Top Ten Songs About Drugs
There is no shortage of songs about drugs. Do artists take more drugs than the general population, or does it just seem that way because they are writing about it? Some people think drugs help unleash the imagination and boost creativity. But does this just lead to more songs about drugs?
“Cocaine Blues”, Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was the original bad-ass of rock and roll, no matter what genre you think his music falls into. When he sings “I took a shot of cocaine and I shot my woman down”, I get goose bumps.
“I’m Waiting For The Man”, Velvet Underground
Lou Reed has written a lot of songs about drugs, but this one is his best. The playful vocal and stomping beat makes it more of a celebration and less of a lament (like most of his other drug songs).
“Sweet Leaf,” Black Sabbath
Not only is this a perfect love song to weed, but it’s also right up there with “Smoke On The Water“ as one of the best beginner guitar jams.
“Chinese Rocks”, Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers, The Ramones
Johnny Thunders and Dee Dee Ramone co wrote this song (along with Richard Hell, depending on who you ask) so I am including both versions. The recordings are similar, except that each band ended the song on a different note. The Heartbreakers recorded it first and ended on the slightly dissonant but crowning E chord. The Ramones changed the last chord to D. I always suspected that producer Phil Spector made them change it to match the key, probably at gunpoint.
“Tonight’s the Night”, Neil Young
It was between this one and “The Needle and The Damage Done”. This one is grittier, more visceral, and it rocks harder.
“Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth”, The Dandy Warhols
Also in the running for best music video for a song about drugs, featuring a chorus line of dancing syringes. Written about The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s Anton Newcombe, who wrote “Not If You Were the Last Dandy on Earth” in response.
“Night of the Living Baseheads”, Public Enemy
A sober, hood noir classic from Chuck D. and co.
“Mr. Brownstone”, Guns N’ Roses
This one gets props for best drug euphemism, although I thought heroin was female.
“Sickman”, Alice In Chains
Dirt is an album full of songs about drugs; this one captures Layne Staley’s self-loathing death wish most hauntingly.
The entire Cypress Hill catalog
Plenty of songs to choose from, they’ve built a career on hittin’ the bong.
