Rock & Roll

The song feels like a mix of personal reflection and a gritty love letter to rock and roll. Malcolm is clearly wrestling with feelings of betrayal from someone he trusted, and that hurt drives him to embrace a wild lifestyle. The lyrics capture this tension between wanting to connect with others and feeling isolated by his choices. He uses rock and roll as his escape, but it also highlights the darker sides of fame and trust.

Verse 1

But what about me? But what about us?
What about when you said that you would be somebody I could trust?
You lied to me, why did you lie to me?
You said you'd die for me

In this verse, Malcolm opens up with a sense of betrayal. He questions a relationship that seemed strong but turned out to be shaky. The repetition of “what about” shows his frustration and longing for honesty. It’s raw and emotional, setting the stage for his struggle between trust and disappointment.

Chorus

Girl I'd only die for this rock & roll
Ain't that cold?
Inhale the smoke then I blow it out slow
Six feet below, scared of the dark but I sleep with the ghosts
Only keep my eyes closed
Round these leeches, demons, and hoes, whoops I meant my foes
Bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes

The chorus really captures his dedication to rock and roll as both a passion and a coping mechanism. It’s almost like he’s saying that music is the only thing worth living for, despite the dark moments he faces. The imagery of ghosts and demons shows his inner struggles, while “bury my woes” suggests he’s trying to push past the pain. It’s catchy but heavy, reflecting the duality of his lifestyle.

Verse 2

I'm a rip rider, wave rider, night rider, onstage slip and slider
I'm a blessed man, no yes man, allowed around me if you understand

Here, Malcolm embraces his identity as a rock star. The different titles like “rip rider” and “night rider” show his adventurous spirit. He sees himself as someone who’s free-spirited and doesn’t conform to expectations. The line about being a “blessed man” suggests he recognizes his gifts but also sets boundaries about who he lets into his life.

Chorus

Girl I'd only die for this rock & roll
Ain't that cold?
Inhale the smoke then I blow it out slow
Six feet below, scared of the dark but I sleep with the ghosts
Only keep my eyes closed
Round these leeches, demons, and hoes, whoops I meant my foes
Bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes

The repetition of the chorus adds to its power, emphasizing his commitment to rock and roll. It’s like a mantra for him. He’s caught between enjoying the highs and facing the lows. The haunting imagery of the ghosts and the idea of burying his problems show he’s trying to keep moving forward, even if it means ignoring some of the pain.

Bridge

What about me?
But what about us?
What about when you said that you would be somebody I could trust?

This bridge brings back the initial questions of betrayal. It feels almost like a moment of desperation. He’s still stuck in his thoughts about trust and the relationship that’s weighing on him. It’s a reminder that, despite the rock and roll lifestyle, there are underlying emotional battles he can’t ignore.

Outro

Girl I'd only die for this rock & roll
Ain't that cold?
Inhale the smoke then I blow it out slow
Six feet below, scared of the dark but I sleep with the ghosts
Only keep my eyes closed
Round these leeches, demons, and hoes, whoops I meant my foes
Bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes, bury my woes

The outro repeats the chorus, reinforcing his connection to rock and roll as a lifeline. It’s like he’s coming full circle, still clinging to music amidst his chaos. The repetition feels cathartic, almost like he’s accepting his struggles while also celebrating his passion.

Closing Thoughts

"Rock & Roll" captures the highs and lows of life as an artist. Malcolm's lyrics reveal his struggles with trust and the pull of a wild lifestyle. It’s both a celebration of rock and roll and a reflection on the personal battles that come with it. The song feels honest and relatable, making it resonate with anyone who's faced betrayal or pursued their passion with everything they have.