The Meaning Behind The Song: Dragging These Roots by Jelly Roll

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Table of Contents

The Meaning Behind The Song: Dragging These Roots by Jelly Roll

TitleDragging These Roots
ArtistJelly Roll
Writer/ComposerBen Hayslip, Jesse Frasure & Josh Thompson
AlbumNot specified
Release DateJuly 28, 2023
GenreCountry

The Emotion and Depth of “Dragging These Roots”

“Dragging These Roots” is a heartfelt country song by Jelly Roll that resonates with anyone who has deep roots in their hometown. Listening to this song takes me back to my own experiences growing up in a small town, where traditions and memories cling to you like a second skin.

Jelly Roll opens the song by talking about growing up on a creek bank, with the music of old Hank Williams Sr. as his soundtrack. This imagery instantly transports listeners to a simpler time, where life moved at a slower pace and nature was a constant companion.

The lyrics paint a picture of the struggle to make a living in a small, faded town. Jelly Roll sings about the difficulty of earning a decent living, even when you leave, making it clear that the attachment to his roots, the place he calls home, is unbreakable.

The Symbolism of “Dragging These Roots”

The metaphor of roots is used throughout the song to illustrate a deep connection to one’s origins. Jelly Roll compares these roots to a bag of bones, indicating that they are heavy and burden-like. These roots are a part of him, shaping his identity, and no matter how far he may go or how much he may achieve, he cannot shake them off.

The heartfelt chorus further emphasizes the weight of these roots, with lines like “A hickory heart and a moonshine soul” and “A little more grit than a gravel road.” These lyrics symbolize resilience, strength, and a raw, authentic spirit that comes from growing up in a small town.

A Personal Connection

As I listen to “Dragging These Roots,” I am reminded of my own journey and the significance of my hometown in shaping who I am today. Like Jelly Roll, I also grew up in a small town, where traditions and values were passed down from generation to generation.

The song resonates with me because, no matter how far I have traveled or the experiences I’ve had, I am still tied to my roots. Just as Jelly Roll sings, I have a hickory heart and a moonshine soul, representing the determination and resilience I gained from my upbringing.

Final Thoughts

“Dragging These Roots” is a poignant country song that explores the deep connection and significance of a person’s roots. Jelly Roll captures the essence of hometown pride, the struggles faced in small towns, and the unbreakable attachment to the place that shaped who you are.

This song serves as a reminder that no matter where life takes you, your roots will always be a part of you. They are a source of strength, identity, and a reminder of the values instilled in you from your hometown. Like Jelly Roll, I am proud to be “dragging these roots” with me wherever I go.

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