Helena Won't Get Stoned
Tarkio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drink too much I might get you
You're out on a bender too
Sleep through the morning
Sheets of mine invite me
You sleep through the morning too
You should stay the night
Or stay a month or two
But Helena won't get stoned
Helena won't get stoned
I think it's part of her Catholic education
Helena won't get stoned
For good measure these chains
I wear they chafe me
Just for pleasure sure
Our Lady of the Rockies
Sweet virgin bliss surround me
Sportin' walkie talkies, yeah
You got your ears on baby
My soft old lady
Leave your past behind
But Helena won't get stoned
Helena won't get stoned
I think it's part of her Catholic education
Helena won't get stoned
And it's only right
You should stay the night
Or stay a month or two
But Helena won't get stoned
Helena won't get stoned
I think it's part of her Catholic education
Helena won't get stoned
The song "Helena Won't Get Stoned" by Tarkio is about two people who are out drinking and using drugs together. The first verse describes how the singer is drinking too much and might be a danger to the other person, who is also on a bender. They sleep through the morning, and the singer suggests that the other person should stay for a longer period of time. However, the refrain "Helena won't get stoned" is repeated throughout the song, seemingly indicating that the other person is not interested in using drugs.
The second verse mentions chains that chafe the singer, perhaps referring to the negative consequences of drug use. There is a reference to "Our Lady of the Rockies," likely a religious symbol, which is then juxtaposed with the image of people using walkie-talkies for fun. The singer asks for the other person's attention, calling them "my soft old lady" and encouraging them to leave the past behind. Despite this, the refrain is repeated again, emphasizing that the other person will not be taking drugs.
The song as a whole seems to be about the temptation and danger of drug use, and the resistance that some people might have to them due to their upbringing or beliefs. The refrain "Helena won't get stoned" creates a sense of tension and contrast between the two people, highlighting their different attitudes towards drug use.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm out on a bender
I am drinking excessively and indulging in a wild night.
Drink too much I might get you
If I drink too much, I might end up doing something reckless that will affect you.
You're out on a bender too
You are also drinking excessively and indulging in a wild night.
Sleep through the morning
We spend the morning sleeping off our intoxication.
Sheets of mine invite me
Our bed is cozy and comfortable, and invites us to stay a while longer.
You sleep through the morning too
You also spend the morning sleeping off our intoxication.
And it's only right
It seems appropriate or fair based on the circumstances.
You should stay the night
It would be nice if you stayed with me for the night.
Or stay a month or two
It would be even nicer if you stayed for an extended period of time.
But Helena won't get stoned
However, Helena will not participate in our wild nights of excessive drinking and partying.
Helena won't get stoned
Helena is not interested in getting drunk or high.
I think it's part of her Catholic education
It is likely that her Catholic upbringing has instilled certain moral values that prevent her from indulging in such activities.
For good measure these chains
I wear these metaphorical chains because I cannot help but engage in hedonistic pleasures, even though they sometimes bring me pain.
I wear they chafe me
These chains that I wear cause me discomfort, but I cannot seem to break free from them.
Just for pleasure sure
I indulge in these pleasures purely for the sake of enjoyment, not because they have any substantial benefit.
Our Lady of the Rockies
This is a reference to a statue of the Virgin Mary that overlooks the city of Helena, Montana.
Sweet virgin bliss surround me
I feel comforted by the presence of this religious symbol and the idea of purity and innocence that it represents.
Sportin' walkie talkies, yeah
We are equipped with walkie-talkies, perhaps to communicate and coordinate our drunken antics.
You got your ears on baby
You are listening to me and paying attention.
My soft old lady
I am referring to my partner in a tender and affectionate way.
Leave your past behind
Let go of your past mistakes and regrets, and focus on enjoying the present moment with me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: COLIN MELOY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind