Rock´n´Roll Nigger
Melrose Lyrics


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Baby was a black sheep, baby was a whore
Baby got big and baby get bigger
Baby get something, baby get more
Baby, baby, baby was a rock and roll nigga
Oh, look around you, all around you
Riding on a copper wave
Do you like the world around you?
Are you ready to behave?

Outside of society, they're waitin' for me
Outside of society, that's where I want to be

(Lenny!)

Baby was a black sheep, baby was a whore
You know she got big, well, she's gonna get bigger
Baby got a hand, got a finger on the trigger
Baby, baby, baby is a rock and roll nigga

Outside of society, that's where I want to be
Outside of society, they're waitin' for me

(Those who have suffered, understand suffering
And thereby extend their hand
The storm that brings harm
Also makes fertile
Blessed is the grass
And herb and the true thorn and light)

I was lost in a valley of pleasure
I was lost in the infinite sea
I was lost, and measure for measure
Love spewed from the heart of me
I was lost, and the cost
And the cost didn't matter to me
I was lost, and the cost
Was to be outside society

Jimi Hendrix was a nigga
Jesus Christ and grandma, too
Jackson Pollock was a nigga
Nigga, nigga, nigga, nigga
Nigga, nigga, nigga

Outside of society, they're waitin' for me
Outside of society, if you're looking
That's where you'll find me
Outside of society, they're waitin' for me
Outside of society

Overall Meaning

Rock 'N' Roll Cliché by Melrose is a song that speaks about a rebel, an outsider who breaks from societal norms to become a rock and roll superstar. The opening lines describe the subject of the song, referred to as "Baby," in a derogatory manner, labeling them as a black sheep and a whore. Despite being a societal outcast, Baby rises above it all to become a rock and roll legend. He is described as getting more and more, being a "rock and roll nigga" with a finger on the trigger. The song then turns to an introspective chorus, questioning whether the listener is ready to behave and whether they like the world around them.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby was a black sheep, baby was a whore
The subject of the song was rebellious and went against societal norms, possibly engaging in promiscuous behavior.


Baby got big and baby get bigger
Despite social stigma, the subject continued to grow and develop as a person.


Baby get something, baby get more
The subject achieved success and continued to strive for greater success.


Baby, baby, baby was a rock and roll nigga
The subject was a part of the rock and roll culture, which was known for rebelling against society's expectations.


Oh, look around you, all around you
Wake up and pay attention to the world around you.


Riding on a copper wave
Navigating through life's ups and downs.


Do you like the world around you?
Are you content with the current state of the world and your place in it?


Are you ready to behave?
Are you prepared to conform to societal expectations?


Outside of society, they're waitin' for me
The subject feels more at home outside of society's expectations and norms.


(Lenny!)
A reference to Lenny Bruce, another counterculture icon who was known for breaking societal taboos.


You know she got big, well, she's gonna get bigger
The subject continued to grow and achieve despite societal pressures.


Baby got a hand, got a finger on the trigger
The subject has power and control over their own life and choices.


Outside of society, that's where I want to be
The subject desires to be free of societal expectations and live life on their own terms.


(Those who have suffered, understand suffering And thereby extend their hand The storm that brings harm Also makes fertile Blessed is the grass And herb and the true thorn and light)
Life's difficulties can bring growth and beauty. Those who have experienced pain and suffering can empathize with others and offer comfort.


I was lost in a valley of pleasure
The subject felt lost and aimless while indulging in hedonistic pleasures.


I was lost in the infinite sea
The subject felt lost and adrift, without a clear sense of self or direction in life.


I was lost, and measure for measure Love spewed from the heart of me
Despite feeling lost, the subject still had love and compassion to give.


I was lost, and the cost And the cost didn't matter to me
The subject was willing to pay any price to be true to themselves and live life on their own terms, even if it meant being outside of society.


Jimi Hendrix was a nigga Jesus Christ and grandma, too Jackson Pollock was a nigga Nigga, nigga, nigga, nigga Nigga, nigga, nigga
A reference to how even the most revered and legendary figures have faced discrimination and marginalization. The repeated use of a racial slur underscores the pervasive nature of racism in society.


If you're looking That's where you'll find me
The subject can be found outside of society's norms and expectations.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., BMG Rights Management
Written by: Leonard J Kaye, Patti Lee Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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