“If I Get High” by Nothing But Thieves Lyric Analysis
“If I Get High” by Nothing But Thieves is a song that explores the darker side of life, delving into themes of addiction, depression, and the desire to escape from one’s problems. Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics to understand the meaning behind the song:
Verse 1: “Kneeling in the sand, to a nothing man Dirt is all we stand on How we love our blood, how we love our sweat I feel it in my skin, feel it in my breath”
In the opening lines of the song, the singer sets the scene with vivid imagery, describing a desolate and lonely landscape where two people are standing together. The “nothing man” symbolizes the feelings of emptiness and purposelessness that the singer is experiencing. The mention of blood and sweat suggests a sense of struggle and hard work, perhaps alluding to the difficulties that the singer has faced in life.
Chorus: “If I get high, will you come back to me? And help me to see life’s more than just a dream”
The chorus is a poignant plea for help and understanding. The singer is contemplating turning to drugs to escape their problems, but they are also seeking reassurance that someone will still be there for them, even if they do. The line “life’s more than just a dream” could be interpreted as a reminder that there is hope and meaning beyond the immediate difficulties that the singer is facing.
Verse 2: “We are dead to rights, born and raised And as the sun goes down, I can’t help but feel That you and me might end up together”
In the second verse, the singer reflects on the inevitability of their situation. They feel trapped and hopeless, as if they were “dead to rights” from the beginning. However, there is also a glimmer of hope in the lines “you and me might end up together.” This suggests that despite the challenges they face, there is still a chance for love and connection.
Bridge: “So tell me now, how does it feel? How should I feel? Tell me how does it feel? Oh, how should I feel?”
The bridge of the song is a repetitive plea for clarity and understanding. The singer is asking for guidance and reassurance, trying to make sense of their emotions and desires.
“If I Get High” is a powerful and emotional exploration of the struggles that many people face in life. The lyrics are raw and honest, and the song’s haunting melody perfectly captures the feelings of desperation and longing that the singer is experiencing.
Conor Mason discusses the meaning behind “If I Get High”
Conor Mason, the lead singer of Nothing But Thieves, has spoken about the meaning of the song “If I Get High” in various interviews. In one interview with Billboard in 2015, Mason explained that the song was inspired by a friend who was going through a difficult time with addiction. Mason said that he wrote the song as a way to “help her get through it,” and to express the sense of hopelessness and desperation that can come with addiction.
Mason also discussed the themes of the song in an interview with NME in 2016, saying that it was about “wanting to escape from a certain situation and hoping that something, whether it be love, drugs, or a combination of both, can save you.” He added that the song was not necessarily promoting drug use as a solution to problems, but rather exploring the emotional and psychological reasons why people might turn to drugs in times of desperation.
In another interview with the website Songfacts, Mason explained that the song’s chorus was a plea for help, and that the line “life’s more than just a dream” was meant to be a reminder that there is hope and meaning beyond the immediate difficulties that people face.
Conor Mason has described “If I Get High” as a deeply personal and emotional song that explores the struggles of addiction, loneliness, and the desire for escape. The song’s honest and raw lyrics have resonated with many listeners, and it continues to be a fan favorite for Nothing But Thieves.
Take the Nothing But Thieves Quiz!
Thanks for learning more about the meaning behind “If I Get High” by Nothing But Thieves. Follow us on Instagram or Twitter for more music content! Want to test your knowledge? Try the Nothing But Thieves Quiz!
