Elliott Smith - Rose Parade (from Either/Or)

[@killrockstars]

Check out this rare live footage of Elliott's 1999 New Year's Eve performance at The Knitting Factory: kzbin.info/aero/PL6KwzgIePF4Dy7347Om6Ijcsr4vh6JJjP

[@clarkecalm2982]

Thanks for putting all these songs on youtube.

[@eriklewis1671]

I care about Elliot Smiths' work

[@jorgek92]

I love this song, Elliott and all the people who are listening to this at the moment. Hugs!

[@emmanuelokonkwo7303]

yep ; )

[@Wimpywoo16]

AAAAAWWWWW!

[@lauralalonde1705]

Much love to you, too!

[@jwichmann1306]

hold me

[@liamnolan98]

J. A. Antón i need a fucking hug right now. help plesde

[@WachaDrop]

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

[@courtneypennington4613]

I wrote this in black on a piece of my white furniture in really cool calligraphy! (dark turn-my sister just took it for herself .. Even worse, she sloppily spraypainted (in black) all of the calligraphy /sing quotes to block them out It really hurt my feelings, not only bc i worked very hard artistically, but it also seemed like she was diminishing my feelings (I still don't know to this day whether or not she meant to hurt me..)

[@ruperto4200]

Makes me overwhelming happy with a wave of nostalgic depression

[@williamq19]

They say it's a sight that's quite worth seeing, it's just that everyone's interest is stronger than mine

[@badmanners9141]

My favorite lyric

[@seanmatthewking]

Lmao is there a deeper meaning? Or did he literally just wrote a song bashing a parade? Only the last verse line is vague enough to indicate deeper meaning.

[@seanmatthewking]

Bye-bye papa Papa Papa

[@BlacklightSummerOfficial]

⁠@@seanmatthewkingI think it’s about bashing a parade. A parade full of joy and people that everyone loves, but you hate. You end up ironically going anyway and kind of enjoy yourself despite how dumb you think it is. Make of that what you will

[@andymandy8862]

​@@seanmatthewking The whole song is sung from the prespective of someone cynical, jaded and depressed experiencing something universally enjoyed (a parade) and not finding any enjoyment out of it.

[@MrRayinsf]

D A E G5 They asked me to come down and watch the parade D A E G5 And to march down the street like the duracell bunny D A E G5 With a wink and a wave from the cavalcade D A E G5 Throwing out candy that looks like money F#7 Bm A E/G# G5 F#7* To people passing by that all seem to be going the other way A D A E G5 Said won't you follow me down to the rose parade? [Verse 2] D A E G5 Tripped over a dog in a choke-chain collar D A E G5 People were shouting and pushing and saying D A E G5 And when I traded a smoke for a food stamp dollar D A E G5 A ridiculous marching band started playing F#7 Bm A E/G# G5 F#7* And got me singing 'long with some half-hearted victory song [Chorus] A D A E G5 Won't you follow me down to the rose parade? D A E G5 Won't you follow me down to the rose parade? F#7 E A E G5 Won't you follow me down to the rose parade? [Verse 3] D A E G5 The trumpet has obviously been drinking D A E G5 'Cos he's fucking up even the simplest lines D A E G5 I'd say it's a sight that's quite worth seeing D A E G5 It's just that everyone's interest is stronger than mine F#7 Bm A E/G# And when they clean the street I'll be the only shit G5 F#7* that's left behind [Chorus] A D A E G5 Won't you follow me down to the rose parade? D A E G5 Won't you follow me down to the rose parade? F#7 E A E G5 Won't you follow me down to the rose parade?

[@thetruemusichead]

Wow, thanks so much!!

[@aXisofmusic]

Thankyouthankyou! ❤

[@BlackEagleNine]

what does it mean

[@okluminous566]

@@BlackEagleNine looks like guitar chords and where they play.

[@GibbyBoy2831]

One of the best albums ever. Fact.

[@SK-le1gm]

I just remember when this song came out we were all so happy. It was a moment.

[@darksydedabs]

i genuinely think Elliot was the first artist i genuinely just stumbled upon, my earliest memories of listening to this man go back to before i even had a device to play youtube on. I had a nintendo ds that i recorded the songs on the voice memos to listen to them that way thats how much i felt them, i would sneak into my moms room to get her phone and look up elliot smith songs. He gave me so much comfort at a age where i thought i could never be loved or accepted by anyone. Such a tragic story, your music still continues to touch me so deeply to this very day.

[@kimivdot]

rose parade and speed trials, definitely my two favorite elliott songs

[@superbeatle049]

kimivdot Pictures of Me is my fave 😊

[@Qkdkdq]

It’s hard for me to pick a favourite but maybe Roman candle

[@kev6704]

Literally same lmao

[@lazorrotproductions8580]

2:45 am Pictures of me Rose parade o

[@asa.8691]

Speed trials and alameda for me. From unreleased it’s def see you in heaven and stickman

[@MUSE1795]

This song is so underrated. it's beautifully melancholy.

[@jessewallace12able]

Love you Elliot and all those that suffer from depression. Hang in there ok?

[@audrey-hv2gt]

Yea, I’m doing okay. Thanks. Thank you. 💔😞🚑🥹

[@isadoreducasse9822]

An ex-girlfriend, who I lived with died last year but I only found out a week ago. I knew that she wasn't doing well the last few years, but we hadn't spoken for 8 years or so. I thought about reaching out to her, but I never did because I wasn't in a good place either, mentally. I think about all the times my depression hurt our relationship. I also feel terrible guilt now for not having at least reached to her when I knew that she was struggling. I'm sorry Sarah.

[@yamimimiya]

@@isadoreducasse9822 sorry to hear that. hope you can forgive yourself eventually

[@teddygrammatonbmx2226]

Elliott Smith stabbed him self in the heart and committed suicide. Sad story.

[@jamesthomas6733]

My buddy Kelon and i went to the Subgalley one day in 2000 or so, a bar notorious for junkies dying in the bathroom, and we played this whole album on the jukebox from speed trials to say yes and we alienated everyone else in the bar who would have much preferred Motorhead or the Exploited. We were on methadone tho and for that one day, or one hour or whatever, we were happy. Elliott Smith got me through so much in my life i cannot overstate it. The fact that his brilliance is not universally recognized is a scandal. But perhaps i prefer it that way

[@Francis-rs7zu]

Is the Subgalley in Portland?

[@tecktonikkiller4665]

This song is so beautiful

[@archimidispanagiotidis2821]

This song saved our lives many times...

[@josec1538]

Love every song by Elliot Smith. My amazing ex gf showed me this and the last nite together we listened to this album. All the music we listen to together makes me tear up alot because i just picture her in our calm, fun and happy moments while i walk alone trying to stop my bad depressing thoughts. I finally stop my bad habit that caused our break up and realized how crippling my mental health is. I changed into a better me because of her i just wished i did sooner. As a mostly isolated quiet man i don’t ever see myself moving on. I don’t want to quit and settle for less. I want to fight for her and show her i can change to what i wanted to be. People say to move on, there is more out there but there is no one like her. She’s is my one and only.

[@sean.anthony6044]

Hey man sorry to hear, two years later how our you feeling? I hope u have since realized that there is more out there for you. I love Elliott smith so much and I hope to share my love for him with a women I care for, that experience sounds awesome.

[@oscardavidfigueroa432]

you need to hear ES No name #1 lyrics and apply that to your life

[@tylerlind8683]

Jfc

[@thomascraymer8712]

Man, I am in the same place... well she first started talking with me because one of our mutual friends showed her a song of mine, and she added me, and we talked and got together, we were together almost a year... but I am definitely quite self-destructive, she asked me to stop my habits but I kept falling back... eventually she broke up with me, but she is still supporting me... I am also going to fight for her and show her I can change As your comment was 3 years ago, I hope that things are better now, and you found peace

[@kickback4me]

2022 and not a day goes by where I don't think about his music. Damn. Been over 10 years since I first discovered ES. There was a couple years where I couldn't actually listen to his music but it was always playing in my head on and off at random times throughout the days.

[@martinsmartini44]

I feel you, buddy

[@fleetwoodthemac]

hell yeah ham toast i feel this vibe, but i got ya by bout 15 years. so glad you discovered his music ❤

[@TheDreamingJune]

same. I only got into his music 3 years ago and he has affected me so much already. Elliott's artistry is so unique.

[@TheDreamingJune]

This song always fills me up with warmth & happiness. Elliott was so special.

[@roiybenkel682]

They asked me to come down and watch the parade And 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 going 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 when I traded a smoke for a food stamp dollar A ridiculous marching band started playing And 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 trumpet has obviously been drinking Because 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 And 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?

[@kevinfinnmusicpgh]

The great thing about Either/Or, and the bulk of Elliot Smith's output is the DIY ethic he used to record and produce his albums. Always inspiring!

[@TropicalDingdong]

Today was the day, 12 years ago, that we lost this artist.

[@amandabyers3693]

+Aron Boettcher ...what date was it plz? xxx

[@will6177]

And much more sad, he lost himself. It's sad to me that he couldn't stop himself from drowning. I'm lucky, I sad somebody to help me swim.

[@mywhychromosome]

He was being metaphoric, brotha

[@williamq19]

+Jimbo Hardizzle (James) no someone broke into his apartment while his gf was locked in the bathroom while they were arguing. someone stabbed him. He had been paranoid days before he died like people were following him. Ballad of big nothing has some weird shit on it hombre

[@mywhychromosome]

Mellon Collie How come anytime an artist commits suicide is has to be something else complicated? Even when one of their last recordings has them crying out in plain english "Give me one good reason not to do it". Actually King's Crossing is creepy in the way it maps out his death in general

[@DeadKoby]

My favorite Elliott Smith song....

[@SteveMulberry]

Bought Either/Or yesterday. Never felt better.

[@jaclyn121]

Such an underrated song

[@МаринаИрина-м5т]

2024 год. Я открыла для себя эту прекрасную музыку !! Спасибо!!

[@SullyDunn]

Oh what a gem

[@ericfoster8411]

This is my favorite of all Elliott smith songs. It’s perfect

[@TheDreamingJune]

Same. It's such a fantastic song. Loved it immediately on first listen.

[@carlhewitt5958]

I think this was the first song I downloaded from Elliott Smith over 20 years ago. Been hooked ever since.

[@justinchastant9246]

Me too, maybe- not sure anymore.

[@vico805]

miss my old life but oh well RIP ELLIOTT

[@emil_the_tiger7459]

If I cry need just his voice and I stop crying.

[@andresgonzalez2792]

wherever elliott smith soul is, i dont think it misses too much of what the world is today.

[@jala1081]

I agree I love him he's my guardian angel

[@michaelbruck301]

damn, deep. can't disagree. very complex, emotionally detached human.

[@jala1081]

Ya can't disagree either

[@will6177]

Always disappointed. I think he felt that way, and a lot of people that listen feel that way. And society decries disappointment leaving the disappointment to fester and turn internal.

[@SullyDunn]

+Will Holbrook society does hate disappointment. It will search to squash anyone filled with disappointment anger or shame it's quite cruel. People don't help people when they need help. They would rather see how far they will far go until they destroy themselves or accomplish something incredible

[@EdIrbyIII]

this song is so fucking good

[@Animal14722]

I've set aside this song for special times. I see the white petals he speaks about fluttering down when I hear it and I see the trumpeter royally fucking it all up. I never want to lose that

[@kingamity1985]

I really like this song

[@brunoborela4161]

I will always love this man

[@audrey-hv2gt]

I will always YOU!

[@billyjoe8759]

C'est magnifique...

[@doctorbrinker]

This is one of his best songs where he plays with a full band.

[@doctorbrinker]

***** I didn't realize that. I just meant a lot of the other songs are just acoustic and vocal ya know

[@matcha7061]

I’ve such fond memories with this song. Used to go to my friend’s house and we’d sing this while someone plays the guitar beer on one hand cigarettes in the other in the backyard, on one of those calm nights. Pure memories I’ll never forget, even tho we don’t talk anymore I will always hold onto those bittersweet moments and cherish them wherever I go in life.

[@vico805]

memories last forever if you want them to…thanks for the story…

[@Cruizzerr]

This makes me happy, even if just for a while.

[@jonscholz]

This slaps.

[@qnndn]

Thank you Elliot Smith for this song❤️

[@비정한세상]

"Rose Parade" They 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 going 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 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? The trumpet has obviously been drinking 'Cos he's fucking up even the simplest lines They say it's a sight that's quite worth seeing It's just that everyone's interest is stronger than mine When the clean the streets I'll be the only shit that's left behind

[@gabemoler6682]

One of my favorite songs Elliott ever wrote, get wicked emotions from this song. Rest in peace 😢

[@Blooze-rr2ve]

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?

[@amandabyers3693]

...Im quite a new fan of Elliotts and now i dont know what id do without him!! Iabsolutely LOVE,LOVE,LOVE him..

[@alexandersahs4971]

elliott became my sole musical interest and influence in 2011

[@AslanKyoya1776]

I listened to this song today while I was on the Max today going through Downtown Portland

[@josephrubenstein5453]

Also: today

[@jorgealvarez9345]

Everyone's interest is stronger than mine.

[@michaelpbruner]

Listen to this every year at this day and time.

[@michaelpbruner]

I don't care that it's about Portland and not the Rose Bowl Parade.

[@DukeSolaire]

Love this song. Don't know if he's talking about the rose parade in Portland but it sure sounds like it (throwing out candy that looks like money/dog in a chokechain collar/trumpeters obviously been drinking, all sounds like experiences I've had at the rose parade).

[@CoIoneIPanic]

You have any doubt that's the Portland 🌹 Parade? Then you have never been. Elliott Smith nailed it. But it's canceled forever so now, so it's only that Portland half-assed shlt show we all miss.

[@grey8478]

elliott was portland-based at the time, he was definitely talking about that rose parade

[@DukeSolaire]

@Colonel Panic lol i been many times man i grew up in portland. Its just i read an annotation on genius that said he was maybe talking about the one in pasadena which ive never been to so idk it could be, but i tend to think its just somebody from socal on genius trying to insert their own city into things. Thats why i was clarifying that im not 100 percent but im pretty sure cause it sounds like every damn rose parade i went to, but i didnt wanna get 10000 replies from people being like "AkSHuLly HeS TAlkInG ABoUt ThE RoSe PAraDe iN PaSadENa"

[@JustSeb825825_p4ssw0rd]

it is! Portland was where he lived, and he is describing the show.

[@Anamilkk]

Well yeah that's where the name comes from but it's obviously not about that actual parade, i see it (and from what I've read on an interview with Elliott) it's more like everyone has their own little parade going on, and when you have depression especially, you're not really on the wagon, you're just trailing along for the ride pretending you're having fun. But it's a pile of shit.

[@dhtr7639]

Absolute genius, highly underrated and misunderstood by many

[@jessicabryce3723]

love the parappa profile pic

[@therealitycollective9456]

Chop kick punch block

[@samhyland2428]

anyone elses favourite elliot song?

[@0enceladus0]

yep!

[@mikedurose1371]

always something special from this amazing artist

[@scottboyd9138]

Love this song!

[@adamhoffman401]

Love you brother.

[@AndySalinger33]

Happy New Year 2020! It's just that everyone's interest is stronger than mine.

[@themorningimage]

There’s just something so nice and relatable about the jaded quality in his voice here

[@Kat-fr3yg]

“The trumpeter has obviously been drinking Because 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”

[@MEbrickCo]

Elliott Smith is my spirit animal.

[@kubricktheory237]

There you go

[@NatePhilipsMusic]

fantastic! love this song! love this album.

[@za2206]

"Shit that's left behind" is a tuff concept.. a City does that to too Many, & repeats that.

[@oscardavidfigueroa432]

this song is perhaps how Elliott feels about being famous and something he said he didn't wanted. "When they clean up the streets I'll be the only shit that's left behind" means he wanted to avoid being forgotten despite his efforts if he would try to become famous, meaning that being famous is pointless. This song express Elliott's feelings towards being an artist not being exactly an entertainer type of artist as we know Elliott for his music lyrics, personal life and musical career.

[@SUBKOLOR]

Happy New Year

[@slayingparallel1953]

I loooooove this song!

[@jeffh.7112]

Cheers to the artist where it is hard to pick a favorite song because they are all bangers.

[@williamq19]

Got me singing along with some half hearted victory song

[@madisonhermon8853]

Mellon Collie Oh my god, Neutral Milk Hotel.

[@williamq19]

👍

[@alexandersahs4971]

+madison hermon what is the neutral milk hotel reference?

[@williamq19]

What a beautiful face I have found in this place That is circling all round the sun What a beautiful dream That could flash on the screen In a blink of an eye and be gone from me Soft and sweet Let me hold it close and keep it here with me

[@alexandersahs4971]

I know the song and the band I'm wondering where the reference is to neutral in this song.

[@paulg6142]

For years they played this song on the Muzak at my work, I'd hear it multiple times a day in a corporate building. For years I never knew who it was until a few months ago...

[@suburbansymbolism]

Genius

[@james5353]

First of his tunes i ever heard it was GLR radio London i was trying to study for A level exams or something, his lazy confused voice just got me immediately, what a fucking talent

[@kurtdahlke9526]

A singular talent.

[@oscardavidfigueroa432]

This song is about a person who is being asked to participate in a parade and feels out of place. They describe the parade as chaotic and the people in it as not particularly cheerful or enthusiastic. The protagonist decides to go along with it anyway and tries to enjoy the parade but feels disconnected from the crowd and finds it to be a strange and surreal experience. The trumpeter in the parade is drunk and making mistakes, adding to the absurdity of the situation. The protagonist then invites others to come and see the parade, but with a sense of irony and detachment. The song ultimately suggests that the parade is a hollow spectacle, lacking in substance and genuine meaning

[@richardgriego4018]

Off Either?..definitely.and that's saying a lot cause every song is majestic..

[@joshuaanderson2185]

My favorite Teletubby remains cloaked in a vail of extreme secrecy.

[@ScorpionSlayer66]

My favorite Elliott track

[@annaliseoatman6956]

Hugs!

[@LocaalDent]

One of Elliots few songs that isn’t completely depressing to listen to...lol. *No hate or anything, I love it all*

[@asa.8691]

Opposite for me, feels nostalgic even though I’ve never been to portland

[@derekwilliams8387]

2:15 I've listened to this song probably hundreds of times and just now heard the trumpet taking a drink

[@jamesthomas6733]

Trumpet was his dude

[@willquick5090]

*energizer

[@bobbyblair6862]

When I'm saddest, i cone here. I hope we all make it.

[@JosieOuiri]

happy fucking new year

[@GodInTheMachine]

Hope it's gotten better, lady.

[@davidparamo82]

1:50

[@DanielDay-dv8uw]

I'll always think of Heidi & the fact we never went to floral parade in Portland together, first conversation involving this song..

[@acct5910]

Elliot really had a bone to pick with parades in this album.

[@thenavigator2559]

I think my last bit of hope is gone, or has morphed into something else, I'm not sure. I had things giving me hope but that's done. Not because anything has changed, but it's just been sucked out of me. Words don't mean much anymore, because I can't make myself believe. I don't even mean this in a edgy or pessimistic way, I just can't. It bothers me that I feel like this just to die. Not an a nihilist way. But just that everyday is an uphill struggle, and I'm on a clock. More like an stagnant struggle of a weak tired man that cant push a pebble uphill. He struggles just a much as the others, but with a pebble. Perhaps if they had a go at his rock they'd be at the peak in no time. So he can't cry out like the others. He just lies there at the foot of the mountain. Everyone takes him for lazy fool, and perhaps he is. He lies there and watches others make it to the peak, and their boulders roll down all the same.

[@maddymud]

Saw John Doe this at his tribute show. Wish there was a recording of it

[@movealongplease6891]

Reminds me of Utrecht Pride

[@ajv1437]

makes me ride a train and go to portland

[@kevinthomas4180]

This song has becoming more and more metaphorical to me. He is not literally going to the rose parade for example.

[@AliceInChains98]

when they clean the street I'll be the only shit that's left behind :(

[@mateosamora]

Who else is here on 1/1 for their fix of this song? Only Elliott could make a parade sound like a beautiful bummer... they asked me to come down and watch the parade and 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 going 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 when i traded a smoke for a food stamp dollar a ridiculous marching band started playing and 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 trumpet has obviously been drinking because 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 and 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?

[@AirGuitar]

Someone reply! I'm getting really into acoustic guitar/songwriting. I sort of want to start singing, but I'm not confident at all. Also, what chords should I learn to sound at least in some way like Elliott's untouchable songwriting? Favorite songs to put his sound in context would be: Between The Bars, Condor Ave, Speed Trials, Alameda, Ballad of Big Nothing.

[@blubroadcast]

Musically I feel like Elliot was really influenced by the Beatles. Learn Rose Parade for sure (lot's of covers w/ instruction on this site), its beauty is in its simplicity with subtly ingenious "tweeks" here and there that are married perfectly to great hangdog lyrics.

[@closedupshop4172]

hey, I'm no professional or something but I'd just say A: go for singing, you're probably much better than you think and B: just go on what you think is good. At first, you can try copying Elliott but as you write more and more you'll get your own style. Try new things, try maybe writing a song in the style of another band or musician you love.

[@marcellussantos9588]

No, I'm the only shit that's left behind. Sorry Elliott

[@tee1298]

💔

[@Erndoggggg]

This song is about Portland, Oregon... the Rose City. Anyone who is a fan of Elliott Smith knows he was sarcastic and synical. He also loved Portland. So alll your stupid comments about him hating parades ect are just ignorant. Do your research or stop claiming to adore elliott smith.

[@mememan3799]

I heard some idiot say this song was about protesting capitalism. Like what?

[@kennethpetroni6806]

Mighty ES

[@naomihepworth5648]

Traded a smoke for a food stamp dollar

[@elizabeth5759]

i think one person went through this album and disliked every song one by one.

[@cremetangerine82]

What an asshole!

[@cramirez3855]

Singing sweet high notes that echo back, To destroy their master

[@robertkeltch9364]

follow us down...

[@Traderyogeninsight]

2022 anyone?

[@TomTom-mt7uu]

Robot hand is the future