Meaning of "Blame" by Jesse Rutherford
The lyrics of "Blame" by Jesse Rutherford explore the complexities of addiction and its impact on the artist's life. He begins by questioning whether being sober is hopeless, as his thoughts are constantly consumed by smoking. He gains some understanding of his father's struggles with alcoholism, realizing that he can't blame him for his own addictive tendencies. Similarly, he acknowledges that he can't blame his mother for the way she raised him. Both his parents' actions have likely influenced his own behaviors and mindset.
The artist reveals his internal struggle, pretending to be okay on the surface but feeling like he's rotting away inside. He recognizes the cyclical nature of life, how both he and others are trapped in a pattern of chasing temporary relief from the pain and hardships they face. The chorus emphasizes the importance of not talking back to his mother and cutting his father some slack since he's never coming back.
As the song progresses, Jesse admits to his own addiction, unable to deny his constant desire for smoking. He reflects on his teenage years when he was oblivious to such cravings. But now, as life becomes more challenging, the urge to escape reality becomes stronger. The artist uses Mary Jane (a slang term for marijuana) as a metaphor for the relief and painlessness that smoking brings, despite the advice of his doctor to use in moderation.
In the end, Jesse reaffirms his inability to blame his parents for his own struggles and addiction. By saying "I do," he acknowledges that he has come to terms with his parents' actions and accepts the responsibility for his own choices. The repetition of "coo-coo" and "crazy" in the final lines suggests the internal turmoil he experiences, questioning his own sanity and the sanity of those around him.