Addicted And Divide
Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway
The Duality of Addiction and Division in 'Addicted And Divide'
Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway's song 'Addicted And Divide' delves into the complex themes of addiction and societal division. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of individuals struggling with their inner demons and the external pressures that exacerbate their plight. The opening lines, 'All you clumsy people / Keep crushing in the Sun,' suggest a chaotic and relentless environment where people are constantly stumbling and failing, perhaps due to their addictions or personal flaws. The urgency in 'Man you better run / You better run' implies a need to escape from this destructive cycle.
The metaphor of 'The flower is the potion as far as I can see' introduces the idea of addiction as something deceptively beautiful yet ultimately harmful. Flowers often symbolize beauty and life, but here they represent a 'potion'—a substance that can lead to addiction. The repeated phrase 'Addicted and divided / Yeah, that's me' underscores the personal acknowledgment of this duality. The use of 'all together now' serves as a paradoxical call for unity in a context where division and addiction are prevalent, highlighting the irony and the struggle for collective coherence.
The second verse continues to explore these themes with 'They track in on the corner / He's wearing a big frown / She's gonna take you down.' This imagery suggests a predatory environment where individuals are vulnerable to being brought down by others, possibly alluding to the influence of drugs or toxic relationships. 'Fire in the ocean as far as I can see' is a striking metaphor for chaos and destruction in an otherwise calm and vast expanse, symbolizing the pervasive and far-reaching impact of addiction and division. The song's repetitive structure and haunting lyrics create a powerful commentary on the human condition, urging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the societal forces at play.