Who Wrote Last Resort Papa Roach?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of alternative rock, chances are you’ve heard of Papa Roach’s hit song “Last Resort.” But have you ever wondered who wrote it? In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the song and its origins.

History of Papa Roach

First, let’s talk about the band itself. Papa Roach is an American rock band that formed in California in 1993.

The band consists of lead vocalist Jacoby Shaddix, guitarist Jerry Horton, bassist Tobin Esperance, and drummer Tony Palermo. They gained popularity in the early 2000s with hits like “Scars,” “Getting Away with Murder,” and of course, “Last Resort.”

The Origins of Last Resort

“Last Resort” was released in 2000 as the lead single from Papa Roach’s debut album “Infest.” The song was written by Tobin Esperance, the band’s bassist. In an interview with Songfacts, Esperance explained that he wrote the song during a difficult time in his life:

“I was going through some personal stuff at home and I was just really down about everything. I remember sitting at home one day and just kind of picked up my bass and started playing that riff.”

The riff he’s referring to is the iconic opening guitar riff that sets the tone for the entire song.

The Meaning Behind Last Resort

“Last Resort” is a powerful song that deals with themes of depression and suicide. The lyrics tell the story of someone who feels like they have no other option but to end their own life:

“Cause I’m losing my sight
Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I’m fine
Nothing’s alright
Nothing is fine
I’m running and I’m crying”

The chorus of the song features Shaddix screaming the now-famous lines:

“Cut my life into pieces
This is my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing
Don’t give a f*** if I cut my arm, bleeding”

The song’s lyrics struck a chord with listeners and became an anthem for those struggling with mental health issues. It’s a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and help available.

The Impact of Last Resort

“Last Resort” was a massive success for Papa Roach, reaching number one on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and becoming one of the most popular songs of 2000. The song’s success helped propel “Infest” to multi-platinum status and cemented Papa Roach’s place in rock history.

In conclusion, “Last Resort” is an iconic song that has stood the test of time. Written by Tobin Esperance during a difficult period in his life, the song has become an anthem for those struggling with mental health issues. Its impact on the music world cannot be overstated and it remains one of Papa Roach’s most beloved songs to this day.