Roller
April Wine
The High Stakes Life of a Roller
April Wine's song "Roller" paints a vivid picture of a woman who has embraced the high-stakes lifestyle of gambling and risk-taking. The lyrics describe her journey from Los Angeles to Nevada, a state synonymous with casinos and gambling. This move signifies her transition from a more conventional life to one filled with the thrill and unpredictability of gambling. The repeated references to games like blackjack and the phrase "seven come eleven" highlight her immersion in this world, where she gambles night and day, fully committed to the high-risk, high-reward nature of her new life.
The term "roller" in the song refers to someone who is deeply involved in gambling, often betting large amounts of money. The woman in the song is described as a "high roller," indicating that she is not just a casual gambler but someone who plays for significant stakes. Her confidence and readiness to give everything she has to the game are emphasized through lines like "She's tellin' all the boys she's hot" and "To give it everything that she got." This portrayal suggests a sense of empowerment and determination, as she is willing to risk it all for the chance of a big win.
Despite warnings from others who try to tell her she's crazy, she remains undeterred. This aspect of the song highlights her independence and defiance, as she chooses to follow her own path regardless of societal expectations or concerns. The repeated chorus, "Cause she's a roller now, a high roller baby," reinforces her identity and commitment to this lifestyle. The song captures the allure and danger of living on the edge, where the potential for great reward is matched by the risk of significant loss.