ZZ Top: Rough Boy Meaning

Song Released: 1986

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Rough Boy Lyrics

What in the world's come all over me?
I ain't got a chance of one in three.
Ain't got no rap, ain't got no line
but if you'll give me just a minute I'll be feelin' fine.

I am the one who can fade the heat,
the one they all say just can't...

1. anonymous

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   Jun 29th 2020 report

   Can't we ask the band instead of speculating? If the video has any in-depth explanation than I'm REALLY confused. Now this will bother me.
   
2. anonymous

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   Apr 16th 2020 report

   It’s about a strain of pot called “Rough Boy”. Lol, I’ll give it to straight..I’ll hit you in the eyes..
3. anonymous

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   Jan 8th 2020 report

   It seems to me that the girl in this song is a "working girl" and this is a Pretty Woman type story being told.
4. anonymous

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   Dec 23rd 2019 report

   This boy has had a rough life he's been kicked hard when down but will fight back like hell and will probably kick the shit out of everyone but I get the vibe he truly has a good heart.
5. anonymous

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   Sep 26th 2019 report

   He’s got eyes for a girl he can’t have. He’s telling her how he feels. Telling her he’ll be ok.Just give him a chance.
6. anonymous

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   May 10th 2018 report

   I think this is an overlap-theme with "Need you Tonight" in tone, composition and well, theme.
   
   Is it polished, high-brow, possibly social elitist or influential gentleman, smitten with a less-blessed woman who captures his heart.
   
   Like others seeing disparity, I see polar-disparity in that perhaps she rebuffs him as being too far out of her reach...and he is "undressing" his outer image to reveal the rough-edged guy he really is?
7. anonymous

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   May 13th 2017 report

   He's talking about about a girl he doesn't feel he has a chance of getting cause he feels like she to good for him but he's trying to convince her that how I see it