Roy Rogers

Elton John's song 'Roy Rogers' delves into themes of nostalgia and escapism, painting a vivid picture of a man who finds solace in the simplicity and heroism of old Westerns. The lyrics reflect a longing for the past, where life seemed more straightforward and heroes like Roy Rogers embodied timeless values. The protagonist of the song feels a sense of disillusionment with the present, as indicated by lines like 'You just seem older than yesterday' and 'You're waiting for tomorrow to call.' This suggests a yearning for a time when life was less complicated and more predictable.

The song also highlights the comfort found in routine and familiar surroundings. The protagonist's cozy little room, with its paid-for carpet and TV, represents a safe haven from the complexities of modern life. The line 'Let's go shoot a hole in the moon' can be interpreted as a desire to escape reality and venture into a world of imagination and adventure, much like the Westerns he watches. Roy Rogers, the 'great sequin cowboy,' symbolizes an idealized version of heroism and adventure that contrasts sharply with the protagonist's mundane existence.

Furthermore, the song touches on the theme of escapism through media. The protagonist finds refuge in watching Roy Rogers on TV, shutting out the lights and immersing himself in a world where 'comic book characters never grow old.' This act of watching old Westerns serves as a temporary escape from the monotony of daily life, as seen in the lines 'Nine o'clock mornings, five o'clock evenings' and 'I'd rather have a ham in my sandwich than cheese.' The song captures the essence of finding comfort in nostalgia and the timeless appeal of heroes who represent a simpler, more adventurous time.