Meaning of "Medicate The Kids" by Gavin DeGraw

The lyrics of "Medicate The Kids" by Gavin DeGraw present a critical view of the pharmaceutical industry and its influence on society, particularly on children. The song addresses the conflicting messages given to young people about drug use, with some sources warning against substances while others push for medication. This discord reflects the confusion children face in navigating societal expectations and individual desires. The reference to "feathers turn to quills" and the imagery of pumping children full of "training fluids, powders, and pills" paints a disturbing picture of how society tries to mold and control the younger generation. The line "Medicate the kids, Feathers turn to quills" suggests the idea of innocence transforming into something harsh and pointed, symbolizing the loss of childhood under the pressure to conform. The song also touches on themes of individual agency and rebellion against authority, with the refusal to be medicated serving as an act of defiance against societal norms. Overall, "Medicate The Kids" is a commentary on the complexities of growing up in a system that demands conformity but also exposes the dangers of blindly following authority figures, especially when it comes to medicating children for societal convenience.