Angel Dust
Jackson & Jackson Lyrics


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He was groovin'
And that was when he coulda sworn
The room was movin'
But that was only in his mind
He was sailin'
He never really seemed to notice
Vision failin'
'cause that was all part of the high
Sweat was pourin'
He couldn't take it
The room was exploding
He might not make it.

Angel DustPlease, children would you listen.
Angel DustJust ain't where it's at.
Angel DustYou won't remember what you're
Missin', but down some dead end streets
There ain't no turnin' back.

They were standin'
Ev'rybody in a circle,
The whole family
Listening to the preacher's words
Sis was cryin'
She alone held all the secrets
'bout his dyin'
Tears fallin' to earth
Maybe her fault
He was so trusting
God only knew why
They was dustin'!

Angel DustPlease children would you listen.
Angel DustJust ain't where it's at.
Angel DustYou won't remember what you're




Missin', but down some dead end streets
There ain't no turnin' back.

Overall Meaning

Jackson Jackson's song Angel Dust describes the devastating effects of substance abuse/addiction, specifically the use of a dangerous drug called angel dust (phencyclidine or PCP). The lyrics begin by describing someone who is under the influence of the drug and experiencing hallucinations. The person's vision is failing, and they are sweating profusely, which may lead to an overdose. The song seems to warn people about the dangers of the drug, urging children to avoid it and warning that there is no turning back once you've started going down that path.


In the second half of the song, we see the consequences of the drug use as a family mourns the death of a loved one. The sister in the family is crying and holding all of the secrets about the person's addiction, which may suggest that the family was unaware or in denial about the drug use until it was too late. The lyrics are filled with sorrow and regret, highlighting the tragic consequences that can arise from addiction.


Overall, the song is a powerful message about the dangers of drugs and the importance of avoiding them. It serves as a warning to young people about the devastating consequences of drug use and the importance of seeking help if addiction becomes a problem.


Line by Line Meaning

He was groovin'
He was feeling good and enjoying the moment.


And that was when he coulda sworn
At that moment, he believed something to be true.


The room was movin'
He believed the room was actually moving.


But that was only in his mind
The movement of the room was just a product of his imagination.


He was sailin'
He was feeling high and euphoric.


He never really seemed to notice
He was unaware of his surroundings.


Vision failin'
He was losing his ability to see clearly.


'cause that was all part of the high
His hallucinations and physical discomfort were side effects of the drugs he consumed.


Sweat was pourin'
He was sweating heavily due to the drugs in his system.


He couldn't take it
His physical and emotional state was unbearable.


The room was exploding
He felt like everything around him was chaotic and intense.


He might not make it.
He feared for his life and believed he might die.


Angel DustPlease, children would you listen.
The singer is warning against using the drug 'Angel Dust' and urging others to pay attention to his message.


Angel DustJust ain't where it's at.
The singer believes that using 'Angel Dust' is not a desirable or fulfilling experience.


Angel DustYou won't remember what you're
The singer is warning that drug use can lead to memory loss and the inability to recall important events.


Missin', but down some dead end streets
Drug use can lead to risky behavior or dangerous situations.


There ain't no turnin' back.
Once you start down the path of drug use, it is difficult or impossible to return to a positive and healthy lifestyle.


They were standin'
A group of people were gathered together.


Ev'rybody in a circle,
The people were arranged in a circular formation.


The whole family
All members of the family were present.


Listening to the preacher's words
The group was focused on a religious leader giving a sermon.


Sis was cryin'
The singer's sister was emotional and upset.


She alone held all the secrets
The sister was the only one who knew what was really happening.


'bout his dyin'
The sister knew the truth about someone's death.


Tears fallin' to earth
The sister was crying so much that tears were falling to the ground.


Maybe her fault
The singer is reflecting on the possibility that the death was caused by his sister's actions.


He was so trusting
The person who died was vulnerable and believed others would act in his best interest.


God only knew why
The singer is reflecting on the mystery surrounding the person's death.


They was dustin'!
The people were getting high and possibly using 'Angel Dust.'




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: GIL SCOTT HERON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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