Meaning of "Pills" by St. Vincent

"Pills" by St. Vincent delves into the overreliance and consequences of pill usage in our modern society. The repetition of the phrase "pills, pills, pills" throughout the song serves to emphasize the ubiquity of this issue. The lyrics suggest that pills have become an integral part of daily life, with different pills for different purposes. It highlights the notion that society has become so reliant on medication that it has become the norm to depend on pills for even the simplest tasks like waking up or thinking.

The song also delves into the darker side of this pill culture. The line "From healers to dealers and then back again, From guru to voodoo and voodoo to zen" suggests a sense of desperation and a cyclical nature of seeking different sources of relief or enlightenment. It implies that individuals may initially turn to healers for help, but when that doesn't work, they may be led down a path of dependency on drugs or resort to alternative spiritual practices in search of solace.

Another theme explored in the lyrics is the toll that fame can take on individuals. The line "I heard the tales, fortune and blame, Tigers and wolves defanged by fame" suggests that even those who seemingly have it all may find themselves struggling and using pills as a coping mechanism. The pressure and scrutiny that comes with fame can leave individuals feeling trapped and resorting to medication to numb the pain or cope with the demands of their public persona.

The repeated phrase "Pills to fuck, pills to eat, Pills, pills, pills down the kitchen sink" suggests an excess and a disregard for the consequences of pill usage. It portrays a sense of hedonism and self-destruction, with pills being used for pleasure and then discarded carelessly. This line serves as a critique of the societal tendency to use pills as a quick fix or escape without addressing the underlying issues.

The final section of the song takes a slightly different direction, inviting "all you villains, killers, wasted, wretched, and scorned" to join in a war. This can be interpreted as a call to arms against the overreliance on pills and the destructive consequences they can bring. It suggests that individuals need to face the reality of their pill dependencies and unite to find alternative solutions.

In essence, "Pills" offers a critical perspective on the pill culture prevalent in modern society. It explores the multidimensional elements of this issue, from the overuse of pills for everyday tasks to the dangers of fame and the consequences of dependency. It serves as a commentary on the hollowness and temporary relief that pills can bring, urging individuals to confront and find alternatives to solve their problems.