Rosalie
Thin Lizzy Lyrics


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She's quite a mediator
A smoother operator you will never see
Said see you later
You know one day I disobeyed her openly

She knows music
I know music too, you see
She's got the power
The teen queen, Rosalie

She's got the pleasure
Comes from all the cornerstones of the world
She's so fantastic
She's everybody's favorite little record girl

She knows music
I know music too, you see
She's got the power
I got the power, Rosalie

Rosalie [Repeat: x4]

Down on me, Rosalie
Shine on me will you please

Well chattanooga, lacooda, baooga loosa
You can hear her fine
She makes the choices
Then you'd best be smiling when it's losing time

She knows music
I know music too, you see
She's got the power
She is a tower, Rosalie





Rosalie [Repeat: x4]

Overall Meaning

Thin Lizzy's "Rosalie" is a tribute to Rosalie Trombley, a Canadian DJ who was instrumental in breaking many American bands in the 1970s. The song paints Rosalie as a powerful and influential figure in the music industry, describing her as a mediator, a smoother operator, and an expert in music. The lyrics suggest that the singer (presumably Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott) has a close working relationship with Rosalie – they both know music, but she has the power.


The song also portrays Rosalie as a figure of pleasure and joy, with the ability to bring joy to people from all over the world through her choice of music. The chorus "Rosalie, down on me, shine on me will you please" can be interpreted in different ways, but seems to express a desire to bask in Rosalie's aura or receive some of the good fortune she seems to bestow.


The lyrics also mention a few place names – Chattanooga, Lacooda, Baooga Loosa – which are believed to be fictional or obscure locations. It's possible that they were included for the sake of the rhyme rather than any deeper meaning.


Overall, "Rosalie" is a celebratory song that pays tribute to an influential figure in the music industry. Its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm make it a popular addition to Thin Lizzy's live shows.


Line by Line Meaning

She's quite a mediator
She is skilled at resolving conflicts between parties


A smoother operator you will never see
She is very adept at navigating social situations with ease and grace


Said see you later
She bid me farewell


You know one day I disobeyed her openly
I defied her instructions or wishes in a blatant manner


She knows music
She is knowledgeable about music


I know music too, you see
I also possess knowledge of music


She's got the power
She possesses a certain influence or authority


The teen queen, Rosalie
She is a young woman who is highly regarded or popular


She's got the pleasure
She derives enjoyment from various sources all around the world


Comes from all the cornerstones of the world
She experiences a wide variety of pleasures originating from different regions and cultures


She's so fantastic
She is an amazing or impressive person


She's everybody's favorite little record girl
She is a beloved or popular figure in the world of music


I got the power, Rosalie
I possess the same type of influence or authority as Rosalie


Rosalie [Repeat: x4]
A repetition of the name Rosalie as a line in the song


Down on me, Rosalie
A request or plea for Rosalie's help or support


Shine on me will you please
A hopeful or positive message for Rosalie to provide guidance, illumination or protection


Well chattanooga, lacooda, baooga loosa
Nonsense words with no real meaning, possibly meant to sound like a chant or incantation


You can hear her fine
She is clearly or easily audible


She makes the choices
She holds a position of decision-making authority


Then you'd best be smiling when it's losing time
If you disagree with her choices, it is best to do so with a positive attitude or demeanor


She is a tower, Rosalie
She is a person of great strength or influence, similar to a tower




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: B. Downey, P. Lynott

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sleniakiner5753

Most underated band ever. No one could touch them. Sound and style all their own. So tight. So crisp. R.I.P Phil Lynott.

@Kostedde

It's such a big shame that Thin Lizzy is still not inducted into the Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame. They should be the beacon of this Hall.

@willmac5642

And not playing Live Aid..

@w.nareshmeitei9220

Yep exactly.

@markusforsberg6741

@@willmac5642 phill lynott was in real bad health 1985 so that would not have been possible.!

@stuarthartley7428

It’s a crime

@dominicsheehy4664

Totally agree they should have been in there a long time ago

52 More Replies...

@monte5293

This is the best line up of one of rock's finest bands. Robertson and Gorham on lead guitars - has there ever been a greater sound than when these two played together?

@geespar1

No there hasn’t, they were a magical combination

@jimbanda

Hmmm, Ok but don't throw Eric under the Bus... but yeah these two were good, real good, such a shame Robbo could never get his shit together though.

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