Death In My Pocket

Machine Gun Kelly's 'Death In My Pocket' is a raw and introspective exploration of the artist's struggles with mortality, fame, and personal demons. The recurring line, 'I got death in my pocket and nothing but time,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the constant presence of death and the inevitability of time passing. Despite this looming darkness, MGK expresses a paradoxical sense of vitality, as if the awareness of death makes him feel more alive.

The song delves into MGK's tumultuous past and the pressures of his present life. He reflects on his early struggles, from financial hardships to becoming a young father, and how these experiences have shaped him. The lyrics, 'I became a dad so young, I ain't know how to use them Pampers,' highlight his vulnerability and the steep learning curve he faced. The mention of 'bones in the closet' symbolizes the unresolved issues and traumas that haunt him, yet he chooses to leave them buried, indicating a complex relationship with his past.

MGK also addresses the impact of fame on his mental health. The line, 'I lose a piece of my soul when the camera flashes,' reveals the toll that public scrutiny and the pressures of maintaining a certain image have taken on him. He grapples with the fear of passing down his struggles to his child and the pain of losing loved ones, as seen in the poignant recounting of his loss to cancer. The song's climax, where he contemplates his own mortality, underscores the depth of his existential crisis. Yet, amidst this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope and resilience, as he holds up a flare, seeking a prayer, and ultimately feeling 'so alive.'

'Death In My Pocket' is a testament to MGK's ability to channel his pain into his art, creating a piece that resonates with the universal human experience of grappling with life's uncertainties and finding strength in vulnerability.