Meaning of The final roll by Childish Gambino

In Childish Gambino's song titled "The Final Roll," we are taken on a thought-provoking journey that challenges our understanding of the afterlife and the power of our minds. The song touches upon themes of perception, creation, and self-discovery, urging us to question our beliefs and explore the possibilities beyond what is commonly accepted.The overall theme of the song revolves around the concept of the afterlife and how our minds can shape our experiences beyond death. The protagonist, referred to as "the boy," wakes up in his room to find someone examining a flash drive filled with hacks. This figure turns out to be none other than Rick Astley, clad in his iconic "Never Gonna Give You Up" outfit and shades. The conversation that follows between the boy and Rick Astley is both enlightening and mind-bending.One of the standout lyrics in the song is when Rick Astley reveals, "This isn't real. You made this. You coded this." This lyric introduces the idea that our afterlives are not predetermined but rather a creation of our own minds. It challenges the conventional notion of heaven or hell and suggests that we have the agency to shape our experiences beyond death. This theme encourages us to ponder the extent of our control over our lives and how our thoughts can manifest our reality.Another important lyric in the song is when the boy questions whether near-death experiences are merely individuals' minds creating what they desire. Rick Astley confirms this by stating, "precisely," thereby expanding on the idea that our perceptions can shape our reality. This lyric invites us to consider the nature of perception, consciousness, and the power of our beliefs. It raises intriguing questions about the nature of reality itself and challenges us to explore the untapped potential of our minds.The song takes a fascinating turn when Rick Astley clarifies that he is not God but merely "the Rick Roll guy." This unexpected revelation adds a touch of humor to the song while also emphasizing the idea that our perceptions and beliefs can sometimes be misguided. It reminds us not to place unquestioning trust in individuals or ideas, but to critically examine and challenge what we think we know.As the song draws to a close, the boy wakes up in a hospital bed with Naomi, presumably his loved one, crying beside him. This final line, "He breathes," implies that the boy has returned to life after his journey beyond death. This lyric serves as a metaphor for rebirth, symbolizing the boy's newfound understanding and perspective on life and the afterlife. It suggests that through exploration and self-discovery, we can emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for the world around us.In summary, "The Final Roll" by Childish Gambino is a thought-provoking song that defies traditional notions of the afterlife and challenges our perceptions of reality. The various standout lyrics in the song explore themes of perception, creation, self-discovery, and the power of our minds. By encouraging us to question our beliefs and explore the possibilities beyond what is commonly accepted, the song invites us to embark on a journey of introspection and self-realization. It serves as a reminder that we have the ability to shape our own experiences and that our perceptions hold the key to unlocking a world of infinite potential.