In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
When there's a trap set up for you
In every corner of this town
And so you learn the only way to go is underground
When there's a trap set up for you
In every corner of your room
And so you learn the only way to go is through the roof
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
And as we're crossing border after border
We realize that difference is none
It's underdogs who, and if you want it
You always have to make your own fun
And as the upperdog leisurely sighing
The local cultures are dying and dying
The programmed robots are buying and buying
And a psycho load of freaks they are still trying trying
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
And as the boy scouts learn to read between the lines
The silver rabbits hop between their fathers' lies
And boy scouts ask "Where? Where do they go?"
They go to the country that they only know
Just like their meanings they lay between the lines
Between the borders their real countries hide
The strategigo's saw their advertise
Their strategy of being is one of in-your-face disguise
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground!
And when their own walls they will a-crumble,
And all the systems will be discumbumbled,
Around the stump of bigotry, our own [Ukrainian].
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, and underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof! Underground!
[Ukrainian]
Through the roof! And underground!
Through the roof! Underground!
In every corner of this town
And so you learn the only way to go is underground
When there's a trap set up for you
In every corner of your room
And so you learn the only way to go is through the roof
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
And as we're crossing border after border
We realize that difference is none
It's underdogs who, and if you want it
You always have to make your own fun
And as the upperdog leisurely sighing
The local cultures are dying and dying
The programmed robots are buying and buying
And a psycho load of freaks they are still trying trying
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
And as the boy scouts learn to read between the lines
The silver rabbits hop between their fathers' lies
And boy scouts ask "Where? Where do they go?"
They go to the country that they only know
Just like their meanings they lay between the lines
Between the borders their real countries hide
The strategigo's saw their advertise
Their strategy of being is one of in-your-face disguise
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground!
And when their own walls they will a-crumble,
And all the systems will be discumbumbled,
Around the stump of bigotry, our own [Ukrainian].
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, and underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof! Underground!
[Ukrainian]
Through the roof! And underground!
Through the roof! Underground!
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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I fell in love with it on the Wristcutters Soundtrack. [:
This song is about the decline of individual cultures under the homogenizing force of globalization and corporate-driven consumerism (mostly emanating from the worst corners of the United States but it is by no means the only culprit in this atrocity).
Wal-Mart (under that name or any other) or Starbucks on every corner, every country. It's a depressing thing, when you think about it, that something could be the same everywhere like that.
The whole thing reminds me strongly of what David Bowie mentioned in an interview once about his song "I'm Afraid of Americans":
"I was traveling in Java when [its] first McDonald’s went up: it was like, “for f*ck’s sake.” The invasion by any homogenized culture is so depressing, the erection of another Disney World in, say, Umbria, Italy, more so. It strangles the indigenous culture and narrows expression of life."
Gogol Bordello is all about global exchange & sharing of cultures, not just one manufactured commercial culture degrading, dominating or eradicating everything around it. This song is about escaping that stultifying, soul-sucking force, by going "through the roof and underground" if necessary.
And as the upperdog leisurely sighing, The local cultures are dying and dying. The programmed robots are buying and buying, Secluded freaks they are still trying trying.
that is my favorite part. i think he's talking about capitalism and gentrification working hand in hand. i live in a neighborhood which is predominantly Polish, and we used to have all these polish delis lining the streets, and all the houses were family owned. and now these past couple of years we've had all these hipsters move in, condos be built, and even a starbucks to top it off. some of the original residents are still sticking it out, hopign teh neighborhood doesnt lose its ethnic charm, i think theyre the 'secluded freaks still trying trying'...
well it sounds like you live in my neighborhood. <br /> <br />
awww, same here. been playing it over and over after watching wristcutters. and it keeps making me laugh my heart out. such a fun fun song.
Yeah wristcutters is where i first heard this as well. Great stuff.
wristcutters as well great movie great soundtrack
I also heard this song for the first time in Wristcutters, it always gives me an optimistic feeling and can pretty much improve any day.
my favorite part is
It's underdogs who, and if you want it You always have to make your own fun
i love it when he sings disconbumbled =D i didnt realise he was in the movie everything is illuminated until i watched wristcutters. he's a pretty good actor
I love this song. This is where I first heard of Gogol Bordello. I feel like no matter what mood I'm in, I never really feel hesitant to listen to it. When I've had a bad day, I listen to it over and over again. And when I've had a great day, I listen to it over and over. Haa
This has got to be my favourite song, everytime I listen to it I freeze and mumble along, And I'm glad I finally Understand the Rusian part, These guys are great.
well what the hell does it say!?