You asked me to come down and watch the parade
To march down the street like the Duracell bunny
But we get away from the cavalcade
Throwing out candy that looks like money
To people passing by
They'd all seem to be going the other way

So 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
They'd traded a smoke for a food stamp dollar

Ridiculous marching band started playing
Got me singing along
With some half-hearted victory song

So won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?

The trumpet has obviously been drinking
Cause he's fucking up even the simplest lines
You 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

So won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?



Lyrics submitted by EnjOy IncUbus

Track duration: 03:28

"Rose Parade" as written by Steven P. Smith

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Rose Parade song meanings
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40 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I used to live in Tyler, TX and every year, there was a rose parade (Tyler is supposed to be the "rose capital of the world"...BULLSHIT) and so when I first heard this song, I could totally relate. In middle school I marched in the parade with my school band. Its awesome.
    Flag AwayFromSirenson December 03, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I used to live in Tyler, TX and every year, there was a rose parade (Tyler is supposed to be the "rose capital of the world"...BULLSHIT) and so when I first heard this song, I could totally relate. In middle school I marched in the parade with my school band. Its awesome.
    Flag AwayFromSirenson December 03, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:PORTLANNNND! if only i saw him walking around the parade, i woulda kept him company. rip e.s
    Flag DillyDallyon September 22, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:ok ppl just stop trying to psycho analyze elliott smith and like him for the art he creates not his personal flaws.
    Flag muffin14on December 22, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I can't help but feel like he's not talking about Portland. I think he's talking about the rose parade that happens on Colorado blvd, Pasadena, CA every new years. He lived in Los Angeles so he'd be right by Pasadena. I don't know, maybe it's just me.

    Other than that, i think this song is about hard times. You're down and depressed, not really caring about what's going around you. Everyone around you is in a good mood and you're the only one who's sad.
    Flag M0LL3Yon October 14, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I always thought this song everyone who thinks there above you and thinks you are "the only shit that's left behind"

    Another great song from the best album ever
    Flag SatellitesOverCityon September 13, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Which line stands out? For me it's...

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

    I'm sure "poor" Elliott would still be hanging around the streets when everyone else has dispersed home.
    Flag Glowinon June 10, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I want them to carry me out to this at my funeral. It is a perfect recessional.
    Flag Roxxmaon July 27, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Haha. Braxx, that would be brilliant, except he sang at the Oscars a year after Either/Or was released. ;)
    Flag tofindthesunon May 29, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is an allegory, specifically about when he played "Miss Misery" at the Oscars. I think it really makes sense in this context.
    Flag Braxxon December 12, 2007   Link

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