30(+1) Day Song Challenge Day 8: “A Song About Drugs and Alcohol”
(Writing this at 1 am on August 9th. Too much was happening yesterday.)
While I was scrolling through my song library, it came to me that I rarely listen to this kind of flow. Even when I did, I probably didn’t realize that the song is about drugs and alcohol, because the artist wrote it vaguely. I won’t preach about how insidious those stuff are, you all must’ve been aware of it. I’m not entirely a saint myself. To put it briefly, the song I’m choosing won’t be about the theme, but rather against the theme. Also, it’s not a song, but an interlude from one of the staple record of the decade. It’s Be Yourself by Frank Ocean.
This short skit shows a voicemail from Frank’s mother, giving him maternal advice about staying away from alcohol, drugs, and such, in college. This song goes with part of the theme of the album, where Frank later discusses his drug addiction which shows the importance of this voicemail in light of that. You know what? I’m just gonna drop the whole interlude here:
“Many college students have gone to college and gotten hooked on drugs, marijuana, and alcohol. Listen, stop trying to be somebody else. Don’t try to be someone else. Be yourself and know that’s good enough. Don’t try to be someone else. Don’t try to be like someone else, don’t try to act like someone else, be yourself. Be secure with yourself. Rely and trust upon your own decisions. On your own beliefs. You understand the things that I’ve taught you. Not to drink alcohol, not to use drugs. Don’t use that cocaine or marijuana because that stuff is highly addictive. When people become weed-heads, they become sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned. Sluggish, lazy, stupid, and unconcerned. That’s all marijuana does to you, okay? This is Mom. Unless you’re taking it under doctor’s — um — control. Then it’s regulated. Do not smoke marijuana, do not consume alcohol, do not get in the car with someone who is inebriated. This is Mom, call me, bye.”
Mama does know the best.
