Roscoe

Midlake's song 'Roscoe' is a rich tapestry of nostalgia, change, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a bygone era, where stonecutters and mountaineers built homes from natural materials, symbolizing a simpler, more connected way of life. The imagery of stonecutters and mountaineers working tirelessly to create a shelter reflects a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the effort it takes to build something lasting. This can be seen as a metaphor for the hard work and dedication required to create a meaningful life.

The song also touches on the theme of change and the inevitable march of progress. The village, once a place of simplicity and sufficiency, is now filled with 'hundreds and hundreds of chemicals,' representing modern life's complexities and artificiality. This shift from a natural to a more industrialized environment evokes a sense of loss and longing for the past. The lyrics suggest a desire to return to a time when life was more straightforward and less cluttered by modern advancements.

The protagonist's musings about a different life, wondering what it would have been like to be named Roscoe and born in 1891, add a personal layer to the song. This reflection on identity and the choices that shape our lives underscores the universal human experience of wondering 'what if.' The song concludes with a sense of acceptance and resilience, acknowledging that while change is inevitable, there is still value in the newness and growth that comes with it. The repeated refrain of being 'due for a change or two' suggests a readiness to embrace the future while honoring the past.