"Rollo" is a song by the band Helmet from their 1992 album "Meantime." The lyrics depict a sense of self-pity and arrogance, reflecting the narrator's frustration with their own actions and the consequences they face. The song begins with the line "Sorry for myself, I've lost my kharmic wealth." This suggests that the narrator feels a sense of regret or loss in their life. They then mention having the ability to take something from someone else with "antiseptic stealth," indicating a willingness to exploit others for their own gain. The next line, "I'll dig my own grave, get my front yard paved," alludes to the idea of self-destruction and the narrator's own role in their downfall. They believe that hard work will lead to financial gain, with the phrase "there's always a penny earned, another dollar saved." The chorus, "What lies ahead, I always make my point, soak bread in dirty oil," reflects the narrator's pessimistic outlook. They believe that they will continue to face challenges and obstacles in the future. The phrase "soak bread in dirty oil" could symbolize their tendency to make bad choices or taint their own experiences. The line "Right's too strong a word, the neighborhood's been spoiled" suggests that the narrator sees themselves as more realistic than those around them. They believe that their perception of what is right or wrong differs from the common understanding. The "spoiled neighborhood" could refer to the negative impact they believe they have on their surroundings. The next line, "I know what I know, stuck that inner glow," reveals a stubbornness and refusal to listen or learn from others. The narrator believes they already possess all the knowledge they need and therefore have no time to learn. In the final verse, the narrator admits their wrongdoings but refuses to acknowledge them. They say, "I'm wrong, I won't admit it, I won't get it." This further demonstrates their arrogance and refusal to take responsibility for their actions. They ask for help to explain things, but it's unclear if they genuinely want help or are being sarcastic. Overall, "Rollo" portrays a character who is stuck in their own self-pity and arrogance. They believe they have lost their way in life and find it difficult to accept their mistakes. The lyrics highlight their inner conflict and the consequences they face due to their stubbornness and refusal to change.
