The lyrics of "Medicine" by Broken Bells explore feelings of confinement, uncertainty, and the need to let go. The narrator describes a room that feels like a prison, emphasizing the lack of certainty in life. They address someone who avoids taking risks and encourages them to tear things down or build them up, as it ultimately leads to the same outcome. The lyrics also touch on the idea of holding onto negative experiences and the self-destructive behavior that can arise from pain. They conclude with the notion that even good days fade, and everything eventually dissipates into thin air.

Meaning of "Medicine" by Broken Bells

The lyrics of "Medicine" delve into themes of confinement, uncertainty, and the need to let go. The ordinary room is portrayed as a prison hole, highlighting the feeling of being trapped. This imagery reflects the monotonous and stifling nature of existence for the narrator and possibly for others as well. The line, "And the only thing we know for certain is that, don't nobody know," suggests a lack of control and understanding in life. It implies that certainty is elusive and that no one truly has all the answers.

The lyrics also address someone who refuses to venture beyond their comfort zone. This person believes that none of what they experience is real, leading them to avoid taking risks. The narrator challenges this mindset, suggesting that tearing things down or building them up would yield the same result. This can be interpreted as an encouragement to embrace change, as the outcome will ultimately be the same regardless of the approach taken.

The concept of holding onto pain is also explored in the lyrics. The narrator suggests that hurting oneself allows for a sense of entitlement to do anything without consequences. However, they emphasize the need to "take your medicine" and let go. This implies that holding onto pain can be self-destructive and that healing can only occur through acceptance and release.

The lyrics further touch on the idea of running from the consequences of our actions. The reference to smoke being too thick to cough suggests being enveloped in a cloud of one's own making, avoiding facing the repercussions of our behavior. The bombs being set off symbolize the destructive nature of our actions when driven by pain. This implies that running from our choices or negative experiences only perpetuates a cycle of harm.

In the final lines, the lyrics convey the transient nature of life. Good days fade, and everything eventually dissipates into air. This serves as a reminder of the impermanence of both positive and negative experiences. It could also be interpreted as a call to embrace the present moment, as everything will eventually dissolve, leaving only memories.