Code of the Road
Code of the Road: Unveiling the Rock 'n' Roll Commandments
Lyrics
Now we all seen that roadie slip off his wedding ring
Observing a roadie removing his wedding ring, a symbolic act suggesting detachment from personal commitments while on tour.
But what goes on tour, stays on tour,
Emphasizing the traditional saying that what happens on tour remains confidential among the touring group.
So no one seen a thing
Highlighting the secrecy of tour life, implying that everyone respects the unspoken code of privacy.
And we all know that sound man
Referring to a sound man who identifies strongly with the band, blurring the lines between roles.
Who thinks he's in the band
Describing the sound man's illusion of being part of the band, possibly causing issues in collaboration.
Next time we've got more songs to write
Expressing the need for collaboration in creating new songs during the tour.
I hope he lends a hand
Expecting the sound man to contribute positively to the creative process.
No solids in the toilet
Advising against disposing of solid waste in the toilet.
Put the paper in the bin provided
Encouraging the use of provided bins for paper disposal.
If you're holding anything then hide it
Suggesting discreet behavior if holding onto something not meant for public knowledge.
This is the code of the road
Introducing the "code of the road," a set of unspoken rules and guidelines for touring musicians.
Lobby call is lobby call
Highlighting the importance of punctuality in the tour routine, specifically for the lobby call.
Bag it up if you're gonna use it
Advising to bag up any substances if they are going to be used during the tour.
Keep your head down, play the music
Encouraging musicians to focus on playing music and avoiding unnecessary distractions.
This is the code of the road
Reiterating the adherence to the "code of the road" as a guiding principle for behavior on tour.
So now you know
Summarizing the key points of the "code of the road."
Well there's a blight that's on the schedule
Referring to challenges and difficulties that are a routine part of the band's schedule.
As every band will know
Pointing out the presence of uninvited guests (liggers) during a prestigious London show.
Invited guests, a ligger's fest
Describing the intrusion of unwanted guests as a common occurrence in the music industry.
The hallowed London show
Emphasizing the significance of a London show as a prestigious and potentially challenging event.
Now Tristan, he's a writer
Introducing Tristan, a character who criticizes the band for perceived "selling out" while enjoying their hospitality.
And he's doing his gap year
Providing background on Tristan, a writer taking a gap year, emphasizing a potential generation gap.
But he's telling me we're selling out
Highlighting Tristan's criticism of the band's commercial success while benefiting from their resources.
While he's drinking all my beer, what a c...
Expressing frustration with Tristan's behavior, possibly censoring an expletive.
(chorus)
Repeating the chorus, reinforcing the importance of the "code of the road."
You come across promoters
Encountering promoters who aspire to emulate Harvey Goldsmith, a legendary music promoter.
Who dream they're Harvey G
Highlighting the opportunistic nature of certain promoters who aim to profit from the band's success.
They're only there to take a share
Pointing out that such promoters are only interested in taking a share of the band's hard-earned rewards.
Of all you've worked to be
Advising venue owners not to manipulate attendance numbers for personal gain.
And if you own a venue
Addressing venue owners who bear the responsibility of pre-sale ticket distribution.
And the pre-sale is on you
Warning against artificially inflating attendance figures for personal gain.
Don't make up the numbers, son
Encouraging honesty and transparency in reporting attendance figures, implying that everyone can discern the truth.
Cos we can all count too
Emphasizing the band's ability to count and detect any discrepancies in reported numbers.
(chorus)
Repeating the chorus, reinforcing the importance of following the "code of the road."
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