The Rosebuds are an indie rock band from North Carolina. Its current member… Read Full Bio ↴The Rosebuds are an indie rock band from North Carolina. Its current members are Ivan Howard (vocals/guitar) and Kelly Crisp (vocals/keyboard).

Howard and Crisp met while in college in Wilmington, North Carolina. That fall, they moved to nearby Raleigh to form The Rosebuds. Merge Records discovered their demo in early 2003 and released Make Out as a full-length debut album that October.

The Rosebuds Unwind EP, an EP with six songs, was released in April 2005, followed by Birds Make Good Neighbors in September. Night of the Furies was released in April 2007 and "Life Like" in October 2008.

The Rosebuds will release their next album in the summer of 2011 on Merge Records.

Blue Eyes
The Rosebuds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You were trying to give off a silent sound
But you found another path and you're walking on the glass
And you were trying to get ahead again
Will you like a life alone, cause you know who's looking old?
Cuddle trial all in the visiting
And you're standing on the edge
Think you're falling off again
The same song would have won the show

And your bed is in the sore
Your heart is in the sore
And hope, it flies in your...
()
You're swimming in the blue eyes
You're swimming in the blue eyes
You're swimming in the blue eyes
You're swimming in the blue eyes
()
You're hanging your clothes on the large evening sun
But I'm wondering when neglected at your distant strolling arms
I'm petrified by the hardess(?) in the fact
And my cups are sleeping under by the speed these things can pass
The days alone have familiar bloom
Living up in the world, crafting laughter, coming through
Brothers dance with disguise up on his face
But the spirit in your eyes and the deepness in your smile
It turns me into?
()
I'm swimming in the blue eyes
Swimming in the blue eyes
Swimming in the blue eyes
Swimming in the blue
(Bridge)
Dash of lights in my head
Where the nights are warm
You're half asleep
Floating in sunwater
Brim it on the shore
()
You're swimming in the blue eyes
Swimming in the blue eyes

Swimming in the blue eyes
Swimming in the blue eyes

Overall Meaning

The Rosebuds's song "Blue Eyes" is a sentimental and introspective piece about a person who is trying to find their way in life. The lyrics begin by suggesting that the person is trying to be silent, perhaps not wanting to attract undue attention to themselves. However, they find themselves walking on glass, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for taking risks or stepping outside one's comfort zone.

The lyrics then delve into themes of loneliness and aging, with the question raised about whether the person will be content living alone as they grow older. The imagery of a "cuddle trial all in the visiting" hints at a desire for intimacy and human connection that the person may be struggling to achieve. Yet, they stand on the edge, teetering on the brink of something, perhaps a newfound sense of self or purpose.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "swimming in the blue eyes," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for drowning in someone's gaze or being consumed by a particular feeling or emotion. The verses that follow continue to explore the themes of uncertainty and vulnerability, with the singer expressing both fear and admiration for the person they are addressing.

Overall, "Blue Eyes" is a poignant exploration of the human experience, with a focus on the search for connection and meaning in a world that can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing.

Line by Line Meaning

You were trying to give off a silent sound
You were attempting to convey something without actually saying it aloud.

But you found another path and you're walking on the glass
You changed your approach and are now taking a risky path.

And you were trying to get ahead again
You were attempting to progress forward once more.

Will you like a life alone, cause you know who's looking old?
Are you content with living alone because you realize you are aging?

Cuddle trial all in the visiting
A visit that was supposed to be comforting has not gone as planned.

And you're standing on the edge
You are in a precarious position.

Think you're falling off again
You feel like you're losing progress or control.

The same song would have won the show
You believe that something that is ordinary could receive more recognition than something original or unique.

And your bed is in the sore
Your sleeping situation is uncomfortable or painful.

Your heart is in the sore
You are emotionally pained or hurt.

And hope, it flies in your...
The meaning of this line is unclear.

You're swimming in the blue eyes
You are fixated on someone's blue eyes.

You're hanging your clothes on the large evening sun
You are drying your clothes outside and leaving them in direct sunlight, potentially damaging them.

But I'm wondering when neglected at your distant strolling arms
I am worried about being left out while you are away or preoccupied.

I'm petrified by the hardess(?) in the fact
I am scared of the harshness or coldness of reality.

And my cups are sleeping under by the speed these things can pass
Things are moving too quickly and I am struggling to keep up or stay on top of them.

The days alone have familiar bloom
The days when you are by yourself are repetitive and unchanging.

Living up in the world, crafting laughter, coming through
You are trying to maintain a positive attitude in the midst of everything going on around you.

Brothers dance with disguise up on his face
Someone is hiding their true feelings or intentions.

But the spirit in your eyes and the deepness in your smile
Your eyes and smile reveal your true character and nature.

It turns me into?
The meaning of this line is unclear.

Dash of lights in my head
You have exciting and creative thoughts or ideas.

Where the nights are warm
Nighttime is a comfortable and cozy time.

You're half asleep
You are somewhat tired or drowsy.

Floating in sunwater
You are feeling relaxed and at ease.

Brim it on the shore
You feel confident and optimistic about the future.

Swimming in the blue eyes
You are captivated by the beauty of someone's blue eyes.

Writer(s): HOWARD PHILLIP IVAN, CRISP KELLY MICHELLE

Contributed by Jacob M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS