My Medicine

The Pretty Reckless' song "My Medicine" delves into the chaotic and disorienting experience of feeling out of control, possibly due to substance abuse or emotional turmoil. The repeated line, "Somebody mixed my medicine," suggests a sense of confusion and loss of agency, as if the protagonist's reality has been tampered with, leading to unpredictable and unsettling consequences. This phrase can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically, indicating either a physical alteration of substances or a deeper psychological manipulation.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a troubled mind, with references to sweating, crying, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the presence of others. The lines, "Well you hurt where you sleep / And you sleep where you lie / Now you're in deep / And now you're gonna cry," suggest a cycle of pain and deceit, where the protagonist's actions and choices have led them into a difficult and inescapable situation. The imagery of a tiger in the room and a baby in the closet further emphasizes the surreal and nightmarish quality of their experience, blending elements of fear and innocence in a way that heightens the sense of disorientation.

The song's structure, with its repetitive chorus and escalating intensity, mirrors the protagonist's spiraling state of mind. The presence of various characters—women, men, boys, and girls—adds to the feeling of being surrounded and pressured, unable to find solace or clarity. The line, "Somebody's in my head again," underscores the invasive and persistent nature of these thoughts and feelings, suggesting a struggle with inner demons or external influences that disrupt the protagonist's sense of self and reality.