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Cocaine, a potent and addictive stimulant, has long held a prominent place in popular culture, often glamorised in song lyrics. However, these lyrical portrayals are not limited to glorification; they also serve as cautionary tales, shedding light on the dark and destructive consequences of cocaine abuse.
In this article, we will delve into the world of songs featuring cocaine, exploring the lyrics, messages and the societal impact of these musical narratives. Moreover, we will emphasise the crucial link between these songs and the urgent need for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction to seek help.
*Disclaimer*
Many songs incorporate references to substance use as a way to capture the atmosphere and convey a particular mood. These references are often used for shock value, to tell a story or to create a vivid scene within the song. They may not necessarily reflect the artist’s personal endorsement or promotion of such behaviours.
Nevertheless, the purpose of this blog today is to present songs with explicit references to cocaine in their lyrics. Some references are overt, while others may be open to interpretation.
The Party Drug Narrative
Many songs over the years have romanticised cocaine use, especially in the party setting, painting it as a symbol of normality. Lyrics often depict cocaine as a glamorous indulgence, a shortcut and perhaps a guarantee to having a good time. These songs, while catchy and enticing, contribute to a skewed perception of the drug, potentially luring listeners into the dangerous world of addiction.
‘We Can’t Stop’ – Miley Cyrus
These lyrics paint a vivid picture of a party scene where everyone’s queuing up in the bathroom, eager to do lines of cocaine. It’s all about getting “turned up” and having a great time. The lyrics make it sound like using cocaine is just a regular and fun part of the party, which can be misleading and potentially harmful.
The problem with these lyrics lies in their potential impact on Miley Cyrus’ audience, especially considering the year of release, which was 2013. At that time, only two years had passed since her departure from the Disney Channel, implying that a significant portion of her audience consisted of children and teens. Portraying cocaine use in a manner that could be seen as condoning or normalising it for such a young audience is extremely concerning.
The same sentiment is also heavily references in the next song;
Everybody Nose – N*E*R*D
Well, it’s pretty obvious what this is about!
This line suggests a scenario where partygoers, likely women, are queuing up for the bathroom. At parties, the bathroom is often a place where people go to use drugs, including cocaine, in private.
“Cut you open and you’re just wired. You ain’t tired; you wanna cause a riot”
The mention of not being tired, wired and wanting to cause a riot could be seen as a reference to the heightened state of alertness and euphoria that cocaine use can induce.
“Baby, you partied all night in sixth gear”
This line implies that the person in question has been partying vigorously and for an extended period. The reference to “sixth gear” suggests a level of intensity and stamina that is often associated with the use of stimulant drugs like cocaine.
These lyrics can be concerning from a cocaine addiction perspective because they make drug use seem exciting and cool at a party. They describe the high energy and euphoria without mentioning the risks and negative consequences of cocaine. This kind of portrayal can make it tempting for some people to try the drug, leading to potential addiction.
The Drug Dealing Lure
In addition to songs that directly reference cocaine use, another concerning aspect of the musical narrative is the glamorisation of drug dealing. These songs often paint a seductive picture of the drug trade as a path to quick riches and power. However, this portrayal not only glorifies illegal and dangerous activities but also fuels the cycle of addiction, putting both the dealer and users at risk.
Cheese Slice- Casisdead
Casisdead’s rap style delves into the world of drug dealing with raw authenticity. His lyrics vividly portray the harsh realities, offering a gritty narrative that doesn’t glamorise but rather exposes the consequences and moral dilemmas. His storytelling and delivery add depth, making his portrayal of the subject matter striking and thought-provoking.
But, there are aspects of his work that could promote drug dealing, especially to an impressionable audience.
“And I’ve got mad love for these crackheads/ Cus yeah they bought me the Beamer/ Without ’em, life would be about as fun as a fractured femur / I’d still be a dreamer /So viva la cocaína”
In this verse, the rapper talks about how he’s fuelling the addiction of drug addicts and making enough money off them to buy a BMW. He then praises cocaine and states that without selling it, he’d still be dreaming about being rich.
“I’ve got fifteen years in the fridge/ Sitting next to a cheese slice / Hundred grams to be precise / That should suffice/ Help me on my way to them dizzy heights / Just hope they don’t catch me bang to rights”
In this verse, Casisdead raps about how he keeps 100 grams of (presumably) cocaine in the fridge, which should be enough for him to reach a super rich status (…them dizzy heights) once it’s sold.
The fact that he states that a huge quantity of cocaine (enough to get him 15 years in prison) is sitting casually next to a slice of cheese does a great job of trying to normalise the situation. But it doesn’t take a genius to understand that 100 grams of cocaine in your fridge is far from normal.
This normalcy could encourage people to become drug dealers with the promise of a ‘beamer’ and riches that reach ‘dizzy heights’.
The Cautionary Cocaine Tale
While some songs glorify cocaine, others serve as cautionary tales, shedding light on the dark side of addiction. These narratives expose the harrowing consequences of cocaine abuse, often focusing on the toll it takes on individuals and their relationships. They offer a stark contrast to the glamorous facade presented in other songs.
The A Team- Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team” subtly highlights cocaine addiction through poignant imagery. The lyrics painted a picture of physical decay, alluding to inhaling crack cocaine and its destructive effects. This hit song shed light on the tragic consequences of substance abuse without overtly glamorising it.
“White lips, pale face / Breathin’ in the snowflakes / Burnt lungs, sour taste”
The “white lips” and “pale face” imagery can be indicative of the physical toll that drug use, particularly cocaine, can take on an individual. “Breathin’ in the snowflakes” alludes to the act of inhaling cocaine powder through the nose. “Burnt lungs” and the “sour taste” may signify the harshness of inhaling cocaine and the detrimental impact on one’s respiratory system.
“She’s in the Class A Team”
The reference to the “Class A Team” is a direct nod to the classification of drugs, with Class A drugs typically being the most harmful and addictive, including cocaine. Calling someone “in the Class A Team” could imply involvement with or addiction to these substances.
“An angel will die / Covered in white / Closed eyes and hopin’ for a better life”
These lines metaphorically describe the tragic consequences of addiction. “Covered in white” could refer to cocaine use, and “an angel will die” alludes to the devastating impact of addiction, possibly suggesting a fatal overdose.
Overall, these lyrics poignantly paint a picture of a person struggling with the harsh realities of cocaine addiction, capturing both the physical toll and the desperate hope for a better life.
White Lines – Grandmaster Melle Mel
Grandmaster Melle Mel’s “White Lines”
This song highlighted cocaine addiction by vividly portraying its destructive impact. The lyrics depicted the allure and consequences of cocaine use, emphasising how it could lead to financial ruin and personal degradation. This iconic track served as a cautionary tale during the 1980s epidemic of cocaine abuse.
These lines bluntly describe a desperate situation. He has taken whatever money he had and used it to buy and consume cocaine by snorting it. This illustrates the destructive nature of addiction, as individuals may prioritise drugs over their basic needs.
“Either up your nose or through your vein / With nothing to gain except killing your brain”
This verse directly references the methods of ingesting cocaine, either by snorting (“up your nose”) or injecting (“through your vein”). It also highlights the devastating effects of the drug, suggesting that there is no benefit except for the harm it inflicts on the user’s brain.
The path to seeking help
If you or someone you know is struggling with a cocaine addiction, it’s essential to understand that help is available, and you don’t have to face this battle alone. Addiction is a formidable opponent, but with the right support, recovery is possible.
Sanctuary Lodge can provide you with the resources, expertise and compassionate care needed to break free from the grip of addiction. If you’re ready to seek help for cocaine addiction or if you have questions about our services, reach out to us today.
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