The discography of Helmet boasts eight studio albums and two compilation albums. Following their initial release, "Strap It On" (1990), through Amphetamine Reptile, Helmet inked a deal with Interscope Records, leading to three albums under the label, notably the highly successful "Meantime" (1992). While their subsequent works, "Betty" (1994) and "Aftertaste" (1997), achieved considerable success, they fell short of matching the critical and popular acclaim garnered by "Meantime." After disbanding in 1998, Helmet regrouped in 2004 and has since presented four additional albums: "Size Matters" (2004), "Monochrome" (2006), "Seeing Eye Dog" (2010), and "Dead to the World" (2016). Currently, the band is actively engaged in the creation of their ninth studio album.
Discography
Strap It On (1990)
Meantime (1992)
Betty (1994)
Aftertaste (1997)
Size Matters (2004)
Monochrome (2006)
Seeing Eye Dog (2010)
Dead to the World (2016)
Rollo
Helmet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kharmic wealth but
I can take from you with antiseptic stealth
I'll dig my own grave, get my
Front yard paved
There's always a penny earned
Another dollar saved
I always my point, soak
Bread in dirty oil
'right's' too strong a word
The neighborhood's been spoiled but
I know what I know, stuck that
Inner glow
I don't have time to learn
I said I know what I know
I'm wrong, I won't admit it
I won't get it
The lyrics of Helmet's song Rollo appear to be about a person who feels sorry for themselves and has lost their karma or good fortune. However, instead of trying to improve their own situation, they resort to taking from others in a stealthy manner. The singer even suggests that they will dig their own grave and get their front yard paved, which could be interpreted as self-destructive behavior.
The second verse of the song discusses the singer's belief that they know what they know and don't have time to learn. They go on to say that they're wrong but won't admit it or try to understand why they're wrong. The line "soak bread in dirty oil" could be seen as a metaphor for taking in something that is harmful and unhelpful to them. The neighborhood being spoiled could also represent the negative impact that their behavior is having on their community.
Overall, the song seems to be a critique of a self-centered and closed-minded attitude that ultimately leads to negative consequences. The singer recognizes their own flaws but seems powerless to change their behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
Sorry for myself, I've lost my
Feeling sorry for myself, I have lost my
Kharmic wealth but
Good fortune due to my past actions but
I can take from you with antiseptic stealth
I can steal from you in a clean, hygienic way
I'll dig my own grave, get my
I will bring about my own downfall and have
Front yard paved
My front yard paved
There's always a penny earned
Some income can always be made
Another dollar saved
Another dollar can be saved
What lies ahead
What the future holds is uncertain
I always make my point, soak
I always make my opinion clear, saturate
Bread in dirty oil
Bread in oil contaminated with dirt
'right's' too strong a word
The term 'right' is not appropriate
The neighborhood's been spoiled but
The community has been ruined, however
I know what I know, stuck that
I am convinced of the things I know, firmly hold onto that
Inner glow
A sense of enlightenment
I don't have time to learn
I am not willing to expand my knowledge
I said I know what I know
I am confident in what I already know
I'm wrong, I won't admit it
I am incorrect, but I refuse to confess to it
I won't get it
I will not understand it
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: HENRY G. BOGDAN, PAGE NYE HAMILTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Limits98
Lyrics
Sorry for myself
I've lost my karmic wealth
But I can take from you
With antiseptic stealth
I'll dig my own grave
Get my front yard paved
There's always a penny earned
Another dollar saved
I always make my point
Soak bread in dirty oil
Right's too strong a word
The neighborhood's been spoiled
But I know what I know
Stuck that inner glow
I don't have time to learn
I said I know what I know
Yeah
Yeah
Ah
I'm wrong,
I won't admit it
I won't get it
joelmendy
Was introduced to Helmet in the mid to late 90's when I was working at a treatment center for emotionally disturbed kids by a young 13 year old lad who resided at a locked unit. He had fried his brain sucking Freon from the back of old refrigerators and was very unstable but still showed glimpses of high intelligence. I was amazed that he chose to share this band which was very groundbreaking and influential at the time. If he is still alive, his memories are most likely permanently compromised, but his brief plumes of insight will always stay with me.
Skullfunk
@stella val I don't know if you knew this but there's a lot of music on this website. Just go right ahead and type your favourite song in the search bar. Then when you're ready, whenever that may be, this song will still be here for you to come back to.
Logan dogan
@stella val I totally disagree, but whatever guy
Rayene Boussetta
@stella val do you mean that in a bad way..? Lol
stella val
Make sense, this music is so cold and soulless
Doomguy
That's one of the more interesting things I've read on youtube in quite some time. Thanks for sharing.
sunflowereye
The best song off this album hands down. Drums are super sick!
pasquali
Amazing hi hat and fills during the verse
Rayene Boussetta
@J J damn right
J J
nah, "i know" is best