Bad Times Roll
Jelly Roll Lyrics

Hello hello hello hello
Trying to reach out to someone who hasn't been in touch for a long time.

I ain't heard from you in so damn long
Feeling neglected and unimportant to the person being contacted.

Pick up yo phone
Urging the person to answer their phone and respond to the message.

She's about to trip again
Referring to a woman who is likely to get upset and angry.

Don't he know
Asking a rhetorical question about the person's awareness of the situation.

That his little girl's listening
Aware that a daughter is hearing the argument and its aftermath.

Heard he got another kid up in Michigan
Gossip about a man's alleged relationship and fatherhood in another state.

He don't deserve that house
Implies a feeling of injustice and bitterness about the man's living conditions.

Man that's fake shit
Opining that the situation is not genuine or authentic.

I'm over that
Tired of the drama and ready to move on.

Cause the shit that we spit
Explaining that the lyrics are based on real-life experiences and emotions.

Is so real
Asserting the authenticity and veracity of the song's content.

That it gives them bitches
Implies that the lyrics are so raw and truthful that they provoke strong reactions from listeners.

Cold chills
Describes the intense physical and emotional response the song elicits from the audience.

And we did shit
The artists are proud of their accomplishments despite not having a record deal.

With no deal
Explicitly states that the artists have not yet signed a recording contract.

Only rap about what I really do
Insists on authenticity and honesty in the lyrics, drawing from personal experiences and struggles.

Ice cold game
Refers to the cool and smooth demeanor of the artist during difficult situations.

I'm really smooth
Confident in one's abilities to navigate complex situations with poise and grace.

I could pull yo bitch
Expresses confidence in one's ability to attract and seduce a sexual partner.

In tennis shoes
Emphasizes one's ability to charm and impress someone without relying on material possessions or wealth.

Turn her bed to a swimming pool
Implies sexual prowess and the ability to fulfil a partner's desires and fantasies.

I'm confident like a skinny dude
Drawing a simile between self-assurance and a lack of body fat.

My fat ass is white trash
Confessing to a certain level of self-doubt and insecurity.

Give me the shine of a lifetime
Desiring attention and validation from others, especially in the form of fame and wealth.

There's a slight chance
Acknowledging the possibility of failure or disappointment.

I might pass
Might not succeed as an artist or achieve fame and fortune.

I'm insane, I'm fucked up
Admitting to mental instability and chaotic personality traits.

My city call me the joker
Describing how others in the local community perceive the artist.

These felonies bought me tough luck
Acknowledging the consequences of past criminal behavior.

But I'll still arrive with that toaster
Asserting that one will continue to be armed and dangerous despite potential consequences.

Don't worry about the past
Encouraging others to move forward and not dwell on past failures or regrets.

It'll lie to yo ass
Arguing that the past is often misleading or unreliable when trying to understand the present.

Stay in yo lane
Advising others to focus on their own lives and responsibilities rather than interfering with or judging others.

Don't be driving too fast
Metaphorically urging others to take their time and be cautious in their actions and decisions.

Know who I am no trying to mask
Stating an intention to be true to oneself and not hide behind a false persona or identity.

Only enemy I had was the guy in the Glass
Refers to one's own reflection as the biggest source of self-doubt and criticism.

Coke snorters pill poppers go to rehab
Commenting on the prevalent use of drugs and addiction in contemporary society.

But what about all of the villains
Posing a rhetorical question about those who commit crimes or are considered dangerous or unethical.

What do we have
Suggesting that society may overlook or neglect those who are considered 'bad guys.'

Maybe we can find a place
Proposing the idea of creating a community or organization for those who are marginalized or disenfranchised.

That we can get away
Expressing a desire to escape from the negative realities of daily life and find solace in a supportive environment.

We deal with this every day
Acknowledging that life can be difficult and challenging, particularly for those who are considered social outcasts or misfits.

Where do all the bad guys go
Asking a rhetorical question about where those who are considered 'bad' or dangerous might turn for support or redemption.

Where they can let the bad times roll
Implies a sense of acceptance and community for those who have experienced hardship or struggle.

I said I'ma get it
Expressing confidence in one's ability to achieve success and overcome obstacles.

Anything I ever said I done did
Stating an intention to follow through on promises and never make false claims about experiences or achievements.

I'm from the streets
Acknowledging one's background and upbringing in a less privileged or disadvantaged setting.

And I'll never forget it
Paying homage to one's roots and the people and experiences that shaped one's character and worldview.

Reason why I keep my head on a swivel
Explaining the need to be alert and vigilant in potentially dangerous or volatile situations.

Let me be plotting
Suggesting that others may be planning or scheming against oneself.

I expected this to come when we popping
Anticipating that there will be negative reactions or backlash to one's success or fame.

Won't be no stopping
Asserting that nothing will deter or stop one from achieving one's goals.

Once they start chopping
Describing how others may try to bring one down or sabotage one's efforts.

That's on my mama
Swearing or giving one's word on a loved one or family member to show sincerity and loyalty.

Don't want no problems
Avoiding conflict or trouble with others.

I get money, I'm cooling
Feeling content and satisfied with one's financial and material success.

Being a father
Highlighting the importance of one's role as a parent and caregiver.

Raising my daughter
Expressing pride and responsibility in one's role as a parent.

Please don't make me get foolish
Warning others not to provoke or insult one to the point of irrational behavior or violence.

They mad cause they lil' bitch choosin'
Referring to jealousy or resentment towards a partner's choice of another person.

They mad cause you really got to it
Jealousy or discontentment towards one's success or achievements.

They mad so they blame grown men
Suggesting that others may blame those who are older or more experienced for their own shortcomings or failures.

For the shit they don't have
Implies a tendency to blame others for one's own lack of success or resources.

And they full of excuses
Observing that others may use excuses or rationalizations to avoid taking responsibility for their actions or outcomes.

Finally got to leave the streets alone
Acknowledging the difficulty in transitioning away from a life of crime or poverty and finding a new path.

And I did it all with a microphone
Describing the power of music and art to inspire and drive one's success and personal growth.

Lotta hard work lot of nights alone
Acknowledging the effort and dedication required to achieve success and overcome obstacles.

Did what I had to do to provide a home
Expressing the importance of family and the sacrifices one makes to provide a secure and stable environment.

Ducked the law like dodgeball
Metaphorically describing dodging or evading law enforcement or punishment for past crimes.

For the outlaws and the eyeballs
Addressing a community of those who live outside of normal social conventions and may be perceived as threatening or suspicious.

Big city folks and the hole in the wall
Referring to the diversity of places and people who can relate to the song's subject matter.

Roll one up come smoke
Inviting others to take part in drug use or relaxation together.

Where do all the bad guys go
Repeating the earlier question to emphasize its significance and relevance to the song's theme.

Where they can let the bad times roll
Reiterating the idea that marginalized or outcast individuals need a space where they can find acceptance and support despite their past mistakes or hardships.

Hello hello hello hello
Closing the song with a repetition of the opening lines to bring the narrative full circle.

Pick up yo phone
Repeating the earlier request in the hope that the person will respond and reconnect.

Coke snorters pill poppers go to rehab
Repeating the earlier commentary on substance abuse and addiction, acknowledging its prevalence and destructive influence.