How To Fly
Sticky Fingers
The Highs and Lows of 'How To Fly' by Sticky Fingers
The song 'How To Fly' by Sticky Fingers is a melodic journey that delves into themes of escapism, addiction, and the loss of self-identity. The Australian band, known for their fusion of reggae, rock, and indie sounds, creates a laid-back yet introspective atmosphere with this track. The lyrics suggest a struggle with substance abuse, using the act of flying as a metaphor for the high that comes from drug use.
The repeated lines 'I take the breaks off and I ride, yeah / Whatever takes us, yeah-yeah, oh yeah, to get high' convey a sense of recklessness and a desire to escape reality, no matter the cost. The devil, often a symbol of temptation and sin, is personified as the one who 'taught me how to fly,' indicating that the narrator's knowledge of this high comes from a dark influence. This could be interpreted as the allure of drugs and the way they can control a person's life.
The chorus, with its stuttering repetition of 'C-c-c-co-c-caine,' emphasizes the addictive nature of the drug and how it can consume one's identity, leading to the line 'Oh, I forget my name.' This loss of self is further explored in the verse 'See, I drink the venom to release the pain / While chain smoking, I suffocate.' The imagery of drinking venom and suffocating suggests self-destructive behavior and the internal battle that comes with addiction. The band's name, 'Sticky Fingers,' is a reminder of their rebellious spirit, but also serves as a call to remember one's identity amidst the chaos of addiction.