Ricky40’s Be Like Me is a Rebellious Anthem with Honest Lyrics

Ricky40 definitely has a hit on his hands. The moment I heard “Be Like Me”, I knew it was going to be a favorite. It’s instantly catchy and impossible to resist. The song’s rebellious lyrics embrace the life of a misfit, rule breaker, and heartbreaker, and the kind of kid parents love to hate. Ricky40 drives the point home with the lyric: “you’re the reason that your mama cries.” The lyrics are dark, all about a time when Ricky40 was struggling with drug addiction. However, the playful vocal delivery adds a lighthearted touch to the song, giving the song a strong pop sensibility. This is definitely one of the best songs that Rock the Pigeon has heard this year. Chances are, you’ll be singing along to it, too.

“I was 22 when I wrote this song and at a really low point in my addiction. When it all came crashing down, one of the hardest parts was thinking about how it would affect my 3 younger brothers (My Dad remarried, so they were in middle school at the time). All my Dad wanted from me was to be a good example for them and it wasn’t really until I was back at square one trying to pick up all the pieces that I realized I failed. This song is me giving advice to them and my best effort to make something good out of a dark time in my life (even though they won’t hear it ’til they’re a little older.)

 

I recorded the initial demo for it a couple years ago while I was living in New York. For a while I had it in my head that I should try and pitch it to a bigger artist but I feel like a part of me always knew I’d end up releasing it myself, mainly because it’s so specific to my experience. I think it just took me a little while to build myself back up to where I felt confident/comfortable putting it out there and that’s where I’m at now.”  – Ricky40