Painkiller

Nothing But Thieves' song 'Painkiller' delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love as both a remedy and a source of pain. The opening lines, 'I'll light two cigarettes / Then I'll give you one,' suggest a shared intimacy and a moment of connection that 'never gets old.' However, this seemingly simple act is juxtaposed with the regret and irreversible consequences of love, as seen in the lines, 'You send me your regrets / Look what you've done / Now you'll never grow old.' This duality sets the stage for the song's exploration of love's multifaceted nature.

The recurring phrase 'These messages won't compute / Those images don't come through' highlights the confusion and miscommunication that often accompany romantic relationships. Despite the best efforts to understand and connect, there are always elements that remain elusive and incomprehensible. This sense of disconnection is further emphasized by the repetition of 'No matter what you say / No matter what you do,' suggesting that some aspects of love are beyond rational understanding.

The chorus, 'Your love / Score love as a painkiller / More love / Pure love as a painkiller,' encapsulates the central theme of the song. Love is likened to a 'painkiller,' a substance that can provide relief and euphoria but also has the potential for addiction and harm. The mention of 'Sweet tasting overdose / Oxytocin' reinforces this idea, as oxytocin is a hormone associated with bonding and pleasure but can also lead to emotional dependency. In this way, 'Painkiller' captures the paradoxical nature of love, portraying it as both a source of comfort and a cause of suffering.