This is what the drugs are for
Gracie Abrams
The Lingering Ache of Lost Love
Gracie Abrams' song "This is what the drugs are for" delves deep into the emotional turmoil and lingering pain that follows the end of a significant relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with the aftermath of a breakup, using substances as a means to cope with the overwhelming feelings of loss and longing. The opening lines, "This is what the drugs are for / Turn the lights off on the comedown," suggest a desperate attempt to numb the pain and escape the harsh reality of being alone.
Throughout the song, Abrams reflects on the memories of her past relationship, highlighting the difficulty of moving on. Lines like "I still get emotional / When I think about your old house" and "What am I supposed to do / When you used to be my lifeline?" reveal the deep emotional connection she had with her former partner and the void their absence has left in her life. The recurring theme of being alone and the struggle to adapt to this new reality is poignantly expressed in the chorus: "Look, now I'm alone again / I've gotten used to sleepin' here without you."
The song also touches on the futile attempts to distract oneself from the pain, as seen in the lines "Old distractions in the end / Don't work, I'm left to sit and think about you." Despite trying to move on, the protagonist finds herself constantly drawn back to thoughts of her ex, unable to escape the memories and emotions tied to the relationship. The imagery of being "buried in your things inside my bedroom" further emphasizes the inescapable presence of the past, making it clear that the healing process is far from over. Gracie Abrams captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of heartbreak, making "This is what the drugs are for" a poignant and relatable anthem for anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love.