Drugs
Sportchestra! Lyrics
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All the throwers with strap-on muscles
Gold, silver, and bronze
To the designer-drugs and anabolic steroids
Random testing doesn't exist
No promoters will take the risk
Praise to roche for finishing first
All the runners have their little helpers
All the throwers on uppers and downers
"from now on," said ron
"it's downhill all the way."
The lyrics of Sportchestra!'s "Drugs" depict the rampant use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. The imagery of runners and throwers using these drugs to gain an unfair advantage is captured in the lines, "All the runners running downhill, All the throwers with strap-on muscles." The reference to "designer-drugs and anabolic steroids" highlights the fact that these substances are not natural and are often illegal. The absence of random testing and promoters not taking the risk of testing athletes is a commentary on the lack of regulation in professional sports.
The lyrics also suggest the consequences of using these drugs, with the reference to "street-price injection" and the praise given to the pharmaceutical company Roche for "finishing first." The implication is that athletes are sacrificing their health and well-being in pursuit of victory. The line "All the runners have their little helpers, All the throwers on uppers and downers" reinforces this theme, as it suggests a culture of dependence on these drugs to succeed in sports.
The final line, "from now on," said Ron, "it's downhill all the way," adds a final note of resignation or acceptance of this reality. The use of drugs is depicted as inevitable and unstoppable, as if it is the only way to succeed in sports. Overall, the lyrics can be seen as a critique of the corrupt and unhealthy culture of professional sports.
Line by Line Meaning
All the runners running downhill
All the athletes are taking performance-enhancing drugs and experiencing a boost in their performance, making it seem like they are running downhill effortlessly.
All the throwers with strap-on muscles
All the athletes are illegally using steroids to increase their muscle mass and strength, making it seem like they have muscles attached with straps.
Gold, silver, and bronze
These are the three medals that athletes strive to win in competitions and they will do whatever it takes to achieve that, even if it means taking drugs.
To the designer-drugs and anabolic steroids
Athletes are resorting to using custom-made and illegal steroids to improve their performance and gain an edge over their competitors.
Random testing doesn't exist
Despite the anti-doping policies in place, athletes know how to avoid getting caught using drugs and there is no true random testing to ensure they are all playing by the rules.
No promoters will take the risk
Promoters of sports events do not want to take the chance of athletes being caught or exposed for taking drugs, as it would have a negative impact on their reputation and sponsorship deals.
Street-price injection for a personal best
Athletes are willing to pay any amount of money, even the street price, to get injections of performance-enhancing drugs to achieve a personal best record.
Praise to roche for finishing first
Athletes are giving credit to the drug company Roche for providing drugs that help them win first place in competitions.
All the runners have their little helpers
Every athlete has his/her own individual source of drugs that are helping them achieve their best.
All the throwers on uppers and downers
All the athletes are taking drugs that energize and depress them, and allow them to function better in competition.
"from now on," said ron
"it's downhill all the way."
Athletes are making a conscious decision to continue taking drugs as they believe there are no consequences, and that their success will continue to be effortless and downhill from here on out.
Contributed by Benjamin G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.