Medicine
Clara McHugh Lyrics


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Lots of lows in the shadow of her face
Darkness takes over my body in every place
They say it′s hard to get outta this hole that I dug myself into
Are you good, you alright,
Is your temperature fine, how's your mental health?

Doctor, doctor,
I don′t need a doctor as long as I've got someone by my side
But doctor, doctor your medicine's not
Working, just give me hope and then I′ll be alright
But we both know that hope can′t be prescribed
Cos you, you, you, you see me smiling in the dark
You don't see what goes on behind these walls I′ve built up so high
Cos maybe my mind just isn't as clear as it used to be
Blinded by fear,
Living in a darkened society, this weakness inside of me

Dampened light in the room right by my side
I fear the nights cos that′s when all
My thoughts can finally consume my mind
And I used to cry, now I don't know why I can′t no more
Do you need happy pills,
Write your name, pay the bills and we'll make you fine

Doctor, doctor I don't need a doctor
As long as I′ve got someone by my side
But doctor, doctor your medicine′s not
Working, just give me faith and then I'll be alright
But we both know that faith can′t be prescribed
Cos you, you, you, you see me smiling in the dark
You dont see what goes on behind these walls I've built up so high
Cos maybe my mind just isn′t as clear as it used to be
Blinded by fear,
Living in a darkened society, this weakness inside of me

Doctor, doctor hope and faith can't heal
Me, guess I need a stronger dose tonight




Doctor, doctor these voices in my head are
Loud, I′m struggling to stay awake this time

Overall Meaning

In Clara McHugh's song "Medicine," she explores the complexities of struggling with mental health issues and the difficulties of seeking help. The lyrics start with a description of feeling weighed down by the shadow of the singer's own face and the pervasive darkness that seems to infiltrate every part of her being. She describes feeling trapped in a hole she has dug for herself and the attempt of those around her to help her by asking after her physical and mental health. The refrain "Doctor, doctor," speaks to the singer's desire for someone to help her, but also highlights the feeling that unless someone is truly by her side and can empathize with her, no prescription or medicine could possibly work.


The last few lines of the song are particularly poignant as the singer expresses the desire for a stronger dose of medicine because the voices in her head are becoming too loud. The helplessness she feels is undercut by the realization that hope, faith, medicine, or even a stronger dose of medication cannot cure her completely. This realization underscores the desperate need for empathy, the strength of human connection and that sometimes all we need is someone to listen and understand us without any judgment.


Line by Line Meaning

Lots of lows in the shadow of her face
The person is going through a difficult time with sadness and despair visible on their face.


Darkness takes over my body in every place
The person is feeling consumed by darkness and negativity in all aspects of their life.


They say it's hard to get outta this hole that I dug myself into
Others have told the person that it's difficult to overcome their struggles because they caused them themselves.


Are you good, you alright, Is your temperature fine, how's your mental health?
Someone is checking up on the person, asking about their physical and mental well-being.


Doctor, doctor, I don't need a doctor as long as I've got someone by my side
The person feels that having emotional support from a loved one is enough to help them through their struggles.


But doctor, doctor your medicine's not working, just give me hope and then I'll be alright
The person feels that medication isn't helping them and they need hope to feel better instead.


But we both know that hope can't be prescribed
Hope is not something that can be medically prescribed and must come from within.


Cos you, you, you, you see me smiling in the dark, You don't see what goes on behind these walls I've built up so high
Even though the person appears to be happy, others can't see the pain and inner turmoil that the person is trying to hide.


Cos maybe my mind just isn't as clear as it used to be, Blinded by fear, Living in a darkened society, this weakness inside of me
The person's mental state is clouded by fear and they feel weakened by the negativity in society around them.


Dampened light in the room right by my side, I fear the nights cos that's when all my thoughts can finally consume my mind
The person feels like their mind is overwhelmed with negative thoughts, especially at night when they can't distract themselves.


And I used to cry, now I don't know why I can't no more, Do you need happy pills, Write your name, pay the bills and we'll make you fine
The person used to be able to release their emotions through crying but now they can't. They feel like people push medication on them as a cure-all solution.


But we both know that faith can't be prescribed, Cos you, you, you, you see me smiling in the dark, You dont see what goes on behind these walls I've built up so high
Having faith in a positive outcome is not something that can be medically prescribed, and others can't see the person's true struggles.


Doctor, doctor hope and faith can't heal me, guess I need a stronger dose tonight
The person feels like they need something stronger than hope and faith to help them through their struggles.


Doctor, doctor these voices in my head are loud, I'm struggling to stay awake this time
The person is experiencing loud, negative thoughts that are making it hard for them to function, even affecting their ability to stay awake.




Contributed by Alex D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@whimsicalkrystal

As someone that has struggled with chronic illness/depression/anxiety, this was beautiful music but just made me think of my relationship with God. So often in my worst times Ive felt a rush of love and comfort from Him, a sense of huge compassion for my pain. He has been by my side. I know he loves His children. Hope cant be prescribed, but it can be found. ❤

@angelajoytalavera1227

"and i used to cry but now i dont know why, i cant no more" i fcking felt that

@songbirdforever8962

There's so much beauty in these lyrics its unbelievable. Also that background is everything!

@moonlightskyler7620

why are the underrated songs always the best one!?

@essi.z8583

Because there are actual feelings involved. Most people don't wanna get confronted with it each day of this life.

@moonlightskyler7620

@@essi.z8583 your right. It just get me mad that these underrated song don't get the fame they deserve

@essi.z8583

@@moonlightskyler7620 Yeah, true.

@violethunt8958

Lol, the only reason you enjoy them is because they aren’t the norm, it’s the same reason why when you see someone else’s convo and are curious. It’s new. Catch judge though u do it to

@novitadee08

Yes you are my medicine... since you be my someone special, i'll be alright💖✨

@realpolitics527

No... There is no weakness inside of you... Yes, you are different from others.. But that does not mean you are wrong.. It means that you are unique, in a good way... And you will find your place/purpose in this world... All you need to do is give it some time... And NEVER give up.. You will succeed in your goals, because I know that you can...

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