Meaning of "Rats And Roaches" by Calvin Russell

The lyrics of "Rats And Roaches" by Calvin Russell paint a picture of despair and hardship that the narrator is facing in various aspects of their life. The malfunctioning car symbolizes a lack of reliable transportation, hindering their ability to move forward. The rats and roaches in the kitchen represent poverty and hunger, with the pests literally eating away at the narrator's sustenance. The reference to welfare beans and rice highlights the narrator's financial struggles and dependence on limited resources. The storm on their "deep blue sea" reflects emotional turmoil and chaos in their personal life. The presence of a "brown-headed lady" who is making a "crazy fool" out of the narrator suggests a troubled relationship adding to their overall feeling of being overwhelmed and trapped in difficult circumstances. Ultimately, the song captures a sense of powerlessness in the face of numerous challenges and adversities.