The song "Porch" by GRIP is a reflection on the struggles and challenges faced by the artist and his friends as they navigate life in their neighborhood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the setting, with references to the front porch, empty beer bottles, Newport shorts (cigarettes), and conversations between friends. The song touches on themes of poverty, desperation, and the harsh realities of life in a marginalized community. The artist talks about resorting to illegal activities to make ends meet, such as scrambling for cash and waiting for food stamps. However, they acknowledge their limited opportunities for advancement, symbolized by the lack of passports and having to settle for paper plates and plastic forks. The lyrics also address the presence of violence in their neighborhood, with mentions of ambulance lights, encounters with armed robbers, and the constant fear of being suspected by the police due to racial profiling. The artist expresses their desire to escape this cycle of violence and poverty, realizing that their actions may lead to more harm than good. The chorus emphasizes the regret of not staying on the metaphorical "porch," which symbolizes a place of safety or innocence. The artist acknowledges that growing up too quickly and being forced to face the harsh realities of life has led to negative consequences. They lament the missed opportunities and the shortness of life. In essence, "Porch" is a gritty and introspective track that sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and the importance of staying on the metaphorical "porch" to avoid getting caught up in dangerous situations.
