Cut The Line

Album: Ego Trip (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Cut the Line" tackles a powerful theme of internal conflict and the desire to break free. The central message explodes in the final lines of the chorus.

    If you listen to the voice inside
    C-c-c-cut the line


    The "voice inside" represents negativity, self-doubt, or whatever is keeping Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix trapped. "Cutting the line" signifies silencing that voice and taking control of your own narrative.
  • Papa Roach wrote and produced the hard-hitting banger along with producers Nicholas "RAS" Furlong and Colin Brittain. Furlong and Brittain have been regular collaborators since the band's 2017 Crooked Teeth album.
  • Papa Roach recorded "Cut The Line" for their 11th studio album, Ego Trip. They initially released it as a promotional single a month before they dropped the album. Fans graduated to its relatable theme and powerful message, so they recorded a remix featuring Caleb Shomo of Beartooth. Released as a single in advance of the deluxe edition release of Ego Trip, it topped Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart dated May 13, 2023. This marked their ninth #1 on the chart, solidifying their reign since their first conquest in 2009 with "Lifeline."
  • Jacoby Shaddix' brother, Bryson Roatch, directed the "Cut The Line" performance video. It transports Papa Roach back to the gritty, smoke-filled soul of their early practice space. Bryson Roatch is the band's full-time creative director.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.