R.O.E.’s blend of Hip Hop flavor with meaningful lyrics and sharp delivery has been spread out over quality releases like A Backpacker Named R.O.E., his official introduction to the new fans while reminding the mainstays why they stuck around in the first place. The lead single, “I Won”, helped get R.O.E.’s name out, with love not just coming from the blog circuit but independent and college radio spins as well. Mr. Backpacker wears both his pack and that name proud, dripping his new school tracks with a familiar Golden Age glisten, helping bridge the gap that so many fans of the “old school” see in today’s music.
R.O.E. isn’t just rocking tracks to a D.A.T. machine, though. With his band, The Soulvillians, R.O.E. has a captivating live show, already performing at countless events and venues across the country. If you’re a fan of honest, quality Hip Hop minus the politics and body count, R.O.E. is the perfect answer for your Hip Hop question.
Reflections
R.O.E. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the mirror
Not so much stranger
As unfamiliar
The weirdest place
I find myself
A survival horror game
Not off the shelf
Weren't there before
I feel there's someone
Outside my door
My heart stops briefly
As before
And breathe
The clock has stopped
But time moves on
I don't know where
The days have gone
I'll write this book
My legacy
The empty page
Stares back at me
Those painted lines
Weren't there before
I feel there's someone
Outside my door
My heart stops briefly
As before
And breathe
Don't look back
Don't turn around
Your reflection
Can't be found
An old man said
With somewhat glee
I know that face
And breathe
In "Reflections" by R.O.E., the lyrics explore the theme of self-discovery and the sense of unfamiliarity that can come with it. The song begins with the artist observing their own reflection in the mirror, noting how it feels strange and unfamiliar. This reflection represents their identity and how it has evolved over time. The artist then compares this feeling to being in a survival horror game, emphasizing the unsettling and unnerving nature of the journey they are experiencing.
The painted lines mentioned in the lyrics symbolize the boundaries and limitations that the artist feels have been imposed upon them. They express a sense of being trapped or constrained in a situation they did not anticipate. The presence of someone outside the door adds to the feeling of unease and paranoia. The heart briefly stopping represents the fear and anxiety that arise from these uncertainties.
The second half of the song shifts the focus to the concept of time and the passage of days. The artist reflects on the fact that time seems to be moving forward, yet they have a sense of loss and confusion about where the days have gone. They mention writing a book as a way to leave a legacy and make sense of their experiences, but are met with an empty page that stares back at them, representing the blankness and uncertainty of the future.
The lyrics conclude with a voice of wisdom, represented by the old man. He suggests not looking back or turning around, indicating that dwelling on the past or trying to find one's reflection in it will not lead to answers or clarity. The phrase "And breathe" is repeated throughout the song, serving as a reminder to stay grounded and present in the midst of this journey of self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
The strangest face
Seeing a face in the mirror that feels unfamiliar and strange
In the mirror
Looking at oneself
Not so much stranger
Not exactly a stranger, but definitely unfamiliar
As unfamiliar
Feeling detached from one's own reflection
The weirdest place
The situation or state of mind that feels strange and unsettling
I find myself
Discovering and acknowledging one's own state of being
A survival horror game
Life feels like a challenging game with elements of fear and danger
Not off the shelf
Unique and unconventional, not like something that can be easily bought or found
Those painted lines
The visible marks or indicators that weren't there previously
Weren't there before
They have appeared unexpectedly or without prior notice
I feel there's someone
Having a strong intuition or perception of the presence of another person
Outside my door
In the vicinity or nearby, potentially causing apprehension
My heart stops briefly
Experiencing a momentary pause or fear that affects the heartbeat
As before
Similar to previous instances or occasions
And breathe
Remembering to take a deep breath and relax
The clock has stopped
The perception that time is no longer moving
But time moves on
Despite the feeling of stagnation, life progresses
I don't know where
Feeling lost and uncertain about the direction or passage of time
The days have gone
The passing of time without fully realizing or understanding it
I'll write this book
Taking control of one's narrative and creating a personal story
My legacy
The lasting impact and memory of one's existence
The empty page
A symbol of starting anew, with potential and possibilities
Stares back at me
An introspective moment where one confronts their own reflection
Don't look back
Advising against dwelling on the past or getting stuck in regrets
Don't turn around
Urging to move forward and not succumb to distractions
Your reflection
The image of oneself that is seen or perceived
Can't be found
Feeling disconnected from one's true self
An old man said
Someone with wisdom and life experience shared their insight
With somewhat glee
Expressing a sense of joy or amusement, albeit understated
I know that face
Recognizing and understanding the reflection in the mirror
And breathe
A reminder to remain calm and composed
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Ritchie Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind