Hate
Drugstore Lyrics


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Once
There was a time
When you could trust
And everyone was great
For a while
And you could walk at night and feel so safe
No man would ever turn a face in hate
Then
I didn't mind
Now I grind my teeth
And try to swallow
Life
Is so unkind
But if we could talk then maybe we'll be safe
Don't ever wanna see your face in hate
Hate can kill
Hate can kill
Once
There was a time
When we could trust
And everyone was great
For a while
We could walk at night and feel so safe
No man should ever turn a face in hate

Hate can kill
Hate can kill

Overall Meaning

Drugstore's song "Hate" describes a longing for a time where people could trust and feel safe amongst one another. The song highlights how the prevalence of hate has transformed society, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. The lyrics express a desire for unity through communication, suggesting that if people are able to talk to each other, then they can establish safety and trust. The chorus emphasizes how hate can kill, physically and metaphorically- it can destroy relationships and crush hope, leading to feelings of helplessness.


The song's message about hate is particularly poignant today, where hate crimes and discrimination are rampant across the world. Drugstore's lead singer, Isabel Monteiro, has said that the song was inspired by her experiences of growing up in a racially diverse area of the UK, where she witnessed racism and prejudice. The song reflects a sense of disillusionment and disappointment with how society has progressed, but also holds hope for change.


In terms of musical composition, "Hate" is a powerful track, with a haunting melody that perfectly complements the dark, brooding lyrics. The track features elements of shoegaze and grunge, with distorted guitars and haunting vocals. The intensity of the music highlights the weight of the lyrics, giving the song a sense of urgency.


Line by Line Meaning

Once
There was a time


There was a time
When things were different


When you could trust
People were reliable


And everyone was great
People were positive and likable


For a while
This lasted a period of time


And you could walk at night and feel so safe
You felt comfortable walking at night without fear of danger


No man would ever turn a face in hate
No one would express animosity towards another person


Then
But then things changed


I didn't mind
I wasn't bothered by it


Now I grind my teeth
I am angry and frustrated


And try to swallow
I try to suppress my emotions


Life
Existence


Is so unkind
Can be harsh and cruel


But if we could talk then maybe we'll be safe
Communication can foster safety and understanding


Don't ever wanna see your face in hate
I never want to see you display malicious feelings


Hate can kill
Intense dislike can lead to physical and emotional harm


Hate can kill
Intense dislike can lead to physical and emotional harm


Once
There was a time


When we could trust
People were dependable


We could walk at night and feel so safe
We felt comfortable walking at night without fear of danger


No man should ever turn a face in hate
No one should ever express malicious feelings


Hate can kill
Intense dislike can lead to physical and emotional harm


Hate can kill
Intense dislike can lead to physical and emotional harm




Contributed by Eliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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