Meaning and Lyrics of Roll The Bones by Shakey Graves

Shakey Graves, known offstage as Alejandro Rose-Garcia, unfurls a tapestry of existential musings in his song “Roll The Bones”. This track isn’t just another folk tune – it’s a poignant exploration of life’s uncertainties and the reckless abandon one might embrace when faced with them.

Verse 1 intricately weaves images of legacy and dispossession. “That sweet heirloom, them abbey stones” conjures thoughts of treasured possessions and sacred traditions, elements carefully preserved over time. Yet, he juxtaposes this with the invitation to “take a chance and roll the bones”. Here, Shakey Graves is urging us to gamble with life, stripping away the false sense of security provided by material wealth or societal norms. The action of cutting off one’s hair and unplugging the phone symbolizes a radical departure from conformity and communication – it’s a severing of ties with the familiar.

The repetition of “sell your belongings, all your clever drawings” reinforces this idea of shedding one’s old skin. The “drawings” likely symbolize one’s carefully curated identity or life’s work. The phrase “try to make a dollar from the grave” is a stark commentary on the futility of material pursuits after death. It implies a critique of capitalist endeavors where people exhaust their lives accumulating wealth that ultimately holds no value in the grave. The pondering “Oh, but who’s to blame?” suggests an underlying frustration with societal structures that drive such futile pursuits.

Verse 2 continues the motif of clashing worlds with “Them city boys in country clothes”. This lyric paints a picture of individuals embodying contradictory roles, perhaps torn between aspirations and reality. The reckless advice to “Go crash your car, burn down your home” epitomizes nihilistic abandon. It’s an intense call to destroy the symbols of stability and permanence that often bind us in routines and expectations.

The Bridge takes a more introspective turn, addressing the psychological aftermath of unresolved animosities and financial obligations. “Try to forget all them enemies and debts” speaks to the persistent nature of past grievances – they chase you and haunt your dreams, souring your outlook on life. This segment captures the cyclical nature of worry and regret, where attempts to escape often result in being ensnared more deeply in one’s fears and disillusionments.

Verse 3 strikes the core of life’s ultimate certainty – death. The exhortation to “struggle all you like, put up the good fight” addresses the human condition, where resistance and perseverance are celebrated, yet ultimately remain poignant in their futility. “They say that someday everybody dies alone” is a sobering acknowledgment of mortality’s isolating nature. Despite society’s best efforts to create meaning and connections, death remains an isolating end.

However, the final thrice-repeated questioning of “who knows?” injects a flicker of uncertainty. It suggests that amid life’s known inevitabilities, there exists a realm of unknown possibilities. This open-ended conclusion allows listeners a moment of reflection, recognizing life’s dichotomies while also pondering its mysteries.

Musically, “Roll The Bones” is rooted in folk traditions but laden with modern existential angst. Shakey Graves’ gravelly voice lends a raw authenticity that resonates with the song’s themes. His adept guitar work and use of rhythmic simplicity highlight the song’s lyrical profundity without overwhelming it. This composition matches the lyrical content perfectly – sparse, deliberate, and hauntingly resonant.

In conclusion, “Roll The Bones” is a masterful exploration of life’s uncertainties and existential dilemmas, anchored by Shakey Graves’ poetic storytelling and evocative musicality. Each verse peels back layers of human experience, challenging listeners to consider what truly matters as they navigate the capricious journey of life.