Cocaine
JJ Cale/Eric Clapton Lyrics
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You've got to 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
You want to kick them blues, cocaine
When your day is done
And you want to run, cocaine
She don't lie,
She don't lie,
She don't lie, cocaine
If your thing 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
The lyrics of JJ Cale/Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" are a straightforward ode to the narcotic substance, detailing its potential effects on one's mood and energy levels. The song suggests that if one wants to have a good time or escape from bad news or a tough day, cocaine is the answer. It also acknowledges the addictive nature of the drug, warning that if one's "thing is gone" and they turn to cocaine, they won't be able to get it back.
The chorus "She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie, cocaine" could be interpreted in different ways. Some say that the reference of "she" is referring to cocaine as a temptress, while others believe that Clapton is describing cocaine's effectiveness by personifying it as a trustworthy woman.
The song's message is suggestive of the lax attitudes and potential dangers of drug use in the 1970s, and it has since grown to become a rock classic. Despite his history of drug use himself, Clapton has been quite upfront in his later years about the fact that the song was meant to be a cautionary tale against cocaine rather than a promotion of its use.
Line by Line Meaning
If you want to hang out,
You've got to take her out, cocaine
If you want to spend time with cocaine, you have to buy and use it.
If you want to get down,
Get down on the ground, cocaine
If you want to experience the effects of cocaine, you have to consume it.
She don't lie,
She don't lie,
She don't lie, cocaine
Cocaine's effects are reliable and consistent.
If you got bad news,
You want to kick them blues, cocaine
If you're feeling down or upset, cocaine can provide temporary relief.
When your day is done
And you got to run, cocaine
If you need a quick pick-me-up before heading out, cocaine can provide energy and stimulation.
If your thing is gone
And you want to ride on, cocaine
If you're looking for a new way to feel good because your previous method of pleasure is no longer working, cocaine is an option.
Don't forget this fact,
You can't get it back, cocaine
Cocaine is highly addictive, and once you start using it, it's difficult to stop.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: J. J. Cale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind