Meaning of "Waitin' 'Round to Die" by Whitey Morgan And The 78's

The lyrics of "Waitin' 'Round to Die" by Whitey Morgan And The 78's convey a bleak and desolate outlook on life. The narrator expresses their lack of direction and purpose, often resorting to vices such as gambling, alcohol, and aimless wandering to distract themselves. They highlight the vicious cycle of their existence, suggesting that engaging in self-destructive behaviors is an easier alternative to facing the despair and uncertainty of life head-on.

The mention of their abusive parents adds depth to the narrator's story, revealing the context from which their destructive tendencies may have originated. The horrifying act of their father beating their mother for crying demonstrates a tumultuous and unstable childhood. This trauma may have contributed to the narrator's subsequent struggles and their inclination to seek solace in unhealthy coping mechanisms.

The fleeting relationship mentioned in the lyrics further accentuates the narrator's unhealthy patterns. They fall for someone who ultimately takes advantage of them, leaving them stripped of their belongings. Desperate to numb the pain, they turn to alcohol, attempting to escape their reality. Boarding a train symbolizes their attempt to flee and find solace elsewhere.

The brief period of criminal activity highlights the narrator's desperation for an easy way out of their miserable existence. However, their actions result in punishment, as they are apprehended and serve a prison sentence. This serves as a wake-up call, forcing them to confront the consequences of their choices and reflecting on the futility of their actions.

The final verse introduces codeine as a friend and source of comfort for the narrator. Codeine becomes a substitute for the vices they relied on in the past, offering a different means of escape from their pain and suffering. The repetition of the phrase "waiting around to die" suggests a resignation to their fate, as if they have accepted that life is merely a waiting game until the end.

In essence, "Waitin' 'Round to Die" portrays a sense of hopelessness and resignation, depicting a life filled with despair, escapism, and self-destruction. The lyrics reflect the narrator's emotional and psychological state, revealing the impact of past trauma and their ongoing search for fleeting moments of solace amidst a bleak existence.