Meaning of "5 Alive" by Self

The lyrics of "5 Alive" paint a portrait of someone who is spiraling out of control, engaging in self-destructive behavior and losing touch with reality. The references to devils in holes and forgotten friends who died for the character's sins suggest a sense of guilt and remorse for the harm they have caused. The repetition of "so wrong" emphasizes the character's deep-rooted feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing. The mention of meeting Big Daddy Kane on a train and drinking Five Alive alludes to moments of happiness and nostalgia from the past, hinting at a time when things were simpler and more innocent. However, these fleeting moments are overshadowed by the character's current lifestyle of flashing cash, substance abuse, and stained t-shirts, symbolizing a life filled with superficiality and emptiness. The final lines about hot wire dreams replacing the part where ends justify the means suggest a longing for a sense of purpose and meaning in life, but the character's actions only lead to further emptiness. Overall, the lyrics convey a poignant commentary on the destructive nature of addiction, regret, and lost opportunities.