Contact high

Tina Turner's song 'Contact High' delves into the chaotic and disorienting experience of being at a party where drug use is rampant. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a scene filled with closed doors and funny smoke, indicating a clandestine and perhaps illicit atmosphere. Turner describes the peer pressure to partake in drug use, specifically marijuana and cocaine, but initially resists. Despite her refusal, she still experiences a 'contact high,' a term used to describe the effects of secondhand smoke, which makes her feel like she wants to fly. This metaphor suggests a sense of euphoria and disconnection from reality, even without direct participation in drug use.

As the party progresses, the environment becomes increasingly chaotic. Turner mentions that everyone is 'going,' implying a collective descent into intoxication. The lyrics highlight the social dynamics at play, where peer pressure and the desire to fit in lead to risky behavior. When cocaine is introduced, Turner’s reaction is one of alarm, but she eventually succumbs to the overwhelming influence of the party, getting 'stoned, plum wasted.' This phrase captures the total loss of control and the overwhelming nature of the experience.

The song concludes with a sense of helplessness and disorientation. Turner describes the aftermath of the party, where everyone is too stoned to go home, and she herself is too incapacitated to drive. The repetition of 'quieter and quieter, peaceful' at the end suggests a numbing effect, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. This could be interpreted as a moment of calm after the storm, but also as a sobering realization of the consequences of such a lifestyle. Through 'Contact High,' Turner offers a candid look at the dangers of drug use and the social pressures that often accompany it, wrapped in a narrative that is both cautionary and reflective.