"Still My Hero" by Jelly Roll is a heartfelt and emotional tribute song to the artist's late father. The lyrics depict Jelly Roll's longing to connect with his father and the pain he feels from his loss. The song begins with Jelly Roll questioning if his father can hear him, see him, and free him from the memories that hold him back. He reflects on his father's presence in his life and wonders if he has lived up to his expectations. The memory of his father's passing replays in his mind, and while he tries to be strong for others, he admits to breaking down tonight. Jelly Roll reminisces about the lessons his father taught him, expressing gratitude for the impact he had in shaping his identity. He acknowledges his father's unyielding dedication and sacrifice for him. However, he also witnessed his father's struggles, particularly when he found it difficult to walk. The lyrics explore the pain and struggle Jelly Roll experiences as he copes with the loss. He reflects on his father being taken away, leaving him with a void that cannot be filled. He addresses the person responsible for causing his heartbreak and stealing his friend, the man who made him who he is today. The mask he wears represents the façade he puts on to hide his pain from the world. The song continues with Jelly Roll reminiscing about the rapidity of losing something or someone we love. He describes the cycle of life and the contrast of watching his father take his last breath while he took his first. Jelly Roll reveals his sleepless night and how he drives through Antioch, seeking solace while smoking a joint and crying. He vividly recalls his father's bravery in the face of death, holding onto the lessons he taught him. Throughout the song, Jelly Roll expresses his admiration for his father's strength, his ability to confront death without fear, and his acceptance of life's journey. He wishes he possessed the same resilience and cherishes the memories shared with his father. He acknowledges the impact his father had on him and his siblings and how they struggle to cope with his absence. In the final verses, Jelly Roll reflects on the love and appreciation they expressed for his father while he was alive. He emphasizes the importance of love and bravery, values his father instilled in him, and expresses a longing for Heaven to have visitation hours. The song concludes with a mention of conversations with God becoming a way for Jelly Roll and his siblings to find solace, as they navigate their grief and hold onto the memory of their beloved father. Overall, "Still My Hero" is a deeply personal and poignant tribute from Jelly Roll to his late father, honoring the impact his father had on his life and expressing the struggles he faces in dealing with his loss.
