Well, you can stake that claim,
Good work is the key to good fortune
Winners take that praise
Losers seldom take that blame
If they don't take that game
And sometimes the winner takes nothing
We draw our own designs
But fortune has to make that frame

We go out in the world and take our chances
Fate is just the weight of circumstances
That's the way that lady luck dances
Roll the bones

Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones

Faith is cold as ice,
Why are little ones born only to suffer
For the want of immunity
Or a bowl of rice?
Well, who would hold a price
On the heads of the innocent children
If there's some immortal power
To control the dice?

We come into the world and take our chances
Fate is just the weight of circumstances
That's the way that lady luck dances
Roll the bones

Jack, relax.
Get busy with the facts.
No zodiacs or almanacs,
No maniacs in polyester slacks.
Just the facts.
Gonna kick some Gluteus max.
It's a parallax, you dig?
You move around
The small gets big. It's a rig.
It's action, reaction,
Random interaction.
So who's afraid
Of a little abstraction?
Can't get no satisfaction
From the facts?
You better run, homeboy,
A fact's a fact
From Nome to Rome, boy.

What's the deal? Spin the wheel.
If the dice are hot, take a shot.
Play your cards. Show us what you got,
What you're holding.
If the cards are cold,
Don't go folding.
Lady Luck is golden,
She favors the bold. That's cold.
Stop throwing stones,
The night has a thousand saxophones.
So get out there and rock,
And roll the bones.
Get busy!



Lyrics submitted by shed27

Track duration: 05:30

"Roll the Bones" as written by Ray Charles

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Roll The Bones song meanings
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31 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I really love this song. I've come to find freedom and fairness are trying issues in our modern world. People today are strong believers in working for a good life. But what about the babies in Africa who die before they reach the age of one? Were they not working hard enough? Did they deserve to die?

    It's sad, but whether we live a good life, or a short one, is really just a roll of the dice. Whether you're born here, or there. You're able to come to this site and check out these stunning lyrics not because you worked hard for it.

    You were born here, and those dying all around us, were not.
    Flag Rush4Peaceon February 04, 2013   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I feel like the section about the children is referencing The Children's Crusade.

    This is a powerful song. Very strong lyrics. Geddy Lee is certainly the voice of the rapper; not only have I've seen it brought up in in text and see Geddy mention it in interviews, but I myself have manipulated the pitch of the song and was able to hear the original recording.
    Flag AllisonStreeton January 06, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I've heard in a Rush interview once that Alex Lifeson does the rap. Love this song!
    Flag cool79052on June 17, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:The rap is so cheesy yet "So get out there and Rock and roll the bones!" sounds so awesome!
    Flag Lateralus987on May 26, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:The song is also notable for featuring a spoken two-part "rap" after the guitar solo. This rap is performed by bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee; his altered voice is achieved through a drastic lowering of pitch and adding various effects.
    Flag guitarfanatic10on November 10, 2010   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:The song is also notable for featuring a spoken two-part "rap" after the guitar solo. This rap is performed by bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee; his altered voice is achieved through a drastic lowering of pitch and adding various effects.
    Flagged guitarfanatic10on November 10, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:The song is also notable for featuring a spoken two-part "rap" after the guitar solo. This rap is performed by bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee; his altered voice is achieved through a drastic lowering of pitch and adding various effects.
    Flag guitarfanatic10on November 10, 2010   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:The song is also notable for featuring a spoken two-part "rap" after the guitar solo. This rap is performed by bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee; his altered voice is achieved through a drastic lowering of pitch and adding various effects.
    Flag guitarfanatic10on November 10, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I sing this song in my Rush cover band. While I personally don't hate the rap, when that part comes up I say "Jack, relax. This band doesn't rap". :-)
    Flag KingJPWon May 22, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:the acoustic guitar in the chorus is defiantly the best part of the song.
    Flag rubber314chickenon February 01, 2009   Link

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