Released: 2024
Features: Tech N9ne, Alex Terrible
Ronald by Falling In Reverse, featuring Tech N9ne and Alex Terrible, dives into the transition from innocence to the harsh realities of adult life. It’s a blunt outcry against the world’s darkness, underlined by a recognition of inner demons and societal evils. This song isn’t just a tune; it’s a bold wake-up call to the chilling truths that surround us.
The opening lines “Once upon a time, everything was alright” sets up a stark before-and-after picture of life. The song quickly pivots to a realization that the world is far from the safe haven it once seemed. The imagery of death knocking on the door and the notion of cutting the cord from being a parasite hints at a desire to break free from a life that’s draining and unfulfilling.
The repeated lines “pull from the depths of the 36 chambers” is primarily rooted in references to the Wu-Tang Clan and the classic martial arts film “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.” The Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” is a significant piece of hip-hop history, known for its gritty lyricism and martial arts motifs. Additionally, “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” is a film that follows the protagonist through rigorous training in Shaolin martial arts, symbolizing the ultimate test of skill and perseverance.
This suggests they’re drawing upon deep-seated strength and learned abilities, with “walking on a razor’s edge … blood running black” speaks of a life lived on the edge and full of danger. It’s reflecting both the self-defensive themes of the film and the combative spirit of Wu-Tang’s music. Furthermore, deeper interpretations connect the lyrics to a deeply personal incident, adding layers of struggle and resilience to the song.
The lines “I don’t wanna die / But I’m not gonna live / In a place so cold in a world like this” speak to a sense of existential despair. The expression of refusal to surrender or conform, even if it means facing eternity in “burn.” This symbolizes a defiance against societal and possibly internal pressures that seek to stifle individuality or spirit.
The narrative then shifts to a deeper exploration of confronting one’s demons, with vivid imagery of a dead man and the devil. This part of the song reflects an internal battle, suggesting that sometimes the greatest struggles are within ourselves. The mention of “the devil that you know” underscores the idea that familiar vices or evils can be as tantalizing as they are destructive.
Featuring Tech N9ne’s verse, the song delves into societal and personal turmoil, like the references to tragic events and personal battles. Tech N9ne’s rapid-fire delivery and references to real-world violence (like the Mandalay Bay shooting) ground the song’s thematic elements in stark reality, highlighting how external chaos feeds into internal conflict.
The song concludes on an ambiguous note with “Spiraling out of control / And deeper down the rabbit hole,” indicating a continual struggle with darkness both in the outer world and within. Ronald doesn’t offer solutions but instead presents a raw, unfiltered look at battling through a world riddled with existential dread and seeking strength in the face of adversity.
In essence, Ronald is a sonic journey through the darker parts of the human experience, framed against a backdrop of rock and rap fusion. Its message is as compelling as it is somber, encouraging listeners to face the darkness head-on, all while navigating the thin line between destruction and survival.
