Riding Home
Marlon Roudette Lyrics

Gimme the tune and ?
Give me the melody and? (the rest is left unsaid, implied to be unimportant)

Even if it don't mean the same
Even if it doesn't have the same significance to you as it does to me

But every time I'll sing for you
I'll keep singing for you no matter what happens

Will see you bought and sold, and sold, riding home
You'll see others being used and taken advantage of, while they travel home

I don't know ? ain't no home...
He doesn't know what a true home is

Wait, the same little boy with the cassette tape?
Introducing the character of the story, reflecting on his past

The big foot jeans, awaiting at the school gate
Describing a moment from his childhood and evoking a specific image

Late night thoughts, he's tearing up the paper
Showing that the character is creative and has ideas

And here's the soundbite ten years later
Reflecting on his journey and how he has changed over time

He took the yard to the city an he mixed it
He brought his experiences from his hometown to the city and used them in his art

Mattafixed it, now he's on some sick shhh
He made it better, now he's creating incredible music

So keep your money and your cars and your deals
Rebelling against the idea that success is all about material possessions

I'm riding home on the same two wheels
He's staying true to himself and his roots

Wait the same little boy they used to underestimate?
Continuing the reflection on his past

Made a great escape with only practice
He worked hard and practiced to improve his skills

An attic and a mattress
Describing humble beginnings and limited resources

This same man is trying to hatch this game plan
He's still working on a plan for his future

And catch a vibe make it world wide
He wants to create music that resonates with people all over the world

Spirals of idols and rivals labelled as a dreamer
He's surrounded by people who doubt him and consider his dreams unrealistic

Stroll as the world rolls by you in a beamer
Refusing to participate in the materialistic culture around him

Now empathize if you know how it feels
Asking the listener to imagine what it's like to be in his position

Riding home on the same two wheels
Sticking to his values and staying true to himself

I made my best friends
Talking about the positive relationships he's formed

From the West Indies to the West End
These friendships span across different cultures and locations

In every corner in every section
These friendships are widespread and diverse

Perfection, long lasting connection
These friendships are strong and meaningful

The little boy with the clear skin complexion
Referring to his younger self again and highlighting physical differences from others

Afternoons and I'm scrubbing old sneakers
Showing that he appreciates the simple things in life, and worked hard even as a kid

In time to the vibes from my makeshift speakers
Music has always played a big role in his life

An assortment laments from my Walkman
Listening to sad songs and reflecting on his life

I'm still trying to walk good though
Trying to live life in the right way

I'm slightly awkward
Acknowledging his flaws and quirks

So, things didn't work out exactly how I planned it
Admitting that life doesn't always go according to plan

No matter how you brand it I'm still the same bandit
No matter how people label him, he's still staying true to himself

Essentially the story of the 21st century
His story is representative of many others in the modern age

Kid make your music 'cause it's meant to be
Encouraging others to create music that is true to themselves

I'm making music 'cause it's meant to be
Stating that he's following his calling and making music that is authentic to himself

You never know what it meant to me
Acknowledging that others may not understand his experiences and motivations

Now if you're bought and sold, and sold you're riding home
Reflecting on the harsh realities of the music industry and how it can be exploitative