Burn
Juice WRLD
The Struggle with Addiction and the Quest for Redemption in Juice WRLD's 'Burn'
Juice WRLD's song 'Burn' is a raw and introspective track that delves into the artist's personal struggles with addiction and the impact it has on his life and relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the internal battle Juice WRLD faces as he grapples with the consequences of his drug use, which he acknowledges is damaging his health and could potentially lead to his demise. The mention of 'percocet' and 'narcotics' is a direct reference to his use of prescription drugs, which he feels he needs to numb the pain but also recognizes as a destructive force in his life.
The chorus, with its repeated lines 'Hands up in the fire, burn, burn, burn, burn,' symbolizes a cry for help and a sense of resignation to the pain he's experiencing. The imagery of fire suggests both the intense suffering caused by addiction and a purgatorial state where he's seeking redemption. Juice WRLD's plea to God for water to 'wash down these percs' indicates a desire for cleansing and relief from the curse he feels has been with him since birth. This metaphorical curse could represent the predisposition to addiction or the challenges he's faced throughout his life.
The song also touches on the theme of reality versus escapism. Juice WRLD discusses the use of wealth and material possessions, like Chanel and designer belts, as a means to cope with pain, but ultimately concludes that money isn't the answer. The line 'What's reality?' suggests a disconnection from the world and a struggle to face the truth of his situation. The emotional weight of the song is heightened by the artist's real-life battle with addiction, which tragically led to his death in December 2019, making the lyrics all the more poignant and reflective of his personal demons.