James Taylor (Vocals)
James Taylor (Vocals)
Mauro Venegas (Lead Guitar)
Sarah Bacon (Rhythm Guitar)
Chris Mann (Bass)
Nick Bukowski (Drums)
Forget the fact that these guys were one of the first out of the starting blocks when a 'new rock'n'roll' developed into the UK's current crop of artrock bands. Forget the fact that despite several storming singles and an excellent self funded debut album they have been by and large ignored by the UK press and radio and have had to operate in DIY mode longer than is reasonable.
This new, 'second-coming' of the best new wave band in Britain is more than we could have hoped for. Whether it's Only Ones or Saints, Strokes, Voidoids or Modern Lovers that float your boat The Rocks will deliver for you. 'Heartbreak City' is the brand new single on Weekender Records and is their best and catchiest pop-punk yet and their excellent live show front by live-wire James Taylor is not to be missed.
As one enthusiastic promoter put it.. "No other band at the moment has their sense of theatre, their musicianship and vomits it out in the general air of chaos they conjure around them... a gig by The Rocks is no mere gig, it's a show, it's an event, it's an experience."
The Rocks are finally ready and as their Japanese label boss says:
"If it can't be understood, it's a fuck."
'The Rocks - we love them. If there's a more entertaining band anywhere in the world I haven't seen them' ARTROCKER
'Think the clash being eaten by lions. Brilliant' ROCKSOUND
'The Rocks.. quite simply, rock' NME
Check out www.myspace.com/therocks
The Game Is Up
The Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think I made a little dough and they say I'm fly
But am I? Am I? "Yeah"
I'm I'm so fly why do I wear this gear
Clothes don't make the man it's the other way around
I live by this and I'm still platinum bound
Mistakes were definitely made in the past
Friendship contracts thrown in the trash
Perseverance preserves the grame
Of an unusual talent with gallant views
Mimicked by other crews
The first attempt gets exempty
The royalty about 38 minus 8 and a quarter percent
For taxes point seven damn cents
Hence financial failure -- musical uplift
The depression didn't result in draw of a spliff
The production of the LP great by the hands of HT
Well appreciated G
Family bonds loosen then gone
Emotional debris contains memories tranquil and calm
Future seems to predict the Forbes state of being rich
But never switch Rich
But which way is up
The Webstorial monarch sparks once more
The beginning of a world wide tour
My show is fine, no props like last time
No visual effects on the rough set
Debuting hey portrait hard work
Fame ain't about chasing a damn skirt
And if I chase a skirt it'll be my own
And if not let me cast the first stone
The blood puddles paramedics on the double
Production huddles journalists write rebuttals
The question is he the best is he
Can't get an interview because he's too busy
No spotlight only concentrating on the duckets
Duckets to fill pails and buckets
The Chubbster, the one, the man who is flowing
If I get flam and change the pitch like Ryan Nolan
The undiscovered country is where I am going
Test and you get cancer of the colon
After the karm and the physical trauma
You want to be my man and act like drama
Save that Yang and mix it with Tang
For your mama and don't ssstammmer
On the mic -- the mic can delete the squids
And the squids tell financial fibs
But it is OK hey still on the same path
Won't ever switch -- never switch cause Rich
In The Rock's song "The Game is Up," the rapper delves into topics surrounding identity, wealth, success, and fame. The first verse addresses the constant struggle to remain true to oneself amidst fame and fortune, questioning whether he is still true to himself despite his success. The chorus poses the question, "which way is up?" prompting listeners to ponder their own direction in life as well. The second verse discusses the pressures of fame and the sacrifices that come with it, from the scrutiny of media outlets to running the risk of physical harm.
Line by Line Meaning
Which way is up in fact where am I
I am disoriented and not sure of my position or direction in life
I think I made a little dough and they say I'm fly
I have some financial success and people consider me cool
But am I? Am I? "Yeah"
But am I really? I question if these things truly define me, but others insist they do
I'm I'm so fly why do I wear this gear
If I'm so successful and cool, why do I feel the need to project that in my clothing?
Clothes don't make the man it's the other way around
I believe that a person's character and actions are what define them, rather than external appearances
I live by this and I'm still platinum bound
Despite my belief in character over appearance, I'm still successful in the music industry
Mistakes were definitely made in the past
I acknowledge that I have made mistakes in my life
Friendship contracts thrown in the trash
I have had falling outs with friends and business partners, resulting in broken agreements
The guilt is not enough to tilt the game
While I may feel guilty about my mistakes, it hasn't completely derailed my career or success in the music industry
Perseverance preserves the grame
I believe that staying committed and working hard are key to maintaining success
Of an unusual talent with gallant views
I consider myself to have a unique talent and hold strong beliefs and values
Mimicked by other crews
Others have tried to emulate my style and vision
The first attempt gets exempty
Initial attempts may not be successful, but that shouldn't deter one from trying again
The royalty about 38 minus 8 and a quarter percent
The percentage of royalties I receive from my music is calculated with a specific formula
For taxes point seven damn cents
After taxes are deducted, I only receive a small portion of the royalties earned
Hence financial failure -- musical uplift
While the financial return may not always be significant, the creative fulfillment and success in the music industry is still important
The depression didn't result in draw of a spliff
I didn't turn to drugs to cope with my low moments
The production of the LP great by the hands of HT
My latest album was produced exceptionally well by a skilled producer named HT
Well appreciated G
I'm grateful for the success and support I've received from my fans
Family bonds loosen then gone
Over time, familial relationships can become strained and even break apart
Emotional debris contains memories tranquil and calm
Even when relationships end, there are still memories that hold a sense of peace and tranquility
Future seems to predict the Forbes state of being rich
People expect me to continue to accumulate wealth and success in the future
But never switch Rich
Despite the pressures and temptations of fame, I will always stay true to myself and not change who I am
The Webstorial monarch sparks once more
I am igniting my career and creativity once again
The beginning of a world wide tour
I am embarking on a global tour to share my music and connect with fans around the world
My show is fine, no props like last time
My live performances will be simple and focused, without elaborate props and effects
No visual effects on the rough set
I will rely on my own talent and presence to command the stage, rather than distracting visuals
Debuting hey portrait hard work
My live show will showcase my dedication and hard work
Fame ain't about chasing a damn skirt
Fame and success are not defined by pursuing romantic relationships
And if I chase a skirt it'll be my own
If I do pursue a romantic relationship, it will be on my own terms and not because of societal pressure
And if not let me cast the first stone
I will not judge others for their choices and actions
The blood puddles paramedics on the double
My lyrics can be intense and visceral, featuring images of violence and medical emergencies
Production huddles journalists write rebuttals
My music and public image can spark controversy and criticism
The question is he the best is he
There are always debates about whether I am the best or most talented in the music industry
Can't get an interview because he's too busy
My busy schedule and commitments make it difficult for me to do interviews with the media
No spotlight only concentrating on the duckets
I am focused on making money and financial success, rather than seeking fame or attention
Duckets to fill pails and buckets
I am constantly working to earn more money and be financially secure
The Chubbster, the one, the man who is flowing
I am confident in my abilities as a rapper and creative talent
If I get flam and change the pitch like Ryan Nolan
I will continue to experiment and evolve my style to stay fresh and relevant
The undiscovered country is where I am going
I am always seeking new and uncharted territories, both musically and in life
Test and you get cancer of the colon
I will challenge and test those who doubt my abilities and vision
After the karm and the physical trauma
After experiencing setbacks and injuries
You want to be my man and act like drama
I will not tolerate drama or negative energy from those around me
Save that Yang and mix it with Tang
Leave the drama behind and focus on positive energy instead
For your mama and don't ssstammmer
Do your best and don't hesitate or stutter
On the mic -- the mic can delete the squids
My talent and music can surpass negativity and criticism
And the squids tell financial fibs
Critics and naysayers may spread lies or misinformation about my financial success
But it is OK hey still on the same path
I am confident in my choices and staying true to myself, regardless of criticism
Won't ever switch -- never switch cause Rich
I will never change who I am or compromise my values, even in the face of success and financial gain
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Alex Richbourg, Francisco Pimentel, Jean-claude Oliver, Richard Simpson, Samuel Barnes, FRANCISCO PIMENTAL, JEAN CLAUDE OLIVIER, RICHARD A SIMPSON, SAMUEL J. BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Josip Pe
The Rocks