"Papers and Lines" by Jelly Roll is a song where he reflects on his life experiences and the struggles he has faced. The lyrics depict the hardships he endured from a young age, including getting in trouble with the law, facing rejection from girls, and being involved in criminal activities. The song begins with Jelly Roll talking about catching his first case at twelve years old, which marks the start of a troubled adolescence. He mentions selling drugs and getting involved in robberies, resulting in multiple stints in juvenile penitentiaries. Despite these setbacks, Jelly Roll talks about his determination to succeed and his love for music. He mentions his passion for writing and the dedication he puts into his craft, as he puts his "lifetime between the paper's lines." He sees music as an escape and hopes to make a name for himself as an artist. As the song progresses, Jelly Roll highlights some of his accomplishments, such as gaining recognition in the music industry and having relationships with beautiful women. However, he constantly reflects on the tough times he faced, including being charged as an adult at seventeen and serving time in prison. Jelly Roll also mentions the challenges he encountered in the music industry, such as struggling to sell his first mixtape and facing setbacks with his career. He talks about the losses he experienced, like losing friends to drug overdoses and violence. Despite all the ups and downs, Jelly Roll remains resilient and committed to his music. He acknowledges that his real-life experiences and authenticity make him stand out as an artist, even if some record labels refuse to sign him. He ends the song by expressing gratitude for the support he receives, mentioning rapper Juicy J, who recognizes and values his talent. Overall, "Papers and Lines" is a deeply personal song that reflects Jelly Roll's life journey, the obstacles he has overcome, and his unwavering dedication to music.
