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Velvet Itch
Bass Drum of Death Lyrics
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I got a velvet itch in my jeans
I got a velvet
I got a velvet itch in my jeans
Can you scratch it
Can you scratch it
Can you scratch it
I got a medecine
I got a medecine in my weed
I got a medecine
I got a medecine in my weed
Oh yeah, I'm bastard
Oh yeah, I'm bastard
Oh yeah, I'm bastard
Oh yeah, I'm bastard aaah
You set me free
I talk to Elvis
I talk to Elvis in my sleep
I talk to Elvis
I talk to Elvis in my sleep
He said I'm cracked out
Oh yeah, I'm cracked out
Oh yeah, I'm cracked out
But at least, I got nowhere to be
Nowhere to be
I've got a itch (7xs)
The lyrics to Bass Drum Of Death's song "Velvet Itch" speak to themes of restlessness, addiction, and self-medication. The first two stanzas reference a velvet itch in the singer's jeans and a medicine in their weed, suggesting a physical and psychological restlessness that needs to be numbed or scratched. The refrain of "Can you scratch it" emphasizes the desperation and need for relief that the singer is experiencing.
The third stanza introduces the idea of being a "bastard," which could be interpreted as feeling like an outsider or misfit. The repetition of "Oh yeah, I'm bastard" could be seen as a form of self-affirmation or defiance, as if the singer is owning or embracing their outsider status. The line "You set me free" suggests that the person the singer is addressing (possibly a lover or friend) has the power to alleviate or exacerbate their feelings of restlessness.
The fourth stanza takes a surreal turn, with the singer claiming to talk to Elvis in their sleep. Elvis tells them they're "cracked out," but the singer seems unbothered by this revelation, instead focusing on the fact that they "got nowhere to be." This suggests a lack of direction or purpose in the singer's life, which could be contributing to their feelings of restlessness.
Overall, the lyrics to "Velvet Itch" paint a picture of someone who is struggling to find peace or satisfaction in their life, resorting to drugs and self-medication to scratch an itch that won't go away. The repeated refrain of "Can you scratch it" emphasizes the desperation and need for relief that the singer is experiencing, making the song a powerful commentary on the seductive but destructive allure of addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a velvet
The singer has acquired something luxurious and valuable
I got a velvet itch in my jeans
The singer has a strong desire and excitement for this luxurious thing, and it's on their mind constantly
Can you scratch it
The singer is asking someone for help to fulfill their desire
Can you scratch it
The repetition emphasizes the artist's desperation and craving for this thing
I got a medecine
The artist has a way to alleviate their discomfort or distress
I got a medecine in my weed
The singer's method of self-medication involves marijuana
Oh yeah, I'm bastard
The singer is acknowledging their rebellious, nonconformist nature
Oh yeah, I'm bastard
The repetition emphasizes and reinforces this aspect of the artist's identity
Oh yeah, I'm bastard
The third repetition serves as a confident declaration of identity
Oh yeah, I'm bastard aaah
The addition of a yelled vocalization captures the artist's passion and intensity
You set me free
The singer is expressing gratitude to someone (potentially the person who scratched their itch) for helping them feel liberated and unencumbered
I talk to Elvis
The artist has a fascination with the iconic musician
I talk to Elvis in my sleep
The singer has a vivid imagination or considers dreams to be significant
He said I'm cracked out
The singer imagines Elvis (or their own subconscious) disapproving of their choices and habits
Oh yeah, I'm cracked out
The singer acknowledges their own potential addiction or dependence
Oh yeah, I'm cracked out
The repetition suggests that the artist might be in denial or trying to rationalize their behavior
But at least, I got nowhere to be
The artist sees their lack of responsibilities or obligations as a silver lining to their situation
I've got a itch (7xs)
The singer's obsession and desire for the luxurious item persists even after the previous attempts to scratch it
Writer(s): John Barrett
Contributed by Adam N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.