Meaning and Lyrics of Drugs by Joy Oladokun

Joy Oladokun’s “Drugs” is a multifaceted exploration of substance use, emotional turmoil, and the stark realities of human connection that transcends mere addiction narratives. In a world where personal struggles are often dressed in glamorous façades, Oladokun tears down the veil, inviting listeners into her raw, introspective world.

Right off the bat with the Intro, we have a candid opening line, “Probably shouldn’t be stoned as f**k,” which sets a tone not only of self-awareness but also hints at the humor and tragedy woven into the narrative of addiction. This line serves as a declaration that Oladokun is in a self-reflective space, immediately engaging the audience with honesty that feels both relatable and disarming.

The Chorus is where the heart of the song lays bare its emotional weight. The refrain, “The drugs don’t work,” acts as a melancholy mantra, emphasizing a disillusionment with escapism through substances. The request for a “new way to survive” is emblematic of someone who has confronted the limitations of drugs—a sentiment that echoes through various genres, notably in the confessional stylings of artists like Elliott Smith and more recently, Billie Eilish. This is a call for resilience and transformation but also an acknowledgment of helplessness.

In Verse 1, the nostalgia for the “good old days” serves as a double-edged sword. It evokes a time when using substances felt liberating, yet simultaneously highlights how those moments have dulled into a painful reminder of lost joy. The line, “take a hit of that good shit / And feel your troubles fade away,” resonates with anyone who has sought temporary relief in vices, reinforcing the seductive allure of drugs and their eventual betrayal. It’s a critical moment in the song, as it establishes the initial euphoria that leads to deeper struggles—a dichotomy that Oladokun skillfully navigates.

The Pre-Chorus reiterates a clash between desire and reality: “I guess I’ve got to make a change.” Here, Oladokun acknowledges the paralysis that comes from being within this cycle of dependency, amplifying the internal conflict that many face when grappling with addiction. The line, “I’m not sober, I’m just over / Tryin’ to smoke away the rage,” presents a stark realization; being sober isn’t merely the absence of drugs, but a far more complex and daunting process of confronting one’s emotions and unresolved pain.

Verse 2 deepens this theme of emotional exhaustion, wherein Oladokun’s worldview feels increasingly suffocating. The admission of “I’ve been running on empty” encapsulates the feeling of depletion that often accompanies both addiction and mental anguish. The mention of “reopened old wounds” speaks volumes about the aftermath of past traumas, punctuating the destructive cycle of avoiding pain only to have it resurfaced, often more aggressively.

Moving to the Bridge, the lyrics poignantly capture the futility of using substances in the quest for healing: “All the wine and the weed / Just won’t heal my disease.” This line serves as a harsh reminder against glorifying substance use. Here, Oladokun pulls back the curtain on the superficiality of the perceived relief; it’s a reminder that true healing necessitates more than temporary distractions, challenging listeners to confront their truths rather than bypass them.

As the song cycles back through the Chorus, the repetition creates a cathartic rhythm that mirrors the relentless nature of these struggles. The apparent frustration in “my friends don’t call / Unless they need a ride” exemplifies the isolation that can accompany substance abuse, illustrating how relationships can warp into transactional exchanges rather than genuine connections. It’s a bleak yet poignant commentary on how substance use often erodes personal relationships, leaving one feeling as if they are merely a shadow of themselves—an easy means to an end without real compassion.

The Outro culminates the emotional journey with a haunting repetition of the need to “look for a new way to survive.” This final resolution is both desperate and hopeful, encapsulating the eternal struggle between despair and the desire for change. It’s a moment that resonates deeply, pulling the listener into a contemplative space long after the song fades out.

Occupying a space between vulnerability and bravery, Oladokun’s “Drugs” encapsulates the complex layers of addiction, emotional distress, and the quest for genuine connection. Through potent lyricism and heartfelt delivery, Joy Oladokun not only reflects her personal truth but also invites a broader conversation about these often stigmatized struggles. The track is an embodiment of her artistic evolution—evidence that she stands poised to become one of the essential voices of her generation, bridging the gap between personal vulnerability and universal truth.