Slaves To Substance

“Slaves To Substance” by Suicide Silence is a visceral and unflinching exploration of addiction and its devastating effects. The song's aggressive tone and harsh language serve to underscore the severity of the subject matter. The repeated use of the word 'slaves' highlights the loss of control and autonomy that comes with substance dependence. The lyrics paint a grim picture of individuals who have hit rock bottom, their lives consumed by addiction, and their innocence stolen by their dependence on substances.

The song opens with a confrontational tone, directly addressing those who are struggling with addiction. The lines “What the fuck it gonna be? Are you listening to me?” suggest a sense of urgency and frustration, as if the speaker is trying to shake the listener out of their stupor. The phrase “rock bottom is your wakeup call” implies that the only way to break free from addiction is to recognize the depths to which one has fallen. The repeated assertion that dependence robs innocence emphasizes the destructive nature of addiction, stripping away the person’s true self and leaving them as mere shadows of who they once were.

The imagery of 'slaves in shackles' is particularly powerful, evoking a sense of imprisonment and hopelessness. The speaker’s perspective shifts in the latter part of the song, where they adopt a more detached stance, watching others make the same mistakes they once did. This shift suggests a cycle of addiction, where the speaker has perhaps found a way out but sees others still trapped. The song ends on a bleak note, with the repeated declaration that those enslaved by substances are 'fucking worthless,' a harsh but perhaps intended wake-up call to the listener.

“Slaves To Substance” is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the brutal reality of addiction. It serves as both a warning and a lament, capturing the pain, regret, and hopelessness that come with being a slave to substances.