I Saw A Ghost

Black Lips' song "I Saw A Ghost" is a vivid exploration of altered states of consciousness and the surreal experiences that come with them. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where reality is fluid, and the boundaries between the physical and the supernatural blur. The mention of 'Lean,' a recreational drug, sets the stage for a journey into a hallucinatory state. The reference to 'blue lights' inducing a trip suggests a psychedelic experience triggered by external stimuli, possibly hinting at encounters with law enforcement and the adrenaline rush that follows.

The song also delves into themes of rebellion and defiance. The line about giving the middle finger to the Bloods and Crips, notorious street gangs, and ducking from the police's blue lights, speaks to a life on the edge, where danger and thrill are constant companions. This rebellious spirit is further emphasized by the repeated calls to 'trip' and 'dip,' urging the listener to embrace the chaos and unpredictability of such a lifestyle.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take a more introspective turn. The mention of looking for what you want the most and checking what you're drinking before making a toast suggests a moment of self-reflection amidst the chaos. The reference to the 'holy ghost' and the 'rainbow blur' introduces a spiritual dimension, where the psychedelic experience becomes a quest for deeper meaning. However, the 'gross' appearance of the rainbow blur hints at the disillusionment that can accompany such quests, where the search for the sublime can sometimes lead to unsettling revelations.