Jason DeFord grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, in the southside community of Antioch.
Jelly Roll's 2010 collaboration "Pop Another Pill" with Memphis rapper Lil Wyte reached over 6.3 millions YouTube views. This song led to the album Year Round by the hip-hop group SNO, released on the Hypnotize Minds label in April 2011 and produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J. SNO's song "Come Here White Girl" was named among "The 10 Most Memorable White Rapper Collaborations" by XXL.
Jelly Roll released many mixtapes including the Gamblin' on a Whiteboy series and the Therapeutic Music series. His independently released debut solo studio album The Big Sal Story was released on October 26, 2012. He released two collaborative albums with Haystak, two collaborative albums with Lil Wyte, four collaborative albums with Struggle Jennings and one album under the group SNO with Lil Wyte and BPZ.
Jelly Roll's 2013 mixtape Whiskey, Weed, & Women was originally named Whiskey, Weed, & Waffle House, but was later changed after the restaurant threatened legal action over the use of their name and logo on the cover. The replacement cover featured a "cease and desist" stamp in place of the Waffle House logo.
California
Jelly Roll Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jelly Roll
It's like a devil sittin on my shoulder
And he keeps telling me to come over
And I can't think straight cause I ain't sober
I only do cocaine in California
And I'm a long way from home right now
Lord please just keep surrounding me
Tryin to escape these demons
But I feel like they keep houndin me
Friends talkin down to me
Mama says she's proud of me
Stayin at the chamber and
Snortin lines on the balcony
And for some reason I keep thinkin about jumpin man
I can't believe I'm thinkin this way
I came from nothing it's amazin
All of the sudden everybody's lovin him
Wasn't long ago that he was stayin
At the Budget Inn
Came to Hollywood
He ain't know what a budget is
Next thang you know they tryin to fuck him out
His publishin
These white lines have him feelin like
The light's lime
They sayin that he's next
He's waitin it's the right time
It's like a devil sittin on my shoulder
And he keeps telling me to come over
And I can't think straight cause I ain't sober
I only do cocaine in California
In California in California in California
And I'm a long way from home right now
Everyday I awake hit my knees
And start to pray try to find the words to say
But so much sin is in the way
What does it take
To make it in this scandalous game
I ain't got no umbrella
I just stand in the rain
Man it takes a strong mind
Just to handle the fame
Willin to destroy anything
That stand in the way
Next thang you know
I'm learnin thangs that I never knew
Next thang you know
I'm doing thangs I said I'd never do
For good times man it's all about a good vibe
I'm so high I swear to good I feel a could fly
Walkin out the rainbow room
High as I ever been
Told Jackie Chan I can't believe
They finally let us in
It's like a devil sittin on my shoulder
And he keeps telling me to come over
And I can't think straight cause I ain't sober
I only do cocaine in California
In California in California in California
And I'm a long way from home right now
Smokin weed - just let me be
I'm tryin to buy my soul back
Will they set me free
I got fake friends now
I know we'll never talk
Again - if my mother fuckin record blops
So I just keep on tryin to build this from
The ground up
Wasn't long ago that I was really weighin pounds up
Really from the streets
So keep that pussy shit from round us
And roll some good weed
Somebody pour that crown up
It's like a devil sittin on my shoulder
And he keeps telling me to come over
And I can't think straight cause I ain't sober
I only do cocaine in California
In California in California in California
And I'm a long way from home right now
The song "California" by Jelly Roll is a personal and emotional journey of the artist's struggles with addiction and fame. The lyrics describe the devil sitting on his shoulder and telling him to come over, referring to the constant temptation he faces to use drugs, particularly cocaine, which he only does in California. He admits to not being sober and struggling to escape the demons that haunt him. Jelly Roll talks about his mother being proud of him and his friends talking down to him, highlighting the immense pressure he has to deal with, especially in the entertainment industry. He expresses gratitude for his success, coming from nothing to being loved by people, but at the same time feels overwhelmed and vulnerable.
The song highlights the internal conflict and vulnerability of Jelly Roll as he navigates the ups and downs of fame and the pressure to hold on to success. He feels like he needs to always be high to unleash his creative side and also mentions having fake friends in the industry, and how he can lose it all if his records fail to make a mark. Jelly Roll understands that the fame game comes with a price, and he struggles to find a balance between success and his inner demons.
Line by Line Meaning
It's like a devil sittin on my shoulder
The temptation to do drugs is constantly present and invasive.
And he keeps telling me to come over
The temptation to engage in drug use is overwhelming and persistent.
And I can't think straight cause I ain't sober
The mental effect of drug use impairs judgment, reason, and perception.
I only do cocaine in California
The artist is exposing the excessive drug use that occurs when in California.
In California in California in California
The artist repeats the reference to California to emphasize its impact on him.
And I'm a long way from home right now
The singer is separated from his family and familiar surroundings.
Lord please just keep surrounding me
The singer asks for divine protection from his negative thoughts and temptation to use drugs.
Tryin to escape these demons
The artist acknowledges the harmful effect of drug addiction on his life.
But I feel like they keep houndin me
The artist cannot seem to shake the influence and lure of drug addiction.
Friends talkin down to me
Despite his rising success in the music industry, some of the artist's friends criticize him.
Mama says she's proud of me
The singer's mother expresses support and approval of his achievements.
Stayin at the chamber and
The artist identifies a place where he stays and possibly uses drugs.
Snortin lines on the balcony
The singer references using cocaine on a balcony.
And for some reason I keep thinkin about jumpin man
The singer admits to having suicidal ideation, possibly linked to depression or drug use.
I can't believe I'm thinkin this way
The singer feels shock over his negative thoughts and emotions.
I came from nothing it's amazin
The artist acknowledges how far he has come from his humble beginnings.
All of the sudden everybody's lovin him
The artist has gained sudden fame and popularity.
Wasn't long ago that he was stayin
The singer references a time of struggle and lodging difficulties.
At the Budget Inn
The singer identifies a place where he used to live or stay.
Came to Hollywood
The artist moved to Hollywood to pursue his music career.
He ain't know what a budget is
The artist was not accustomed to budgeting and managing finances.
Next thang you know they tryin to fuck him out
The artist became aware of a situation where someone wanted to take advantage of him.
His publishin
The singer's intellectual property and ownership of music recordings and lyrics.
These white lines have him feelin like
The artist discusses the effects of cocaine on his emotions and behavior.
The light's lime
The singer may mean that he feels famous or in the limelight.
They sayin that he's next
The singer is being promoted or predicted to become the next big artist.
He's waitin it's the right time
The singer sees an opportunity in the future and waits for its arrival.
Everyday I awake hit my knees
The artist opens each day by praying.
And start to pray try to find the words to say
The artist actively searches for the right phrases and wording to use in his prayers.
But so much sin is in the way
The singer may feel that he has committed too many sins to be forgiven.
What does it take
The singer is searching for what he needs to do or say to find peace and salvation.
To make it in this scandalous game
The artist comments on the cutthroat music industry and its potential for corruption.
I ain't got no umbrella
The artist is exposed and without protection from the negative influences around him.
I just stand in the rain
The artist endures the hardships and challenges that come his way.
Man it takes a strong mind
The singer emphasizes the need for mental and emotional fortitude in the music industry.
Just to handle the fame
The artist acknowledges the difficulties of adjusting to public recognition.
Willin to destroy anything
The singer refers to his willingness to overcome obstacles and conquer his goals.
That stand in the way
The singer is determined to succeed despite the challenges he faces in his career.
Next thang you know
The singer references a recurring pattern of finding himself in new situations unexpectedly.
I'm learnin thangs that I never knew
The artist is constantly being exposed to new knowledge and information.
Next thang you know
The artist repeats the previous line to emphasize the idea of unexpected events and learning opportunities.
I'm doing thangs I said I'd never do
The singer is experiencing new and unexpected behavior or choices.
For good times man it's all about a good vibe
The singer embraces the importance of positive energy and experiences.
I'm so high I swear to good I feel a could fly
The artist may be experiencing an intense high or euphoric feeling from drug use.
Walkin out the rainbow room
The artist identifies a place where he is coming from or leaving.
High as I ever been
The artist is heavily influenced by drugs.
Told Jackie Chan I can't believe
The singer references interacting with the famous actor Jackie Chan.
They finally let us in
The artist and his associates were recently given access or permission to some desired location or opportunity.
Smokin weed - just let me be
The singer desires to use marijuana without interference or criticism.
I'm tryin to buy my soul back
The singer acknowledges the negative effects of drug use on his personal and spiritual well-being.
Will they set me free
The singer may be dependent on drugs and desires to be free from this addiction.
I got fake friends now
The artist has formed new relationships that may be insincere or unsupportive.
I know we'll never talk
The artist anticipates the end of these relationships.
Again - if my mother fuckin record blops
The singer refers to the potential failure of a music recording and its impact on his career.
So I just keep on tryin to build this from
The singer is dedicated to creating his own success and opportunities.
The ground up
The artist emphasizes the importance of starting from the bottom and working hard toward a goal.
Wasn't long ago that I was really weighin pounds up
The artist references a difficult time in his life where he had to weigh illicit substances.
Really from the streets
The artist identifies with a history and culture of urban poverty and struggle.
So keep that pussy shit from round us
The singer dismisses any unauthentic or soft attitudes in his surroundings.
And roll some good weed
The artist encourages the consumption of high-quality marijuana.
Somebody pour that crown up
The singer requests a serving of Crown Royal whiskey.
Writer(s): William Garrett Walden, A. Patrick Rose
Contributed by Evan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
xKado615
Chorus)
It’s like a devil sittin on my shoulder
And he keeps telling me to come over
And I can’t think straight cause I ain’t sober
I only do cocaine in California
In California in California in California
And I’m a long way from home right now
[Verse 1]
Lord please just keep surrounding me
Tryin to escape these demons
But I feel like they keep houndin me
Friends talkin down to me
Mama says she’s proud of me
Stayin at the chamber and
Snortin lines on the balcony
And for some reason I keep thinkin about jumpin man
I can’t believe I’m thinkin this way
I came from nothing it’s amazin
All of the sudden everybody’s lovin him
Wasn’t long ago that he was stayin
At the Budget Inn
Came to Hollywood
He ain’t know what a budget is
Next thang you know they tryin to fuck him out
His publishin
These white lines have him feelin like
The light’s lime
They sayin that he’s next
He’s waitin it’s the right time
(Chorus)
It’s like a devil sittin on my shoulder
And he keeps telling me to come over
And I can’t think straight cause I ain’t sober
I only do cocaine in California
In California in California in California
And I’m a long way from home right now
[Verse 2]
Everyday I awake hit my knees
And start to pray try to find the words to say
But so much sin is in the way
What does it take
To make it in this scandalous game
I ain’t got no umbrella
I just stand in the rain
Man it takes a strong mind
Just to handle the fame
Willin to destroy anything
That stand in the way
Next thang you know
I’m learnin thangs that I never knew
Next thang you know
I’m doing thangs I said I’d never do
For good times man it’s all about a good vibe
I’m so high I swear to good I feel a could fly
Walkin out the rainbow room
High as I ever been
Told Jackie Chan I can’t believe
They finally let us in
(Chorus)
It’s like a devil sittin on my shoulder
And he keeps telling me to come over
And I can’t think straight cause I ain’t sober
I only do cocaine in California
In California in California in California
And I’m a long way from home right now
[Verse 3]
Smokin weed - just let me be
I’m tryin to buy my soul back
Will they set me free
I got fake friends now
I know we’ll never talk
Again - if my mother fuckin record blops
So I just keep on tryin to build this from
The ground up
Wasn’t long ago that I was really weighin pounds up
Really from the streets
So keep that pussy shit from round us
And roll some good weed
Somebody pour that crown up
(Chorus)
It’s like a devil sittin on my shoulder
And he keeps telling me to come over
And I can’t think straight cause I ain’t sober
I only do cocaine in California
In California in California in California
And I’m a long way from home right now
Jelly Roll
This my favorite song off this project !!
707soulja
This is my favorite song of yours. I’ve been bumping your top songs playlist from Apple Music nonstop since I first started listening to it when I seen you on the Grand Ole Opry with Craig Morgan. Keep it up brother!!!…going to your show soon in Concord, Ca
Jaymi DeCaro
Dago love Jelly Roll...
Jordy G
Amazing jelly bro. Your one of my idols love your music 🔥
Will Rogers
I'm strictly herb 🌿😎 but this classic is a hard song bars and beat is crazy
Deadly sins5520
I use to play this song in my addiction now I listen to it as a reminder why I changed my life for the better when life gets tough
Austin Dutcher
You got this 🤘
Michael Bushaw
I hope you beat your addiction, it can be a struggle I know firsthand but I'm 2 1/2 years clean.Go you!
charmaymay
That’s what’s up!
MegaBuckeyes10
My bf is recovering from an ice addiction of 15 years and been sober almost a year now!! Your music has helped us both get thru his recovery! Thank you