It is not an easy task to try and capture in text format the essence of this wonderful song. The
lyrics are incredibly pretentious and preachy, especially coming from a
Dutch band. There's not a lot there to identify with, even less for people like me who indulge in the occasional recreational tipple of
Hemp or Amphetamine.
From a musical point of view there isn't much of interest here either - it is a very simple rock melody with a steady beat and a powerful bass line. Something about that very simplicity, though, coupled with Sarah Bettens's expressive and haunting, slightly hoarse, vocals, makes it incredibly potent. It really seems to bring home to the listener a feeling of the denial and confusion of, maybe not a heavy heroin user, but the everyday person gone on something of an excessive bender. There's also something refreshing in its blunt honesty and avoidance of twee allegories a-la Golden Brown and Perfect Day.
The first time I heard this song I thought "album filler", but with a good listen it grew on me to the point that I would say it's one of the best drug abuse songs I know.
Not An Addict - K's Choice
Breathe it in and breathe it out
And pass it on, it's almost out
We're so creative, so much more
We're high above but on the floor
It's not a habit, it's cool, I feel alive
If you don't have it you're on the other side
The deeper you stick it in your vein
The deeper the thoughts, there's no more pain
I'm in heaven, I'm a god
I'm everywhere, I feel so hot
It's not a habit, it's cool, I feel alive
If you don't have it you're on the other side
I'm not an addict (maybe that's a lie)
It's over now, I'm cold, alone
I'm just a person on my own
Nothing means a thing to me
(Nothing means a thing to me)
It's not a habit, it's cool, I feel alive
If you don't have it you're on the other side
I'm not an addict (maybe that's a lie)
Free me, leave me
Watch me as I'm going down
Free me, see me
Look at me, I'm falling and I'm falling.
It is not a habit, it is cool I feel alive I feel...
It is not a habit, it is cool I feel alive
It's not a habit, it's cool, I feel alive
If you don't have it you're on the other side
I'm not an addict (maybe that's a lie)
I'm not an addict...