Meaning of “Dead Man Walking” by Jelly Roll
The reason that the vocalist refers to himself as a “dead man walking” is apparently meant to point to idea of him being suicidal. This song proved to be popular, perhaps because the lyrics are very relatable.
For example, many of us are familiar with feeling as if there is too much ‘weight on our shoulders’. And a lot of us have also gone through periods in life where we felt that a drastic change was in order to make things right or perhaps concluding that maybe we should give up altogether.
And so it is with the vocalist at hand. Based on some of the wording of this song, it reads as if Jelly is considering unaliving himself as a solution. But at the same time, he also understands that death is final, i.e. not an actual way to achieve change. So basically, what we are met with here is a man who feels as if he’s at the end of his rope.
Roll does resort to communicating with a Higher Power from time to time, and as noted above, he also contemplates death. And in context, those practices are another way of illustrating that he wants to affect a genuinely-positive transformation in his life but does not know how to do so.
“Sunrise stayed up ‘til the morning
Eyes stay bloodshot from the smoking
Another round and I’m locked and loaded
Faith has faded
Living on the edge one foot in the coffin
Lord knows I don’t pray too often
Knees down when thе devil come calling
Ain’t no saving”
When was “Dead Man Walking” released?
Jelly Roll released this on 26th October, 2021 via the following record labels:
- BBR Music Group
- Bailee & Buddy
It served as the first single from his album “Ballads of the Broken”. The album produced another single titled “Son of a Sinner“.
Writer(s)
Jelly Roll composed “Dead Man Walking” with the following writers:
- Andrew Baylis
- David Ray Stevens
- Michael Whitworth
Unaliving Oneself is not the Solution
On this song, Jelly describes himself as a “dead man walking”, suggesting he’s experiencing intense stress and emotional turmoil, almost feeling like he’s on the brink of despair.
Life, with its unpredictability and constant challenges, can sometimes feel overwhelmingly bleak and painful. During these tough moments, feelings of hopelessness might cloud our judgment, leading some to think of exiting this world as an escape. However, it’s crucial to remember that that is a permanent decision for a temporary problem.
Even in the darkest times, the potential for change and improvement always exists. Every individual carries within them the strength to overcome adversities, and often, with time, support, and professional help, one can find renewed hope and purpose. There are countless stories of individuals who, after reaching the brink of despair, found a way to rebuild and discover a brighter tomorrow. It’s essential to reach out, share your feelings, and connect with others—be it friends, family, or professionals. Life holds the potential for joy, love, and fulfillment, even after the most profound pain. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and there’s always hope for a better tomorrow.
