Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Harlem Roulette” by The Mountain Goats
The song ‘Harlem Roulette’ by The Mountain Goats is a somber reflection on the often harsh realities of life in the inner city. Written from the perspective of someone still living in Harlem, the song paints a picture of a life of endless struggle and fighting against the odds. The titular image of a ‘Harlem Roulette’ stands for the sheer luck and randomness that comes with everyday life in the projects – the gamblers of life who take their chances in the streets.
The song describes a life of struggle and perseverance, as the narrator battles poverty and ignores the calls of the streets in order to remain on the right path. Even in the few moments of joy the song mentions, it’s tempered by the reality that there may not be much of a future to hope for. The song ends with a plea to the listener – ‘take me with you’, revealing a desperate need to escape the world of Harlem Roulette and the struggle it brings. Ultimately, The Mountain Goats capture the realities of life in inner-city America while also revealing the beauty and strength of the people living there.