3 Gorgeous Love Songs That Are Actually About Doing Drugs

Part of what makes a songwriter brilliant is their ability to spin a tale through song that might seem to be about one thing, but is really about another thing. That’s the heart of media literacy. It’s also part of what has formed the foundation of some of the most beautifully written songs in the world. The following three love songs, specifically, might seem like standard love odes, but are really all about drugs. Let’s take a look, shall we?

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“And She Was” by Talking Heads

David Byrne has always been quite good at using very complex themes and interesting lyrical choices in his music, most notably with Talking Heads. “And She Was” is one such song. On the surface seems to be an observation of a woman he’s pining for. However, this song is actually about a real-life woman that Byrne knew who enjoyed taking ac*d and lying in a field near a highway. Byrne was apparently fascinated by the juxtaposition of the woman’s altered, “higher” state and the backdrop of industrial pollution and cityscapes.

“Golden Brown” by The Stranglers

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. And I’m happy to say that “Golden Brown” by The Stranglers has enjoyed a bit of a revival on social media platforms like TikTok recently. It’s a lovely little baroque tune, complete with a harpsichord and transcendent melody. On the surface, one might think this song is about a girl with golden brown hair or skin. That’s not entirely far off, but also not entirely true. Hugh Cornwall said himself that “Golden Brown” is both about a girl he was involved with, and using h*roin.

“Got To Get You Into My Life” by The Beatles

A few songs by The Beatles could make it to our list of love songs that are actually about drugs, but I decided to go with a personal favorite. “Got To Get You Into My Life” is one of the more direct references to the Fab Four’s growing use of c*nnabis and… other illicit substances. Some might assume the “You” in this song refers to the object of the narrator’s affection, and it certainly does. But it’s not a person; rather, it’s good ol’ d*pe. McCartney even confirmed that notion.

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