He has toured extensively since 2008 and has opened for alt-country pioneer Steve Earle, singer-songwriter Josh Ritter and folk rocker M. Ward among others. Pug released his first full-length album, Messenger, in February 2010. In 2010 he also went to the United Kingdom and played the main-stage of the Cambridge Folk Festival. Since that time, he has released two further full-length albums: 'The Great Despiser' in April 2012, and 'Windfall' in March 2015.
Pug released The Flood in Color in July 2019.
www.joepugmusic.com
I Do My Father's Drugs
Joe Pug Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Christmas starts in June
When no one minds I've just arrived
And I'll be leaving soon
If I return with eyes half-opened
Don't ask me where I was
I do my father's drugs
Is sponsored by the state
There's no bravery in bayonets
And tearin' down the gates
If you see me with a rifle
Don't ask me what it's for
I fight my father's war
A when hunger strikes are fashion
And freedom is routine
A when all the streets in Cleveland
Are named for Martin Luther King
You will see me at the protest
But you'll notice that I drag
I burn my father's flag
So when the party starts on Monday
And Christmas starts in June
A when no one minds I've just arrived
And I'll be leaving soon
If I return with eyes half opened
Don't ask me where I was
I do my father's drugs
I do my father's drugs
The song "I Do My Father's Drugs" by Joe Pug is a powerful commentary on the cycle of destructive behaviors that can be passed down from one generation to another. The lyrics use vivid imagery and symbolism to explore the themes of addiction, militarism, and political discontent.
The first verse sets the scene for the song with the line "When the party starts on Monday, Christmas starts in June." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the way that addiction and other destructive behaviors can take over a person's life, making every day feel like a holiday or a party. The singer acknowledges that they are only temporarily present and will soon be leaving, suggesting that they are aware of the unhealthy nature of this lifestyle. When they return with "eyes half-opened," it's clear that they have been using drugs, likely the same ones that their father used before them.
The second verse delves into the theme of militarism and political corruption. The line "When every revolution is sponsored by the state" seems to suggest that any ostensible resistance against the status quo is actually part of the system. The singer's possession of a rifle suggests that they are involved in some form of armed conflict, but when asked about it they can only say "I fight my father's war." This refusal to explain further suggests a sense of hopelessness and futility, as if violence and rebellion are the only options available.
The final verse focuses on the idea of protest, but from a cynical and jaded perspective. The reference to "hunger strikes" being fashionable and "freedom" being routine suggests a sense of hollowness and insincerity to modern activism. The singer participates in these protests but feels detached from them, as if they have simply inherited their father's anger and flag-burning tendencies without truly understanding the political context for them.
Overall, the song is a powerful critique of the way that addiction, violence, and political disillusionment can be passed down from one generation to another. It asks the listener to think critically about the social systems that perpetuate these problems and to consider how we can break the cycle of destructive behaviors.
Line by Line Meaning
When the party starts on Monday
I participate in indulgent activities that defy social norms.
Christmas starts in June
I celebrate holidays and events that are not traditionally observed at that time.
When no one minds I've just arrived
I am accepted by others without judgment or scrutiny upon entering a new social scene.
And I'll be leaving soon
I move on from situations quickly and do not form deep connections with others.
If I return with eyes half-opened
I am under the influence of drugs or alcohol and may not be fully conscious or aware of my actions.
Don't ask me where I was
I am not receptive to questions about my whereabouts or activities while under the influence.
I do my father's drugs
I engage in drug use that may be influenced by my family's history or behavior.
When every revolution
Many political movements or uprisings may be sponsored or controlled by those in power.
Is sponsored by the state
Political revolutions may not be truly revolutionary if they are organized or supported by existing political systems.
There's no bravery in bayonets
Violent action is not necessarily a courageous or honorable choice.
And tearin' down the gates
Destroying established systems or structures may not necessarily result in meaningful change.
If you see me with a rifle
I may be involved in armed conflict or violence.
Don't ask me what it's for
I am not willing to explain or justify my participation in violence or conflict.
I fight my father's war
My involvement in war or conflict may be influenced by my family history or upbringing.
When hunger strikes are fashion
Issues of poverty, hunger, or injustice may be trivialized or exploited for personal gain.
And freedom is routine
The concept of freedom may be taken for granted or seen as something mundane or ordinary.
When all the streets in Cleveland
The naming of streets or public spaces after notable figures may not necessarily reflect an actual commitment to their values or ideals.
Are named for Martin Luther King
Naming streets or public spaces after prominent civil rights leaders does not necessarily signify progress or equality.
You will see me at the protest
I participate in public demonstrations or protests against social injustice or inequality.
But you'll notice that I drag
My energy or enthusiasm for activism may be dampened or diminished by feelings of disillusionment or helplessness.
I burn my father's flag
I reject traditional symbols or values associated with my country or family background.
I do my father's drugs
My choices and behaviors may be shaped or influenced by my family history or upbringing.
Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.