Real Thing

Alice In Chains' song 'Real Thing' delves deep into the harrowing experience of addiction and the struggle to break free from its grasp. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young boy who, as he grows up, becomes increasingly entangled in substance abuse. The 'blade' mentioned in the song symbolizes the dangerous and self-destructive habits that the protagonist adopts as his new 'toy.' This metaphor highlights the allure and eventual control that addiction can have over an individual, turning something seemingly harmless into a life-threatening obsession.

The song's narrative continues with the protagonist's friends expressing concern over his behavior, only to be met with defiance and a desire for another 'blast.' This interaction underscores the isolating nature of addiction, where the individual becomes increasingly detached from those who care about them. The repeated plea for 'just one more' and the refusal to leave the listener alone reflect the relentless and consuming nature of addiction, where the need for the next fix overrides all other considerations.

As the protagonist grows older, he enters rehab, but the experience is depicted as ineffective. The doctors' promise of becoming a 'new man' is met with skepticism and a request for money, indicating a lack of genuine belief in recovery. The recurring imagery of 'going down the steps on a white line' symbolizes the descent into addiction, with the 'white line' representing both the physical act of drug use and the metaphorical path to nowhere. The song's conclusion, with its repeated refrain and the mention of 'sexual chocolate baby,' adds a layer of dark humor and irony, emphasizing the cyclical and inescapable nature of the protagonist's struggle.