Lyrics
Picture this baby if you wanna know
Inviting the listener to imagine a scenario.
What it's like to be a travelin'
Describing the experience of being on a traveling Rock-N-Roll show.
Rock-N-Roll Show
Emphasizing the nature of the experience as a show.
It'a a little bit fiction but fact when you see
Suggesting a blend of fiction and reality in the lifestyle.
So if you got the balls come inside with me
Challenging the listener to join the adventurous life described.
To the life I can live without
Expressing independence from a life without excitement.
To the life where it's one big freak show
Portraying the touring life as a continuous spectacle.
Round and round upside down
Describing the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the lifestyle.
Keep the wheels rollin'
Encouraging persistence and keeping things moving.
Through the dead of the night
Highlighting the nighttime journey.
500 miles 'til broad daylight
Quantifying the distance to be covered in miles.
Ya party 'til 6 ya sleep 'til it's 5
Describing the cycle of partying and resting on the road.
Then you're playin for the people
Being engaged in performing for the audience.
To keep the dream alive
Stressing the importance of performing to sustain the dream.
In my soul a true infection
Referring to a deep passion or influence in the soul.
In my soul a constant erection
Using metaphorical language to convey a strong, persistent desire.
Of the body and the mind
Emphasizing the unity of the physical and mental aspects.
Yeah that's the life my friend
Summarizing the described lifestyle as "the life."
When you're on the road again
Reiterating the theme of being on the road.
New York to Japan on the road again
Enumerating various locations as part of the journey.
All across the land
Expressing the extensive reach of the tour across the land.
Got the tour bus, hotels, and the limousines
Listing elements associated with the touring lifestyle.
Got my face plastered on every magazine
Highlighting the visibility of the artist in media.
Got the managers, lawyers, and the record execs
Mentioning the various professionals involved in the music industry.
Pullin' me in and out but it sure ain't like sex
Comparing the business side of the industry to sex, possibly implying it lacks the same satisfaction.
And my mama's always naggin' about
Referring to the persistent maternal concern about success.
The MTV Son why ain't you number one? You're only number three
Quoting a nagging question about the artist's MTV ranking.
But it's all packed up and the day is done
Describing the end of the day and packing up.
I know I live this life 'cause I live for fun
Justifying the chosen lifestyle as a pursuit of enjoyment.
Yeah when you're on the road again
Reiterating the central theme of being on the road.
New York to Japan on the road again
Repeating the journey from New York to Japan.
All across the land on the road again
Emphasizing the widespread nature of the tour.
L.A. to Londontown on the road again
Extending the journey to Los Angeles and Londontown.
Tearin' the houses down
Describing the energetic impact of performances.
"Who shall say that the American Dream is ended"
Quoting Adlai Stevenson, suggesting a reflection on the American Dream.
Adlai Stevenson
Attributing the quote to Adlai Stevenson.
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