Meaning of "A Drink To Death" by That Handsome Devil

The lyrics of "A Drink To Death" delve into the theme of self-destructiveness and the escape that can come from excessive drinking. The narrator is depicted as someone who seeks solace in alcohol, using it as a means to numb their pain and forget their troubles. It is evident that the narrator is aware of the detrimental effects of their drinking, with lyrics describing the physical toll it takes on their body -"It'll eat your insides, your brain burns, and your skin dries." However, this awareness does not deter them; in fact, it only seems to fuel their desire to keep drinking.

The lyrics also touch upon the loneliness and isolation that can accompany a self-destructive lifestyle. The narrator refers to a failed romance and the loss of companionship, emphasizing the disparity in age between themselves and their partner. The lack of romance and toasting further emphasizes the solitude the narrator feels. Despite this, they seem resigned to their fate and continue to drink with the hope that it will bring them some solace or distraction from their pain.

The repetitive line, "I'm drunk, but I'm not drunk enough," suggests a yearning for an even greater escape, a desire to reach a level of inebriation that will truly free them from their emotional struggles. The repeated mention of their past connection with their partner - "We were nice together, weren't we once?" - highlights a sense of nostalgia and longing for better times, which adds depth to the emotional turmoil expressed throughout the song.

The lyrics also convey a sense of desperation and instability. The motion of crashing and the unpredictable nature of the nights and mornings reflect the chaotic state of the narrator's life. The mention of the glass being smashed to make it meaningful can be interpreted as a metaphor for the futile attempts to find any sort of meaningfulness or purpose in their state of self-destruction.

Overall, "A Drink To Death" explores the destructive nature of excessive drinking and the emotional struggles that can accompany it. The lyrics depict a person trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, yearning for connection but ultimately finding solace in the temporary escape that alcohol provides.