Slow My Roll

Album: Born Free (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Kid Rock devised this mid-tempo track around the time when the phrase "slow your roll" was entering the popular lexicon. Typically, the phrase is used to tell someone to chill out (like a co-worker who thinks those meeting notes are critical). Rock, however, is addressing himself in this song about slowing down and taking life as it comes. It was released on his eighth album, Born Free.
  • After releasing a series of rap/rock albums in which Rock perfected his white-trash persona, it seems strange to hear him singing about "finding himself" on this song. During an interview with Billboard magazine, he was asked if the tune reflects where he now. The middle-aged Detroit rocker replied: "I've been gearing up to it with songs like 'Roll On.' I know I can't do what I've been doing the last 20 years forever, I understand that. But I think I've done a pretty good job of balancing it out. I've had my little run-ins here and there, but I haven't been to rehab. I've had my parties, I'll continue to have my fun.

    I think you've got to play at the level you're at. To sit here and try to do what I was doing at 22, I'd be out of mind. I've got to slow it down, but I didn't say 'stop my roll,' I said 'slow my roll.' I think it's important to always sing where I'm at, not try to make these songs relate to the youth. I've seen people do it and it just kind of makes me go, 'man what are they doing? That's not where they're at or who they are.

    I loved Bob Seger's last album Face the Promise, it just touched me so much. Whatever you think of the recording - I thought it was great - but just to hear him sing about where he's at in life, even not being there myself, I can relate. I've really taken a lot of direction from him, I think he's done it so gracefully."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.