Meaning of "Rock N' Roll Outlaw" by Clutch

The lyrics of "Rock N' Roll Outlaw" are a celebration of rebellion and the liberating power of rock music. The song plays with the dichotomy between the North and the South, referring to the way different regions view rebels and Yankees. The lyrics suggest that those who conform to societal expectations are "born to do the hokey-pokey," while the rock outlaws defy conventions and embrace their individuality. The line "With the skillet lickin' time keepers, the grinnin' reapers of a missionary rock star" implies that these outlaws are skilled musicians who challenge the traditional notion of what it means to be a rock star.

The song also includes references to mythology and popular culture, referencing Sisyphus, Genesis, and the Weeble Wobble Hot Rod Gang. These references further emphasize the rebellious, nonconformist spirit of the song. The lyrics suggest that those who can't handle the heaviness and intensity of rock music are "hung among the houses of the rising tongue." This implies that rock music is a powerful force that can separate the true rebels from the conformists.

The chorus repeatedly declares "where rock is criminal, criminals rock!" This line encapsulates the central theme of the song, portraying rock music as a form of criminality that allows individuals to break free from societal constraints and express themselves authentically. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their inner "rock n' roll outlaw" and revel in the freedom and rebelliousness that rock music represents.