Through The Roof 'n' Underground

Gogol Bordello's song "Through The Roof 'n' Underground" is a vibrant and rebellious anthem that speaks to the struggles and resilience of the underdog. The lyrics paint a picture of a world filled with traps and obstacles, both in the physical and metaphorical sense. The repeated lines, "When there's a trap set up for you in every corner of this town... the only way to go is underground," suggest a need to find unconventional ways to navigate life's challenges. This theme of evasion and resilience is further emphasized by the contrasting imagery of going "through the roof" and "underground," symbolizing the extremes one might go to in order to escape or overcome adversity.

The song also delves into themes of cultural homogenization and resistance. As the lyrics mention crossing borders and the dying of local cultures, it becomes clear that the band is commenting on the loss of cultural identity in the face of globalization. The line, "The programmed robots are buying and buying," critiques consumerism and the loss of individuality. In contrast, the underdogs, or those who resist conformity, are depicted as having to create their own fun and find their own paths, often in defiance of societal norms.

The imagery of boy scouts and silver rabbits adds a layer of innocence and deception to the narrative. The boy scouts, symbols of youthful idealism, learn to read between the lines, while the silver rabbits, perhaps representing purity or truth, navigate the lies of their fathers. This suggests a generational struggle to find authenticity in a world filled with deceit. The song concludes with a hopeful vision of walls crumbling and systems being dismantled, hinting at a future where bigotry and oppression are overcome. The repeated Russian phrase "Серебряные зайцы водят хоровод!" (Silver rabbits lead the round dance) reinforces this vision of unity and celebration amidst chaos.