Saunders has a lengthy musical background, although much of it consists of playing in a variety of Top-40 and cover bands, including a LED ZEPPELIN tribute band that spent much of the late nineties touring the United States. Saunders abandoned the touring life following this experience, preferring to focus on solo efforts in his own home studio in Tennessee. It was from this studio he has released both ZEN ROCK & ROLL albums.
Saunders' music is steeped heavily in keyboards and mellotron, with complex arrangements and layers of percussion and digital sound effects. His all-instrumental music is clearly influenced by early YES, as well as having some of the same characteristics as other solo artists such as PHILIP GLASS and CLEARLIGHT (although lacking the consistency in theme of the latter). His compositions range widely, from shorter vignettes to rather lengthy epics. As with many one-man bands, the arrangements are clearly heavily mixed with overdubs and digital manipulation, and have an overall 'electronic' feel to them. At times his second release even shows hints of the blended electronic/symphonic sounds of the TANGENT.
While Saunders has to-date largely shunned live performances, he has not ruled out the idea of a tour at some point in his career. He is reportedly working on a new release, and samples of his recent works can occasionally be found on his MySpace site.
Anthem
Zen Rock And Roll Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Garfunkel just killed Simon
My mouth just keeps on climbin'
Up, up, up, up, up, and I'm in
Ok, our music's violent
Explodes like dynamite and
Light bulbs but no ideas
We're the cold hand slidin' down your own shirt
We're the last of the Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
We're the bad man comin' and it won't hurt
We're the mother fuckin' Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
That's right we're comin' in
Don't lose, we always win
We'll tell it like it is
everybody is our bitch
If you don't agree with this
Take a second and try our chips
Roasted to perfection
Flavorful, not flavorless
We're the cold hand slidin' down your own shirt
We're the last of the Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
We're the bad man comin' and it won't hurt
We're the mother fuckin' Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
We're the cold hand slidin' down your own shirt
We're the last of the Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
We're the bad man comin' and it won't hurt
We're the mother fuckin' Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
We're the cold hand slidin' down your own shirt
We're the last of the Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
We're the bad man comin' and it won't hurt
We're the mother fuckin' Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
I'm a mother fuckin' Rock ‘N' Roll Soldier
The lyrics to Zen Rock And Roll's song "Anthem" convey a rebellious and defiant attitude towards conformity and authority. The first verse starts by rejecting silence and referencing the famous duo Simon & Garfunkel. The line "Garfunkel just killed Simon" symbolizes a departure from traditional and peaceful music. The singer's "mouth keeps on climbin'" suggests a relentless desire to be heard and make an impact, soaring above the mundanity of everyday life.
The second verse continues this rebellious tone by describing their music as violent and explosive, likening it to dynamite and light bulbs that provide brightness but lack substance. This may allude to the notion that their music is visually stimulating and energetic but lacks depth or meaningful ideas. The line "Now your gunna see it" suggests a challenge to those who underestimate or dismiss their artistry. They proclaim themselves as the "Rock 'N' Roll Soldiers," the defiant outsiders who defy conventions and embody the spirit of rock 'n' roll.
The chorus reinforces this identity as the "Rock 'N' Roll Soldiers" who are unapologetic and fearless. The line "We're the cold hand slidin' down your own shirt" evokes a sense of danger and unpredictability, as if they are invading personal spaces and challenging the comfort zones of others. They consider themselves the last remaining soldiers of true rock 'n' roll, who won't be subdued or silenced by societal pressures.
The third verse maintains the rebellious theme, asserting their confidence and superiority. They state that they always win and speak their truth without filters, implying that they have an unwavering belief in their own authenticity. The line "everybody is our bitch" reflects an attitude of dominance and control over those who oppose or criticize them. They offer their critics the option to try their chips, suggesting that their critics may change their perspective after experiencing the band's unique flavor and style.
The repeated chorus further emphasizes their identity as the "Rock 'N' Roll Soldiers," reinforcing their rebellious and defiant nature. The closing line of the song, "I'm a mother fuckin' Rock 'N' Roll Soldier," further establishes their self-proclaimed identity as fearless warriors of rock 'n' roll who are unafraid to challenge the norm and make a bold statement.
Overall, "Anthem" by Zen Rock And Roll captures the spirit of rock 'n' roll rebellion, celebrating individuality, and rejecting conformity. The lyrics convey a sense of strength, defiance, and superiority while challenging the mainstream and traditional expectations of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn off the sound of silence
Stop ignoring our music and pay attention
Garfunkel just killed Simon
The collaboration between artists is over and there is a new dominant force
My mouth just keeps on climbin'
I keep speaking up and gaining influence
Up, up, up, up, up, and I'm in
Continuing to rise to the top and become successful
Ok, our music's violent
Our music is intense and impactful
Explodes like dynamite and
It has a powerful and explosive impact
Light bulbs but no ideas
Our music may be catchy, but it lacks depth or meaningful content
Now your gunna see it
Prepare to witness our talent and success
That's right we're comin' in
We are entering the scene boldly and confidently
Don't lose, we always win
We are always successful and come out on top
We'll tell it like it is
We speak the truth, unfiltered and unabashed
everybody is our bitch
We dominate and have control over everyone
If you don't agree with this
If you disagree with our perspective
Take a second and try our chips
Take a moment to experience what we have to offer
Roasted to perfection
Our music is perfected and crafted meticulously
Flavorful, not flavorless
Our music is rich and vibrant, not dull or lacking in taste
We're the cold hand slidin' down your own shirt
We have a chilling and irresistible presence that makes an impact on you
We're the last of the Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
We are the remaining warriors of the Rock 'N' Roll genre
We're the bad man comin' and it won't hurt
We are the intimidating figure approaching, but our presence won't harm you
We're the mother fuckin' Rock ‘N' Roll Soldiers
We are the ultimate and powerful Rock 'N' Roll musicians
I'm a mother fuckin' Rock ‘N' Roll Soldier
I am an empowered and fearless Rock 'N' Roll musician
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Marty Larson-xu
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind