded by this vibrant setting, we absorb the energy and creativity around us.
Roll up
Embrace the spontaneity of the night.
And roll out
Let go of inhibitions and dive into the experience.
And at the end of the show we say goodbye
As the event concludes, we acknowledge the impermanence of our encounter.
I probably could’ve kissed you if I tried
I recognize the missed opportunity for deeper connection in that moment.
But the heat from the house is gone
The vibrant energy of the venue dissipates, leaving a palpable void.
And left my feet cold
As the excitement fades, there is a sudden realization of emptiness.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
An echo of joy and spontaneity, representing the carefree energy of the night.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Celebrating the fleeting nature of this experience through playful repetition.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
A continuation of the joyful expression, capturing the essence of carefree engagement.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Reiterating the vibrant rhythm of the previous moments shared.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Closure through musicality, inviting reflection on the night just passed.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
A reminder of the fun and indulgence we've just experienced.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
An exclamation of excitement and nostalgia surrounding the event.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
A final celebration of connection and enjoyment from the night.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
Echoing the essence of good times as we part ways, holding on to the memories.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
A lingering note of happiness that encapsulates the experience we shared.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
Continuing the celebration of shared moments and joyful connections.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da da
Reinforcing the notion of ephemeral joy woven into the fabric of the night.
Ba-da-da-da da-da-da-da
A playful culmination of the experience, resonating with a lighthearted spirit.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Luke Frees
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@edwardcardona717
The video portion is entertainingly weird lol
I can't lie though, the music is deeply appreciated and quite good.