Neon Pill

Cage The Elephant's 'Neon Pill' is a song that seems to delve into the themes of addiction and the consequences that come with it. The lyrics suggest a story of someone who is repeatedly drawn back to a harmful habit, as indicated by the lines 'It takes one to know one' and 'Back at it again.' The phrase 'Birds of a feather' implies a sense of camaraderie or shared identity among those who partake in the same vices, hinting at the social aspect of addictive behaviors.

The chorus of the song uses the metaphor of being 'double-crossed by a neon pill,' which could symbolize the betrayal felt when something that once provided escape or pleasure leads to negative outcomes. The 'neon pill' might represent the allure of drugs or other addictive substances, which are often associated with bright colors and the promise of a high. The imagery of a 'loaded gun' and losing 'control of the wheel' further emphasizes the danger and loss of agency that comes with addiction.

The nostalgic references to 'Cherry palm chapstick' and 'Just like back in the day' suggest a longing for simpler times or the initial stages of addiction when the consequences were not yet apparent. The song captures the internal struggle and the cyclical nature of addiction, where moments of clarity ('Out in the open / I'm thinking it through') are overshadowed by the inevitable return to the substance ('It took so long to find you / To find you'). Overall, 'Neon Pill' paints a vivid picture of the seductive yet treacherous path of addiction.