"Rocks" is a song by Australian singer Jessica Mauboy. The lyrics depict a gritty and rough urban environment, highlighting the vices and struggles that exist within society. The song paints a picture of a city filled with dealers, thieves, prostitutes, and junkies going about their respective activities. The first verse mentions the continuation of these negative behaviors, with dealers dealing, thieves stealing, and prostitutes engaging in their profession. The reference to junkies scoring drugs and trade happening on the meat rack (likely referring to illegal activities) further emphasizes the scene of an illicit urban setting. Strip joints filled with hunchbacks and bitches continuously complaining further add to the bleakness portrayed in the lyrics. The chorus encourages individuals to find pleasure and release from their problems by "getting their rocks off." It suggests shaking off their troubles and temporarily escaping the harsh realities downtown. This phrase can be interpreted as seeking joy and enjoyment amidst the chaos and hardships. The second verse continues to portray the dark side of the city, with mentions of creeps crawling, drunks falling, and holy joes preaching. It also mentions cops busting and hustlers hustling, illustrating the persisting cycle of negative actions. The line about death knocking and souls being up for auction adds to the overall gloomy and desperate tone of the song. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that there is no point in praying or hoping for change because this is how things are, as depicted in the song. The reference to a character named Johnny, who always has a line for the ladies, could suggest that there are individuals who navigate through this world of chaos by exploiting others, especially women. Overall, "Rocks" paints a vivid picture of a gritty urban landscape caught in a cycle of negative behaviors and struggles. It explores the concept of seeking temporary relief and pleasure amidst the chaos, emphasizing the harsh realities that exist in this environment.
