In going solo, Ryan Adams, an old friend, was impressed by Malin's songs and offered to produce a record for him, in spite of having never done it before. Malin's debut, "The Fine Art of Self Destruction," was made in just under a week, and was released in January, 2003. He toured both the US and the UK in support of the album.
Malin's follow-up, "The Heat," was released in June, 2004. He released his third solo album, "Glitter in the Gutter," in March, 2007.
In 2010, Malin formed a band called Jesse Malin & the St. Mark's Social and released an album called Love It To Life; the title comes from a quote by Joe Strummer (the title was previously used on a 2007 UK release of live material on the One Little Indian label.) Featuring a more rockier approach, the album's first single was "Burning The Bowery" and next single was "All The Way From Moscow." Love It To Life was referred to as "the best album of his career" by Paste Magazine.
In December 2010, Malin, along members of Green Day, formed the band 'Rodeo Queens'. They released one song, along with a video, called 'Depression Times'. D Generation reunited in 2011 and continue to play live.
In 2019, Jesse Malin released the critically acclaimed album "Sunset Kids," in collaboration with American roots icon Lucinda Williams and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day.
Russian Roulette
Jesse Malin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm the Leicester Square kid, I'm Superman
I'm putting on weight for the Oscar
Man, gonna get through, any way I can
Hey, hey, hey, we're in the movie
I feel up and I feel groovy
Let's go out and get some of that
Everywhere, everyone is red and green
I got a lust for glory and a tape machine
I'm living out Frank Coppola's dreams
Outta my mind, I'm feelin' mean
Hey, hey, hey, we're in the movie
I feel up and I feel groovy
Let's go out and get some of that
Gimme, gimme, gimme some Russian Roulette
I'm a Nuremberg stepper blowin' wets away
I gotta head full of Hendrix, I'm feelin' okay
I'm a late night thriller, I'm Miss La Ray
Outta my mind, can I come to play?
Hey, hey, hey, we're in the movie
I feel up and I feel groovy
Let's go out and get some of that
Gimme, gimme, gimme some Russian Roulette
Gimme, gimme, gimme some Russian Roulette
I said, hey
I said, hey
I said
I said, hey
We're in the movie
I'm feelin' groovy
Get some of that
Gimme, gimme, gimme some Russian Roulette
Hey, hey, hey, we're in the movie
I feel up and I feel groovy
Let's go out and get me some of that
Gimme, gimme, gimme
Gimme, gimme, gimme
Gimme, gimme, gimme some Russian Roulette
The lyrics of Jesse Malin's song "Russian Roulette" are full of references to different moments of history and pop culture. The song starts with the line "I'm on a helicopter ride through Vietnam," which seems to be an allusion to the Vietnam War, a conflict that divided the United States and had a profound impact on American society. The singer of the song then describes himself as the "Leicester Square kid," who is "Superman," two pop culture references that suggest a desire for fame and power.
The song also features the line "Everywhere, everyone is red and green," which could be interpreted as a reference to the all-consuming nature of war and violence. The singer of the song talks about his lust for glory and his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve success, including playing Russian roulette, a game of chance that involves loading a single bullet into a revolver and pulling the trigger while pointing it at one's own head.
The song seems to be a commentary on the destructive nature of ambition, as well as a critique of American culture and its obsession with fame and glory. Ultimately, the song paints a portrait of a society that is willing to risk everything, even its own existence, in pursuit of power and success.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on a helicopter ride through Vietnam
I am experiencing a surreal sensation, like being on a helicopter ride through a war-torn country.
I'm the Leicester Square kid, I'm Superman
I am feeling powerful and invincible, like a superhero from the movies or comics.
I'm putting on weight for the Oscar
I am changing my body in order to achieve a goal, like gaining weight to win an Academy Award.
Man, gonna get through, any way I can
I am determined to succeed, even if it means taking risks or going against conventional wisdom.
Hey, hey, hey, we're in the movie
Life feels like a movie, with heightened emotions and surreal situations.
I feel up and I feel groovy
I am feeling happy and in tune with life's rhythms.
Let's go out and get some of that
I am eager to experience life to the fullest and take risks.
Gimme, gimme, gimme some Russian Roulette
I want to experience the thrill of danger and unpredictability, like playing a dangerous game of chance.
Everywhere, everyone is red and green
The world feels hyper-real and colorful, like a psychedelic experience.
I got a lust for glory and a tape machine
I want to achieve greatness and capture it on film or in music.
I'm living out Frank Coppola's dreams
I am following in the footsteps of the great filmmakers and artists who inspire me.
Outta my mind, I'm feelin' mean
I am feeling wild and crazy, like I am living on the edge.
I'm a Nuremberg stepper blowin' wets away
I am a rebel or outsider, defying conformity and authority.
I gotta head full of Hendrix, I'm feelin' okay
I am inspired by the great musicians and artists who came before me, like Jimi Hendrix.
I'm a late night thriller, I'm Miss La Ray
I am a mysterious and alluring figure, like a character from a film noir or thriller.
Outta my mind, can I come to play?
I am feeling reckless and daring, and wondering if others can keep up with my energy.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: TONY JAMES, TONY JAMES (GB 1)
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sheila Barbee
I love this! Jesse does this cover so well...Jesse is the Best! aheila
Jay D
I heard this on little steven's underground garage back in 2010 and it's still epic. Had no idea it was a cover.
Natalie K.
I've been hearing it on LSUG recently. I honestly had no idea the song was that old!