Pills

St. Vincent's song 'Pills' is a poignant commentary on the pervasive reliance on pharmaceuticals in contemporary society. The repetitive and almost hypnotic chorus, 'Pills to wake, pills to sleep, pills, pills, pills every day of the week,' underscores the omnipresence of medication in daily life. This repetition mirrors the monotonous and cyclical nature of dependency, suggesting a society caught in a loop of consumption and artificial regulation of natural processes.

The lyrics delve into the various purposes for which pills are consumed, from basic functions like waking and sleeping to more complex needs like thinking and eating. This wide range of uses highlights the extent to which modern life is medicated, raising questions about the authenticity of experiences and emotions when they are chemically induced. The line 'I spent a year suspended in air, my mind on the gap, my head on the stairs' evokes a sense of disorientation and detachment, a common side effect of overmedication.

St. Vincent, known for her eclectic and innovative musical style, uses 'Pills' to critique not just the pharmaceutical industry but also the societal pressures that drive individuals to seek solace in medication. The song's bridge, with its call to 'come all you villains, come one and all,' serves as a rallying cry against the forces that perpetuate this cycle of dependency. The imagery of 'tigers and wolves defanged by fame' suggests that even the most powerful and wild among us are subdued by the pressures of modern life, often turning to pills as a coping mechanism.

In essence, 'Pills' is a multifaceted exploration of dependency, societal pressure, and the quest for authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by artificial solutions. It challenges listeners to reflect on their own reliance on medication and the broader implications for society as a whole.