In 2013, pop punk sweethearts The Dollyrots reproduced. But their new baby didn’t slow them down: they just brought him on tour. Thus the title of their upcoming live CD/DVD, Family Vacation: Live in the Los Angeles.
Released on March 11, 2016, Family Vacation is a concert film with a companion live album that captures The Dollyrots on their 2015 summer tour with long-time roadmates Bowling For Soup. It’s 40 minutes of pure rock frenzy, harnessed by filmmaker Ian MacLeod and delivered as both a video/audio download and deluxe double disc set.
The term “family” not only describes singer/bassist Kelly Ogden, guitarist Luis Cabezas, and their baby River, but also the extended family of Dollyrots fans, who supported the creation of this live CD/DVD by crowdfunding it on PledgeMusic. Those who contributed to the project received the film and album weeks before the public street date, and were also privy to some special extras, including a bonus studio EP and exclusive memorabilia. As Kelly puts it, “There are a lot of fans who might never get out to a Dollyrots show in the flesh, so we did our best to bring the experience to them. The only things missing are the ringing ears and sweaty hugs…but other than that I think we nailed it!”
Since their formation 15 years ago, The Dollyrtos have played over a thousand shows and released five studio albums, but Family Vacation is their first ever official live record. After releasing material on both Lookout! Records and Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records, the band decided to go completely independent for their last few releases, and 2014’s Barefoot and Pregnant (released through the band’s own label, Arrested Youth Records) enjoyed a #7 debut on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart. They hope their fans will similarly embrace Family Vacation, which comes on the heels of multiple US tours in 2015 and a three-week tour of the United Kingdom with Bowling For Soup this past February.
Screaming, staying up all night, and vomiting everywhere: Family Vacation shows that punk rock and parenting aren’t so different after all. And it stands as proof that just because you grow up doesn’t mean you have to stop being awesome.
A Little Messed Up
The Dollyrots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They all say you're damaged goods, baby.
This is what they thought
She can't stand you,
He can't stand you,
They can't stand you,
And I can't stand being apart.
You always find a way to make them think that you're rude.
Not the type to act too normal;
Combat boots and dirty hair don't add up to "cool."
It's not enough,
It's not enough.
Your edge is rough and there's no hiding the truth.
They're all asking, "Is he sober?"
Bloodshot eyes, but this is what I tell them
About you...
About you...
Yeah, I know you're a little messed up.
They all say you're damaged goods, baby.
This is what they thought
She can't stand you,
He can't stand you,
They can't stand you,
And I can't stand being apart.
Flying saucers, rock and roller's,
Crazy conversations are all they'll get out of you.
Did you really have to scare them?
Another piercing but that's just what I like
About you...
About you...
About you...
About you...
Yeah, I know you're a little messed up.
They all say you're damaged goods, baby.
This is what they thought
She can't stand you,
He can't stand you,
They can't stand you,
And I can't stand being apart.
Yeah, I know you're a little messed up.
They all say you're damaged goods, baby.
This is what they thought
She can't stand you,
He can't stand you,
They can't stand you,
And I can't stand being apart.
Can't stand being apart.
Yeah I can't stand being apart.
And I know you're a little messed up.
Yeah, I know. Yeah, I know
About you...
Yeah, I know you're a little messed up.
They all say you're damaged goods, baby.
This is what they thought
She can't stand you,
He can't stand you,
They can't stand you,
And I can't stand being apart.
Yeah, I know you're a little messed up.
They all say you're damaged goods, baby.
This is what they thought
She can't stand you,
He can't stand you,
They can't stand you,
And I can't stand being apart.
Yeah, I know you're a little messed up.
They all say you're damaged goods, baby.
This is what they thought
She can't stand you,
He can't stand you,
They can't stand you,
And I can't stand being apart.
In "A Little Messed Up," The Dollyrots sing about a person who is seen by others as damaged and not up to societal norms. The singer is aware that others view this person as problematic, but they still choose to be with them despite it all. From the beginning, the singer acknowledges that the person they are with is "a little messed up," and others view them as "damaged goods." However, the singer still can't stand being apart from this person despite others' opinions.
The lyrics delve into how this person is perceived by the world around them. When the singer introduces them to others, they always seem to make a bad impression. The person doesn't fit into the typical idea of what is considered "cool," wearing combat boots and having unkempt hair. The lyrics suggest that this person's rough edge can't be hidden, and others begin to question if they are sober due to their bloodshot eyes.
Despite all this, the singer finds these qualities intriguing, listing out the things that make them interesting such as "flying saucers," "rock and roller's," and "crazy conversations." The singer also mentions liking the person's piercings. Overall, the song paints a picture of someone who others think is flawed, but the singer finds endearing and refuses to be without.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, I know you're a little messed up.
I am aware that you have issues.
They all say you're damaged goods, baby.
People believe that you are broken or flawed.
This is what they thought
The perception of you that people hold is negative.
She can't stand you,
There are people who strongly dislike you.
He can't stand you,
There are people who strongly dislike you.
They can't stand you,
There are people who strongly dislike you.
And I can't stand being apart.
I don't like being away from you.
Every time I introduce you,
Whenever I bring you around new people,
You always find a way to make them think that you're rude.
You have a talent for making people believe you are impolite.
Not the type to act too normal;
You aren't someone who conforms to societal norms.
Combat boots and dirty hair don't add up to "cool."
Your choice of footwear and hairstyle isn't considered trendy or fashionable.
It's not enough,
The characteristics you possess are inadequate.
Your edge is rough and there's no hiding the truth.
Your rough exterior is not something you can conceal.
They're all asking, "Is he sober?"
People are questioning whether or not you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Bloodshot eyes, but this is what I tell them
Your eyes are red, but I explain it away to others.
Flying saucers, rock and roller's,
You engage in eccentric conversations that are difficult to follow.
Crazy conversations are all they'll get out of you.
Most of the interactions people have with you are strange or bizarre.
Did you really have to scare them?
Did you deliberately frighten people?
Another piercing but that's just what I like
You got a new piercing, which is attractive to me.
Can't stand being apart.
I dislike not being close to you.
Yeah I can't stand being apart.
I strongly dislike being separated from you.
And I know you're a little messed up.
I recognize that you have issues.
Yeah, I know. Yeah, I know
I understand the situation completely.
Contributed by Alexis Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
tasteslikepaintnwood
been in love with kellys voice since high school
Taylor Evans
the only rock group I actually like. :3 I'm more of an electronica girl. but i love their songs. Go DOLLYROTS!!!!
Annabelle Tittel
Almost all of the Dollyrot's songs remind me of Prussia from Hetalia....