Roulette
Machine Gun Kelly (mgk)
Rolling Through Life's High Stakes: The Grit and Glory of 'Roulette' by Machine Gun Kelly
Machine Gun Kelly's 'Roulette' is a raw and unfiltered dive into the high-stakes life of the artist, blending themes of survival, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of success. The song's title itself, 'Roulette,' suggests a game of chance, reflecting the unpredictable and often dangerous path MGK navigates. The repeated line, 'This that mothafuckin' rider music,' sets the tone for a gritty, adrenaline-fueled journey, where the stakes are life and death, and the only certainty is the constant motion forward.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of MGK's life, filled with close calls and brushes with mortality. Lines like 'how many times you gon' play with death before you 30?' and 'these people want me in a casket, still I'm rollin'' highlight the ever-present danger and the defiance with which he faces it. The reference to Danny Ocean, the mastermind from the 'Ocean's Eleven' film series, underscores MGK's ambition and the camaraderie he shares with his closest allies, all on a mission to achieve wealth and success against the odds.
MGK also delves into his personal struggles and the harsh realities of his upbringing. He references the tragic fate of River Phoenix and contrasts it with his own desire to enjoy the fruits of his labor. The line 'I ain't going out like River Phoenix' signifies his determination to avoid a premature end. The song also touches on betrayal and the pain of losing trust in those once considered close, as seen in 'you learn it's your own homies you knew since the beginning that see you winning and then wanna see you finished.' This betrayal fuels his drive, making him more resilient and focused on his goals.
'Roulette' is a testament to MGK's resilience and his refusal to be defined by his past or the dangers that surround him. It's a powerful anthem of survival, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of success, capturing the essence of a life lived on the edge, where every move is a gamble, but the drive to keep rolling never fades.