PILLS
First Avenue Lyrics

In the song "Pills" by First Avenue, the lyrics depict a tumultuous and destructive relationship. The opening lines, "Throwing you to the curb, Kicking your heart out of a yellow taxi cab," indicate a sudden end to the relationship, with the singer seemingly discarding their partner without any concern for their feelings. The mention of the yellow raincoat worn by the singer represents their protective shield, suggesting that they are emotionally closed off and unwilling to let anyone in.

The repetition of "Oh" further emphasizes the emotional turmoil and confusion within the singer. They are grappling with their own damaged state and are aware of how their actions can hurt others. The line "Don't touch me now I'm too damaging" reveals the singer's realization that they have the potential to cause harm and destruction if anyone gets too close to them. They describe the feeling of being close to someone as feeling like "sandpaper," implying that relationships are uncomfortable and abrasive for them.

The next verse delves deeper into the singer's regrets and introspection. They question themselves, asking why they thought the relationship would work and how they could have believed it wouldn't bring pain. The mention of the other person being "what the doctor ordered" suggests that they may have initially believed this person could heal them or fill a void in their life. However, they ultimately describe this as "poppin' pills of imaginary love," indicating that the love they thought they had was illusory and not genuine.

As the song progresses, the singer experiences a sense of regret and a flood of memories and emotions. They express a tightening feeling, indicating the weight of their actions and the repercussions they are facing. Despite these emotions, there is also a sense of detachment and resignation, as they say, "Never mind at all." This suggests that they are trying to suppress their feelings and move on.

The overarching theme in the song is the singer's awareness of their own destructive tendencies in relationships. They acknowledge the reciprocal nature of their damaging behavior and the pain it causes to both themselves and their partners. The lyrics convey a sense of self-reflection, regret, and a recognition of the ultimately hollow nature of their own pursuit of love.