You asked me to come down and watch the parade
To march down the street like the Duracell bunny
With a wink and a wave from the cavalcade
Throwing out candy that looks like money

To people passing by
That all seem to be goin' the other way

Said, "Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?"

Tripped over a dog in a choke-chain collar
People were shouting and pushing and saying
And traded a smoke for a food-stamp dollar
Ridiculous marching band started playing

Got me singing along
With some half-hearted victory song

Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?

The trumpeter's obviously been drinking
'Cause he's fucking up even the simplest lines
I'd say it's a sight that's quite worth seeing
It's just that everyone's interest is stronger than mine

When they clean the street
I'll be the only shit that's left behind

Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?


Lyrics submitted by EnjOy IncUbus

Rose Parade Lyrics as written by Steven Paul Smith

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Rose Parade song meanings
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    gravitydwarf:

    It's funny because all the times I listened to this song I always figured he said "They say it's a sight that's quite worth seeing" ("They" rather than "I'd") Even so I think that he's saying: I guess a drunk trumpet player should be funny... "but every ones interest is stronger than mine" Elliott obviously could not connect with the enjoyment everyone around him was getting out of the parade.

    I've always identified with this song a lot. When you are depressed you want to distance yourself from people (especially something big and commercial and social like a parade). When you distance yourself from people, you see how rediculous they are. When you see how rediculous they are, you can't make yourself engage them and end up alone and more depresed.

    It kills me every time he says "when they clean the street I'll be the only shit that's left behind" I know that hollow alone feeling and he couldn't describe it any more truthfully and tragically. He was a great guy. His music changed me. God bless Elliott.

    speakforthwordson July 14, 2007   Link

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