Drugs Saved My Life

Michelle Gurevich's song 'Drugs Saved My Life' delves into the complex and often controversial relationship between self-medication and mental clarity. The lyrics reflect a personal journey where the protagonist finds solace and a sense of liberation through drug use, despite the societal stigma attached to it. The opening lines suggest a longing for a different timeline, hinting at a life that could have been less tumultuous if certain experiences had come earlier or later. This sets the stage for the central theme: the transformative, albeit risky, power of drugs.

The chorus, 'Drugs saved my life, showed me an open hand,' encapsulates the paradoxical nature of the protagonist's experience. On one hand, drugs provide a temporary escape from the chaos of a 'sober mind,' offering moments of clarity and new perspectives. On the other hand, there's an acknowledgment of the inherent dangers and the societal judgment that comes with drug use. The lyrics 'I know it's not right to say, but if you've walked through those fields, then you know what I mean' speak to a shared understanding among those who have turned to drugs for relief, despite knowing the potential consequences.

Gurevich also touches on the theme of regret and the duality of her relationship with drugs. Lines like 'I'm sorry about those things I said before I met you myself' and 'I can't forget the night that you stabbed me in the back' reveal a nuanced perspective. While drugs have provided moments of respite, they have also brought pain and betrayal. The song concludes with a sense of cautious appreciation, as the protagonist acknowledges the fleeting yet impactful moments of clarity that drugs have provided, while striving to live a 'reasonable life' without forgetting those transformative experiences.