We list some of the best Jelly Roll Songs and what they each mean. Jelly Roll’s discography is filled with memorable tracks that showcase his unique style and powerful voice. From his early hits like “Smoking Section” to his more recent single “Son Of A Sinner,” Jelly Roll’s music is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan or just looking for some powerful and relatable tunes, Jelly Roll’s songs are sure to leave a lasting impression. So sit back, turn up the volume, and let Jelly Roll take you on a musical journey unlike any other.
Best Jelly Roll Songs & Their Meanings
1. Son Of A Sinner
“Son Of A Sinner” by Jelly Roll is a song about a man who is struggling with his past and present while trying to find his way in life. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, regret, and self-reflection.
The singer describes himself as a “long-haired son of a sinner,” acknowledging his upbringing and the mistakes he has made in the past. He reveals that he gets lonely sometimes, but he has learned to live with the ghosts of his past that keep him company.
The singer has made a conscious effort to move forward and leave his past behind. He has removed the rearview mirror from his old Ford so that he can focus on the road ahead. However, he finds himself struggling with old habits and vices, such as chasing after white lines and taking pills.
Despite his struggles, the singer is determined to keep going. He is always searching for new ways to get away and escape his troubles, whether it be through writing songs or hitting the highway. He acknowledges that he is only one drink away from the devil and one call away from home, but he is somewhere in the middle, trying to find a balance between right and wrong.
The singer reflects on the mistakes he has made in the past and the toll they have taken on him. He has walked a million miles on broken glass and paid for his mistakes in cash. He is feeling like he’s fading and his heart is slowly breaking. He turns to God for guidance, confessing his sins and hoping for salvation.
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2. Need a Favor
Jelly Roll’s “Need a Favor” is a soulful country song that reflects on the narrator’s relationship with God. The lyrics express feelings of guilt, doubt, and desperation, as the narrator struggles with their faith and their relationship with the divine.
The song opens with the narrator confessing that they only talk to God when they need something. This admission sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the narrator explores their relationship with God and their own sense of self-worth.
The chorus repeats the question “who the hell am I to expect a savior?” which highlights the narrator’s sense of unworthiness. Despite their doubts, the narrator asks for a favor from God, acknowledging their need for divine intervention.
The lyrics also touch on themes of redemption and forgiveness, as the narrator acknowledges their faults and their need for grace. They express regret for not living up to their beliefs and for not attending church regularly. The lines “I know Amazing Grace, but I ain’t been livin’ them words” reflect the narrator’s recognition that they have fallen short of their own standards.
The second verse continues with the theme of regret and the desire for forgiveness. The narrator acknowledges that they owe God more than one favor and that they will pay for all they have done. They plead with God not to let them lose someone they care about, suggesting a desire for reconciliation and second chances.
The song ends with the narrator repeating the line “God, I need a favor,” emphasizing their dependence on divine intervention and their desire for redemption.
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3. Smoking Section
“Smoking Section” by Jelly Roll is a country song that talks about the difficulties and hardships of life. The song reflects on the challenges that people face and the different ways they cope with them. The lyrics talk about the artist’s relationship with his brother, his mother’s death, and the struggles of addiction. The artist expresses his hope that heaven has a smoking section where people can gather and reflect. The song speaks to the power of faith and prayer, as the artist prays for his loved ones and hopes that they will find peace. Overall, the song is a reminder that life is not easy, but we must find a way to navigate through the challenges and hold on to hope.
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4. Save Me
“Save Me” by Jelly Roll is a soulful country ballad about a person who is struggling to overcome their addiction and find hope in life. The singer admits to living in Hell due to their bad lifestyle choices but also acknowledges that drinking and smoking are the only things that bring them temporary relief. They feel broken inside and are holding onto anything that can give them a sense of freedom.
The song paints a picture of a person who has lost all hope and sees themselves as a lost cause. They believe that their life is beyond repair and that their dreams and hopes have been shattered. The lyrics also express a longing for something to hold onto, such as the night sky without the moon or shooting stars to wish upon.
The overall message of the song is a plea for help from someone who feels lost and alone. Despite feeling like a lost cause, the singer still holds onto the hope that someone will save them from themselves. The song is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is still hope for a better future.
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5. Bottle and Mary Jane
“Bottle and Mary Jane” by Jelly Roll is a song about the singer’s struggle with addiction and the various ways he tries to cope with his pain. The lyrics reveal his reliance on alcohol and marijuana to numb his emotions and how his addictions have become shackles that he cannot escape. Despite feeling lost and trapped, he acknowledges his responsibility for his situation as a man of convictions. He also expresses his desire to hide his pain and his fear of vulnerability. The song touches on themes of regret, the search for courage, and the consequences of addiction on one’s relationships and responsibilities.
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6. Fall In The Fall
“Fall In The Fall” by Jelly Roll is a song that explores themes of love, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. The song begins with the singer pleading for love and understanding from their partner in their darkest hour. They express regret for any wrongs they may have committed in the past and vow to make things right. The chorus emphasizes the importance of having someone to catch you when you fall and the transience of life, as symbolized by the falling leaves in autumn.
The song also touches on the struggles of addiction, as the singer references smoking weed and drinking liquor, and the pain of experiencing tragedy and loss. However, they maintain a sense of hope, looking forward to a brighter future and striving to learn from their mistakes. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience in the face of adversity, with the singer holding onto their values and following their heart, even when it goes against the norm.
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7. Creature
“Creature” by Jelly Roll is a song that explores the struggles of addiction and the inner demons that can haunt a person. The lyrics describe the narrator’s acceptance of the challenge of facing their demons, which turned them into a “savage.” However, the narrator also admits to breaking promises to themselves and being vulnerable, despite others’ attempts to help.
The song also portrays the narrator’s complex relationship with the monsters and creatures that represent their inner demons. Rather than being afraid of them, the narrator sees them as friends and family, indicating a level of comfort in their struggles with addiction. The lyrics also touch upon societal judgments and religious condemnation of addiction, with the narrator being labeled a “demon seed” by some.
The chorus repeats the phrase “there’s a creature in my closet” and describes the haunting sounds of demons screaming in the distance. The song ends with the narrator acknowledging the difficulty of letting go of their addiction but also recognizing the harm it causes.
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8. Same Asshole
“Same Asshole” by Jelly Roll is a deeply introspective song about the challenges of living with a troubled past and trying to move forward as a changed person. The lyrics express the artist’s regret for the hearts he has broken in the past and his struggle to escape the consequences of his past mistakes. Despite his efforts to do better, he feels that he is still judged by his past and that his efforts to make amends are not enough.
The song also explores themes of pain, loss, and resilience. Jelly Roll reflects on the difficulties he has faced in his personal life, including his father’s illness, his mother’s dementia, and his own struggles with weight gain and his baby mama’s relapse. He acknowledges the challenges of staying positive and moving forward in the face of adversity, while also recognizing the importance of acknowledging and processing his emotions.
Ultimately, “Same Asshole” is a powerful testament to the complex nature of human experience and the ongoing struggle to grow and change in the face of life’s challenges. It highlights the importance of self-reflection, forgiveness, and perseverance, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
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9. Wheels Fall Off
“Wheels Fall Off” by Jelly Roll is a song that reflects on the rapper’s lifestyle of excessive drinking and smoking, and the consequences that come with it. The lyrics suggest that Jelly Roll is aware of the toll that his habits have taken on his life, but he continues to indulge regardless.
The song also touches on relationships, with Jelly Roll referencing a woman who has gained some level of fame and success, and suggesting that he can relate to her experiences. He talks about wanting to be with her and ride out whatever challenges come their way, until “the wheels fall off”.
There is also a sense of loyalty and defiance in the song, with Jelly Roll declaring that he will not back down from any challenges or threats, and that he and his people will continue to ride together until the end.
Overall, “Wheels Fall Off” is a song that touches on themes of addiction, relationships, loyalty, and perseverance, and serves as a reflection of Jelly Roll’s personal experiences and struggles.
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10. She
“She” by Jelly Roll is a powerful song that explores the theme of addiction and its destructive impact on a person’s life. The lyrics speak about a woman who was once the life of the party, but has now fallen into the grips of addiction.
The song begins by describing the beauty of the woman’s eyes, but then contrasts that with the cold November rain, suggesting that there is something dark and troubled going on beneath the surface. The lyrics then reveal that the woman is in pain, but nobody seems to notice. It’s hinted that her addiction started with a little pill, but has since spiraled out of control.
The chorus repeats the theme of how the woman used to be the center of attention, but now everyone wonders where she is. The singer wishes he had known about her struggles earlier, before it was too late. He’s afraid of losing her, but she’s afraid of coming down from her high.
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11. Only
The song “Only” by Jelly Roll is a deep reflection of the artist’s struggle with addiction, mental health, and self-destructive behavior. The lyrics touch on various themes such as the fear of losing control, the need for redemption and salvation, and the search for purpose and meaning in life.
The song starts with Jelly Roll questioning if the love he is missing is finally taking control, and if the drugs in his system have finally taken a toll. He then goes on to express his fear of being vulnerable and exposed, but also his need for mercy and forgiveness from God.
The chorus “I only feel right when I’m doing wrong” reflects the artist’s addiction and self-destructive behavior, and how it has become the only thing that makes him feel alive and in control. However, he also acknowledges the consequences of his actions and the darkness inside him that threatens to consume him.
The second verse continues to explore the artist’s fears and doubts, but also his belief that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. The last verse touches on the themes of freedom and love, and how they can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
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12. Demons ft Lil Wyte
The song “Demons” by Jelly Roll explores the artist’s personal struggles with addiction and the challenges of balancing his life as a musician and a father. He describes waking up in a pool of sweat after a night of drinking and being on the road for shows, collecting checks, and having some issues that are hard to hide. The constant temptation of drugs and the pressures of touring make it difficult for him to control his demons.
Jelly Roll acknowledges that he is trying to be a better father, but it’s a challenge when he feels trapped in his addiction. Despite this, he is learning to love and accept his demons as a part of himself. He also recognizes that everyone has their own darkness and struggles, and he shares the sentiment that it takes one to know one.
The lyrics convey a sense of self-awareness and growth as the artist learns to cope with his demons, and he expresses a desire to change and improve himself. The song is a reminder that we all have our struggles and that it’s important to learn to accept and live with them in a positive way.
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13. Unlive (w. Yelawolf)
The song “Unlive” by Jelly Roll reflects on the difficult experiences and challenges that come with growing up in a trailer park with a mother who was addicted to drugs. The lyrics describe the pain and struggles of individuals living in poverty and trying to cope with addiction, including the use of pills and even turning to prostitution. The artist talks about the deep-rooted cycle of addiction and how it can lead to tragic consequences, such as overdoses and even death.
Jelly Roll also acknowledges that he himself has struggled with addiction, and he understands the difficulty of trying to numb the pain that comes from such a difficult upbringing. However, the artist also realizes that one cannot simply “unlive” their past and where they come from. Instead, he encourages listeners to face their challenges head-on, to embrace their past, and to make the best of it.
The song speaks to the resilience and determination of those who have grown up in difficult circumstances and highlights the importance of acknowledging and dealing with one’s past in order to move forward. It also shines a light on the need for more support and resources for individuals and families dealing with addiction and poverty.
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14. Dead Man Walking
“Dead Man Walking” by Jelly Roll is a song that explores the theme of a person who feels trapped in their own life and is slowly self-destructing. The lyrics reveal the singer’s struggles with addiction, loneliness, and despair.
The song starts with the singer throwing his phone out of the window, expressing his frustration with life. He feels the weight of his past mistakes and the burden of carrying them every day. He is standing on the edge, contemplating the meaning of life and the possibility of taking a leap to learn how to fly. He knows that he needs to change his ways, but he finds it difficult to break free from his addiction.
The chorus “Ain’t no saving, a dead man walking” is a clear indication that the singer has lost all hope and is living life without any sense of purpose. He acknowledges that he is on the brink of self-destruction and that he might not have many chances left. He also admits that he is a broken soul who is frozen in time, unable to move forward.
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15. Life ft. Brix
“Life” by Jelly Roll is a song that expresses the struggle of dealing with life’s problems and the desire to escape them. The lyrics describe the singer’s wish to be able to roll up his problems in a paper, find a pill to solve them, or pour his sorrows into a glass and drink them away. However, he acknowledges that life is not that easy, and the problems continue to take a toll on him, deep down in his soul.
The song speaks to the difficulty of facing life’s challenges and the desire to escape through substance abuse. The singer wishes he could solve his problems by drowning them in alcohol, but he acknowledges that this would only be a temporary solution. He recognizes that he needs to change and face the problems head-on, rather than running away from them.
The lyrics also touch on the singer’s difficult upbringing and his struggles with his mother’s choices. He talks about feeling like he’s not enough and how it’s hard to learn to love when his mother treats him like he’s nothing. Despite this, he remains determined to be a good father to his children and to teach them to strive for more in life.
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