Released: 2024
Jelly Roll’s “Get By” is a raw and emotional track that delves into his struggles and coping mechanisms. The song talks about his battles with addiction, the pain he’s endured, and how he manages to survive despite it all. It’s a reflection of his resilience and vulnerability.
The hook, “I might drink a little, I might smoke a lot, Countin’ down the good times, starin’ down the clock, Throw some hallelujahs to the big man in the sky, Show up Sunday morning, lookin’ just like last night,” captures the essence of the song. Jelly Roll uses substances to cope, but he still holds onto some faith, even if it’s just a sliver.
In the first verse, Jelly Roll sings, “I light every bridge I see, yeah, just to watch it burn, If you’d seen all the hell I’ve seen, it’d make your stomach turn.” This line speaks to his self-destructive tendencies and the trauma he’s experienced. Burning bridges is a metaphor for ending relationships or opportunities, often out of anger or pain.
He continues, “I think you know why I do what I do when I do, mm, I could tell some stories ’bout some things you won’t believe.” Here, Jelly Roll hints at the untold stories of his life, suggesting that his actions are a result of his past experiences. It’s a way of saying that his behavior is shaped by his history.
The line, “It takes more than an album now to set this sinner free,” suggests that music alone isn’t enough to heal him. Despite pouring his heart into his art, the pain and struggles run deeper than what can be expressed in a few songs.
In the chorus, Jelly Roll repeats the hook, emphasizing his reliance on substances and faith to get by. It’s a cycle of indulgence and seeking redemption, showing the complexity of his coping mechanisms.
The second verse starts with, “Thousand miles of gravel, I’ve been walking with no shoes, No matter how far I come, I can’t outrun my roots.” This imagery of walking barefoot on gravel symbolizes the hardships he’s faced. No matter how much he tries to move forward, his past continues to haunt him.
He repeats, “I think you know why I do what I do when I do,” reinforcing the idea that his actions are deeply rooted in his past. It’s a reminder that his behavior isn’t random but a response to his experiences.
The bridge, “I might drink a little (that’s how I get by), Counting down the good times (that’s how I get by), Throw some hallelujahs (that’s how I get by), Show up Sunday morning smellin’ just like last night, ah,” reiterates the main theme. Jelly Roll uses substances and faith as a way to cope with his pain.
In the final chorus, Jelly Roll repeats the hook, driving home the message of the song. His struggles are ongoing, and his methods of coping remain the same. It’s a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of addiction and the constant battle to find peace.
“Get By” is a testament to Jelly Roll’s resilience and honesty. The song sheds light on the darker aspects of his life while also highlighting his determination to keep going. It’s a raw and unfiltered look into his world, making it relatable to anyone who’s faced similar struggles.
