Rocks

Primal Scream's song 'Rocks' paints a vivid and unflinching picture of urban life, filled with vice and survival. The lyrics delve into the underbelly of society, where dealers, thieves, and junkies are part of the everyday landscape. The repetition of phrases like 'Dealers keep dealin'' and 'Thieves keep thievin'' emphasizes the cyclical and unchanging nature of these activities. This portrayal suggests a world where illicit activities are normalized and inescapable, reflecting a sense of resignation and inevitability.

The chorus, 'Get your rocks off,' serves as a call to embrace hedonism and escape from the harsh realities of life. The phrase 'Get'em off downtown' implies that the pursuit of pleasure and release is found in the heart of the city, amidst its chaos and corruption. This hedonistic escape is portrayed as a temporary relief from the grim surroundings, a way to momentarily forget the struggles and moral decay that pervade the environment.

The song also touches on the futility of seeking redemption or change, as highlighted in the lines 'Ain't no use in prayin', That's the way it's stayin', baby.' This sentiment underscores a sense of hopelessness and acceptance of the status quo. The character Johnny, who 'always got a line for the ladies,' represents a figure who navigates this world with charm and cunning, yet remains a part of its unchanging cycle. Primal Scream's 'Rocks' is a raw and unapologetic commentary on the darker aspects of urban life, capturing the essence of a world where survival often means embracing the very vices that entrap its inhabitants.