Proper Dose

The Story So Far's song 'Proper Dose' delves into the tumultuous experience of grappling with emotional highs and lows, and the struggle to find balance. The opening lines, 'Highs and lows are how I flow,' set the tone for a narrative that oscillates between moments of clarity and confusion. The protagonist's favorite mirror symbolizes self-reflection, yet the act of staring too long suggests a paralysis or inability to move forward. This is further emphasized by the line, 'I defy the proper dose 'cause I'm alone and I don't care,' indicating a resistance to finding a balanced state, perhaps through medication or other means, due to feelings of isolation and apathy.

The chorus introduces a sense of regret and introspection. The protagonist questions whether they are merely 'going through the motions' or if this state of being is their new normal. The imagery of a 'red bottle, white cap' likely refers to prescription medication, hinting at a struggle with substance use as a coping mechanism. The haze that clouds their vision represents a mental fog, making it difficult to focus or find purpose. This is a poignant reflection on how substance use can create a barrier to genuine emotional engagement and clarity.

In the latter part of the song, the protagonist's desire to reconnect with family, particularly a younger cousin, highlights a yearning for meaningful relationships and a sense of normalcy. The lines, 'I wanna watch him play, wanna see him score, wanna be around cause I need to make him smile some more,' reveal a deep-seated need for connection and the simple joys of life. This juxtaposition of personal turmoil with the desire for familial bonds underscores the internal conflict between self-destructive tendencies and the longing for a more fulfilling, connected existence.