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.
Give Me A Reason
The Rosebuds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Give me a reason and I will follow
Cause you've got a heart, won't make me scared
And I've got a heart that needs repairing
So give me a purpose, something I can be
Give me a purpose, something I can see
Cause you've got a heart with a certain kindness
Oh oh-oh, give me a reason!
Oh oh-oh, give me a heart!
Oh oh-oh, give me a reason!
Oh oh-oh!
You've got a heart that keeps on growin'
And I've got these broken parts I've been hidin'
So watch your step right here, follow me outside
Your southern accent caught me by surprise
I've kept myself quiet but I think you might understand
Woh oh oh-oh-oh
Oh oh-oh, give me a reason!
Oh oh-oh, give me a heart!
Oh oh-oh, give me a reason!
Oh oh-oh!
The song "Give Me A Reason" by The Rosebuds is a powerful ballad that speaks to the need for purpose and connection. The lyrics portray the recognition of the singer's own emotional needs and the desire for a partner that can fulfill them. The repeated phrase "Give me a reason" highlights the importance of having a clear motivation and direction in life. The singer seeks a purpose that they can commit to, a reason to follow and be led. They recognize that they have a heart in need of repair and that they require someone with a certain kindness. The southern accent of the partner caught them by surprise, highlighting their vulnerability to unexpected sources of comfort and solace. This song is a call for emotional intimacy and exploration of self and others.
Line by Line Meaning
Give me a reason and I will follow
I need a purpose to guide me through life, and if you provide it, I will stick with you.
Cause you've got a heart, won't make me scared
I'm not afraid to trust you because you seem kind and caring.
And I've got a heart that needs repairing
I have my own emotional baggage that I need to work through.
So give me a purpose, something I can be
I need something to strive for, a goal that gives me meaning.
Give me a purpose, something I can see
I need something tangible that I can work toward achieving.
Cause you've got a heart with a certain kindness
I am drawn to your compassionate and thoughtful nature.
And I've got a heart that needs reminding
I sometimes lose sight of what's important and need help to remember it.
Oh oh-oh, give me a reason!
I am pleading with you to give me a purpose or goal to strive for.
Oh oh-oh, give me a heart!
I am asking for emotional support and understanding from you.
You've got a heart that keeps on growin'
I am in awe of your capacity for empathy and self-improvement.
And I've got these broken parts I've been hidin'
I have my own emotional scars that I try to keep hidden from others.
So watch your step right here, follow me outside
I want to show you a different side of me, but I'm not sure if it's safe to let you in.
Your southern accent caught me by surprise
I find you intriguing and unique, and I'm drawn to your Southern charm.
I've kept myself quiet but I think you might understand
I've been reserved and guarded, but I sense that you might be someone I can confide in.
Woh oh oh-oh-oh
This is an expressive vocalization, and may represent the singer's emotional state rather than any specific message.
Contributed by Elijah P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.