My Bacon Roll

Mark Knopfler's song 'My Bacon Roll' is a reflective piece that delves into themes of nostalgia, resistance to change, and the mundane aspects of everyday life. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who feels out of place in the modern world, clinging to simpler times and familiar comforts. The repeated mention of a 'bacon roll' serves as a metaphor for these comforts, symbolizing a connection to the past and a resistance to the new and unfamiliar.

The song opens with the protagonist asserting that he 'never got the elbow,' a colloquial way of saying he was never dismissed or rejected. This sets the tone for a narrative of self-assurance and defiance. He recounts moments of disconnection, such as opting out of team-building activities like bowling and white-water rafting, preferring instead to have a beer or a smoke. These anecdotes highlight his reluctance to conform to new social norms and corporate culture, which he finds absurd and alienating.

Knopfler's lyrics also touch on the passage of time and the obsolescence of certain practices and values. The reference to 'a wad of cash' being 'out of date' parallels the protagonist's own feelings of being outdated, much like 'pie and mash,' a traditional British dish. The song's conversational tone, punctuated by the repeated query 'Have you got my roll? My roll? My bacon roll?' underscores the protagonist's yearning for the familiar and his struggle to find his place in a rapidly changing world.

The song's blend of humor and melancholy, coupled with Knopfler's signature storytelling style, makes 'My Bacon Roll' a poignant commentary on the challenges of aging and the resistance to change. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt left behind by the relentless march of progress, offering a comforting reminder that it's okay to hold on to the things that make us feel grounded and secure.