Placebo
A Broken Line Lyrics

In "Placebo" by A Broken Line, the lyrics depict a person who is running away from their problems and using self-medication as a temporary solution. The first verse suggests that the person has been running out of options and is left with nothing. Their attempts at moving forward are merely an escape from the realities they face. They resort to self-medication, using a metaphorical sugar pill to numb their pain and emotions, but this is ultimately ineffective.

The chorus poses the question, "What's your placebo?" It implies that the person's coping mechanisms are not working. Despite their efforts to find something that will alleviate their suffering, they are only prolonging their own sickness. The repeated refrain highlights the ineffectiveness of their chosen placebo, emphasizing that it's not providing the relief they seek and instead perpetuating their own misery.

The second verse delves deeper into the consequences of the person's actions. They have lost the answers to their problems, leaving themselves vulnerable to self-deception and falsehoods. The lies they tell themselves are damaging to their mental and physical health. The lyrics suggest that they were once in a better place, possessing everything they needed, but they made a trade-off, sacrificing their well-being for empty promises. Despite the love and support shown by the singer, the person remains trapped in their own self-destructive cycle.

Overall, "Placebo" presents a poignant commentary on the futility of avoidance and self-medication as solutions to personal struggles. It explores the harmful consequences of relying on temporary fixes and delusions, urging the listener to confront their problems head-on rather than running away from them.