With his new single “Some Way of Life,” released on July 28, 2025, singer-songwriter Ian Roland delivers a raw, poetic, and deeply resonant reflection on the pain of human conflict—both personal and societal. Known for his thoughtful lyrics and understated instrumentation, Roland continues to carve a space in the UK folk-rock scene where emotion is laid bare and the message matters as much as the melody.
From the opening lines—“Must be some way of living, where I don’t hurt you anymore / Must be some way of living, where you don’t kill me every day”—Roland sets the emotional tone with a brutal kind of honesty. It’s a song that doesn’t shy away from discomfort. Instead, it leans into the complexity of fractured relationships, be they romantic, familial, political, or even spiritual.
“Some Way of Life” feels like a plea. Not a grand protest anthem, but a quiet, introspective cry for change. The repeated phrase “must be some way of living” becomes a mantra, expressing longing for a kinder, less destructive existence. Roland’s vocal delivery carries a weary sincerity—subtle and vulnerable, yet firm in its conviction. He doesn’t just sing the words; he inhabits them.
Lyrically, the track explores the small and large systems that trap us—“some system that caught us, way back when somehow”—and the inner battles we fight to unlearn harmful patterns. There’s an almost philosophical depth here, asking how we keep finding ourselves locked in cycles of hurt and misunderstanding, and how we might step outside of them.
The instrumentation is restrained but powerful. Roland’s acoustic guitar forms the emotional backbone of the song, while Dave Coomber’s bass adds quiet gravity, grounding the verses in a steady pulse. James Chapman’s drums stay unobtrusive yet add movement, supporting the ebb and flow of tension in the lyrics. But it’s Mishkin Fitzgerald’s piano and backing vocals that really elevate the track—adding warmth, melancholy, and a subtle melodic lift, particularly in the choruses.
The production, handled by Ian Roland and Jake Skinner at Brighton Road Recording Studios, is intimate and crisp. There’s no overproduction here. Every instrument and voice is allowed space to breathe, which suits the song’s contemplative nature. The final mastering by Bob Macciochi gives the track a polished finish without sacrificing its authenticity.
In a time when so many songs aim to be instantly digestible, “Some Way of Life” takes a different approach. It invites reflection. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does point toward the possibility of change—of choosing a path that doesn’t revolve around retaliation or regret. It’s about breaking a curse, both personal and collective.
There’s also a poignant sense of realism running through the song. Lines like “storms ahead brewing, lighting up the same sky” remind us that conflict and uncertainty aren’t going anywhere. But the hope is in the choice to stop digging metaphorical holes, to find a way of living that aligns, heals, and unites.
Ian Roland’s “Some Way of Life” is a beautifully written and performed single that stands as one of his most compelling works to date. With layered lyrics, rich instrumentation, and heartfelt delivery, Roland crafts a song that feels as necessary as it is moving.
For fans of poetic folk-rock, introspective songwriting, or anyone grappling with the tension between conflict and connection, “Some Way of Life” is not just worth a listen—it’s worth living with.
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