Medicine
Tom & Collins Lyrics


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I learned the hard way why my papa doesn't drink
And lucky he's alive to tell
I wanna know if I might have the same damn thing
Laying dormant like a spell

I wouldn't wish this way on my worst enemy
A poison with a vice-like grip
Measure it out like medicine and sing yourself to sleep
Take twice the recommend dose and weep
Plunge into the bottle hidden high up on the shelf
You say a prayer and fall down to your knees

I just found out that we live longer drunk than dry
What's 80 years under the sea
The way we are we'd rather be lower than high
How did all this come to be

There is no antidote or magic little pill
A curse than never goes away

There's a silver lining peeking out behind
If you bounce off the bottom hard enough




You will ascend to heights you thought you'd never find
I know because I've seen it for myself

Overall Meaning

In the first verse, the lyrics reveal a personal revelation about the singer's father, who does not drink due to the negative consequences he has experienced. The singer expresses a desire to know if they might have inherited the same predisposition to alcoholism, which they describe as "laying dormant like a spell." This suggests a fear and curiosity about the potential dangers of alcohol.


The chorus metaphorically compares alcohol to medicine. The singer urges the listener to "measure it out like medicine" and use it as a way to escape or numb their emotions. The lyrics suggest that taking a higher dose than recommended will lead to tears and potentially self-destructive behavior. The mention of praying and falling down to knees adds a touch of desperation to the situation, emphasizing the struggle and desperation associated with addiction.


The second verse presents a surprising statement: the realization that people live longer when they are drunk rather than sober. This implies that the individuals in question find solace or escape in their state of intoxication. The lyrics also depict a preference for being low or intoxicated rather than being high, which is an interesting inversion of the societal norm. The singer wonders how they and others have reached this point, reflecting on the consequences of their choices.


The final verse offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The lyrics reveal that despite the absence of an antidote or magic pill to cure their affliction, there is a silver lining waiting to be discovered. The metaphor of bouncing off the bottom suggests hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to push back up. If one can rebound with enough force, the lyrics suggest that they can reach newfound heights and discover aspects of themselves they never thought possible. The reassurance comes from the singer's personal experience, indicating that they have witnessed this transformation firsthand.


Overall, "Medicine" by Tom & Collins delves into the complexities of addiction, presenting the destructive power of alcohol while acknowledging the possible allure and escape it offers. The lyrics convey a sense of caution and contemplation, as well as a glimmer of hope for those fighting their own battles with addiction.




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Dan Collins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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