Cocaine
EC and Steve Winwood Lyrics


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If you want to hang out, you've gotta take her out, cocaine
If you want to get down, get down on the ground, cocaine

She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie,
Cocaine

If you got that lose, you want to kick them blues, cocaine
When your day is done, and you want to ride on cocaine

She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie,
Cocaine

If your day is gone, and you want to ride on, cocaine
Don't forget this fact, you can't get it back, cocaine

She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie,
Cocaine





She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie,
Cocaine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Cocaine" by Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood are a straightforward celebration of the drug's effects on the user. The singer suggests that if one wants to have a good time, they should take cocaine. The lyrics also suggest that cocaine can help improve one's mood and eliminate the "blues." However, the drugs come with a warning: once you start, you can't turn back. The lyrics imply that cocaine is highly addictive and that once one experiences its effects, they will seek to continue their use. The chorus of the song emphasizes that the drug has an alluring quality that is difficult to resist.


This song is significant because it was one of the biggest hits for Eric Clapton in the 1970s. The rock icon had a well-documented struggle with drug addiction, making the song both a commentary on the drug culture of the time and a personal reflection on his own addiction. Interestingly, despite the drug's highly addictive nature, Clapton would later triumph over his addiction and become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. The song has since become a staple in Clapton's live performances and is synonymous with his solo career.


Line by Line Meaning

If you want to hang out, you've gotta take her out, cocaine
In order to enjoy the company of cocaine, you must possess it.


If you want to get down, get down on the ground, cocaine
When consuming cocaine, it's best to lower oneself to be closer to the source.


She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie, cocaine
Cocaine does not conceal its presence or potency, it is always what it purports to be.


If you got that lose, you want to kick them blues, cocaine
If you're feeling down and out, cocaine can provide a temporary remedy.


When your day is done, and you want to ride on cocaine
After a long day, cocaine can be an escape from reality.


If your day is gone, and you want to ride on, cocaine
Similar to the previous line, when your day is finished, cocaine can provide a temporary high.


Don't forget this fact, you can't get it back, cocaine
The effects of cocaine are temporary and cannot be recaptured once experienced.


She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie, cocaine
A repeated trope in the song, emphasizing that cocaine is a pure and honest influence.


She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie, cocaine
Repeating the earlier point that cocaine is a trustworthy and consistent substance.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: J. J. Cale

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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