FUNCTIONING ALCOHOLIC

Odetari's song 'FUNCTIONING ALCOHOLIC' delves into the depths of dependency and the struggle to maintain a facade of normalcy. The repeated refrain, 'I can't function without you,' underscores a profound reliance on another person, suggesting that the speaker's sense of stability and well-being is inextricably tied to this relationship. This dependency is so intense that it affects the speaker's ability to perform everyday tasks and maintain social interactions, as highlighted in the lines, 'Oh, I feel so weak, feel so weak / It's so hard to socialize.' The repetition of 'you, you, you, you, you' emphasizes the singular focus of this dependency, making it clear that the speaker's world revolves around this one person.

The song also touches on the internal conflict and self-awareness of the speaker. Lines like 'I'm really tryna give it my best, don't know how to' and 'I promise everything, shit, I would never lie' reveal a struggle to meet expectations and a desire to be honest, despite the overwhelming nature of their dependency. The metaphor of setting the soul on fire suggests a passionate, almost destructive intensity in the relationship, indicating that while the connection brings a sense of completeness, it also comes with significant emotional turmoil.

Culturally, the title 'FUNCTIONING ALCOHOLIC' evokes the image of someone who appears to manage their life while battling a hidden addiction. This metaphor extends to the speaker's relationship, portraying it as an addiction that they cannot escape from, despite its detrimental effects. The song captures the essence of being trapped in a cycle of dependency, where the need for the other person is both a source of comfort and a cause of distress. Odetari's raw and honest lyrics provide a window into the complexities of human emotions and the challenges of overcoming personal demons.