"Better Off Alone" is a song by Jelly Roll featuring Mackenzie Nicole. The song expresses themes of struggle with addiction, loneliness, and the desire for escape from inner demons. In the opening lyrics, Jelly Roll describes being overwhelmed by his pain, drowning it with bourbon and fighting with his inner demons. He expresses a longing for the demons to go away and feels like there's no light in his life anymore. He fears what tomorrow holds, as his reliance on alcohol may ultimately lead to his downfall. Mackenzie Nicole joins Jelly Roll in the chorus, adding her perspective on feeling lost and disconnected. She acknowledges her mistakes and the long journey she has taken, feeling far away from home. She pleads for someone to help her but feels something inside her prevents her from finding peace. She contemplates giving up and being better off alone. Jelly Roll continues in the next verse, describing how he feels like he's at the end of his rope, on the edge of falling. He carries physical and emotional scars, which society may perceive as strength, but they also trigger the return of his demons. He battles with the fear that these demons will consume him. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the recognition that both Jelly Roll and Mackenzie Nicole believe they are better off alone. They express their need for help and their desire for someone to come and save them from their struggles. However, they also have a sense of resignation, accepting that they may have to face these challenges alone. Overall, "Better Off Alone" dives into the emotional turmoil and battles faced by those dealing with addiction and internal conflicts. The song captures the longing for solace and the struggle to find light amidst darkness, while ultimately acknowledging that sometimes being alone may be the only option.
