Meaning of "I Do My Father's Drugs" by Joe Pug

The lyrics of "I Do My Father's Drugs" capture the sense of disillusionment and apathy towards societal structures and events. The repetition of the phrase "When the party starts on Monday" and "Christmas starts in June" suggests a world where the boundaries between celebration and normalcy are blurred, and where nothing holds significance or meaning anymore. The mention of returning with "eyes half-opened" alludes to a lack of awareness or consciousness, perhaps due to the numbing effects of the drugs the narrator consumes.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of revolutions being sponsored by the state, highlighting the absence of genuine rebellion or bravery. The line "There's no bravery in bayonets and tearin' down the gates" suggests that the revolutions and protests happening around them lack authenticity and are merely performative. The mention of having a rifle and fighting their father's war further emphasizes the idea of inherited experiences and ideologies. The narrator seems to be engaging in these activities out of obligation, rather than genuine conviction.

The reference to hunger becoming fashionable and freedom becoming routine speaks to the desensitization and commodification of important issues. The world described in the song seems to have lost its ability to truly care or empathize, with the narrator acknowledging their participation in protests but also admitting to dragging or lacking enthusiasm. The burning of the father's flag signifies a rejection of inherited symbols and values, an act of rebellion against the past and the oppressive systems it represents.

Overall, "I Do My Father's Drugs" explores themes of disillusionment, detachment, and inherited behaviors. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where everything has lost its meaning, where rebellion and celebration have become monotonous, and where the individual struggles to find their own identity amidst the legacy they have inherited.