Doors And Fours
NOFX
The Dark Descent of L.A.'s Punk Scene in '83
NOFX's song "Doors And Fours" paints a grim picture of the Los Angeles punk scene in the early 1980s, specifically focusing on the rampant drug use that plagued the community. The lyrics delve into the desperation and recklessness of young punks who turned to dangerous substances like Codeine 4 and Doriden when heroin became too expensive or hard to find. The phrase "doors and fours" refers to the combination of these drugs, which were used as a cheaper alternative to heroin. The song captures the chaotic and self-destructive lifestyle that many punks embraced, driven by a desire for a new and different high.
The song's narrative is filled with vivid imagery and tragic anecdotes, such as the mention of Jordan Hiller, who may have had a death wish or simply fell victim to the deadly allure of drugs. The lyrics highlight the indifference and apathy that characterized the punk scene, where overdoses were common, and the loss of friends became a grim reality. The repeated line "On doors and fours, I'm on all fours" emphasizes the physical and emotional toll that drug use took on these young individuals, reducing them to a state of vulnerability and helplessness.
NOFX also touches on the broader impact of this drug epidemic on the punk community, noting how the scene slowly eroded as more and more punks succumbed to their addictions. The song serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and communities. By reflecting on this dark chapter in L.A.'s punk history, NOFX sheds light on the harsh realities faced by those who lived through it and the lasting scars it left behind.
