Horrible
Juice WRLD
The Dark Labyrinth of Substance Abuse and Violence in Juice WRLD's 'Horrible'
Juice WRLD's 'Horrible' is a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the artist's struggles with substance abuse and the violent environment that often accompanies the lifestyle of fame and street credibility. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is deeply entrenched in a world of drugs and aggression, using substances as a coping mechanism while simultaneously acknowledging their destructive nature.
The song opens with Juice WRLD describing his use of codeine, a common theme in his music, which often explores the darker sides of drug use and addiction. He juxtaposes his own harshness with the softness of an angelic figure, perhaps suggesting a yearning for purity or escape. The references to material wealth and status symbols, like shopping at 'double G' (Gucci), contrast with the more affordable 'Dollar Tree,' highlighting a divide between his reality and that of others. This braggadocio is common in hip-hop but takes on a more somber tone when paired with the song's overarching themes of substance abuse and violence.
The chorus serves as a cautionary tale, with Juice WRLD acknowledging the terrible effects of drugs ('Kids don't do drugs they're horrible') while also resigning to the fact that some will still choose to use them ('but if you gon' do 'em, you better go do 'em'). The mention of 'Bullet holes to his face' is a stark reminder of the life-and-death stakes in the world he describes, where disputes are settled with violence, not words. The repetition of the need for a gun with a beam and the presence of his 'team' underscores a life lived in constant readiness for conflict.
Overall, 'Horrible' is a testament to Juice WRLD's ability to convey the complexities of his experiences with honesty and vulnerability. The song is a window into the artist's inner turmoil, where the allure of drugs and the necessity of violence coexist in a grim reality.