Esham's song "Opioids" explores the topic of drug addiction, particularly the harmful effects and consequences of opiate abuse. The lyrics start by acknowledging that youth is typically seen as a carefree and happy time, but in modern troubled times, the thoughtlessness of young people can lead to a living nightmare. The song highlights the destructive nature of drug addiction and the desperate actions addicts may take in their pursuit of drugs. The song emphasizes that addiction to drugs, especially opioids, can completely take control of a person's life, leading them to do things they never imagined before. The addicts depicted in the song have only one purpose – to find money for drugs – and are willing to go to extreme and immoral measures to achieve it. By describing the white powder, which was once an innocent-looking poppy plant, the song sheds light on the origins of opium and morphine. It mentions that doctors use morphine for pain relief, but when abused, it becomes a lethal substance. The lyrics then shift back to the artist's personal experiences and reflections. Esham talks about his pursuit of money, fame, and success while dismissing those who doubt or criticize him. He delivers an arrogant and self-assured perspective on his talents and unique qualities, claiming that he has always been different from others since childhood. He uses vivid and often vulgar language to express his confidence and disregard for those who do not understand or appreciate him. The song then returns to its central theme, discussing the escalating need for higher doses of drugs to achieve the same effects due to tolerance. It explains the physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms that arise from continued drug use, highlighting the violent illness experienced during withdrawal. Returning to his personal narrative, Esham boastfully talks about his lifestyle and reputation, using aggressive and confrontational language to assert his dominance. He mentions various violent and controversial actions, suggesting that he is not concerned about the consequences or the opinions of others. In the final section, the lyrics take a detour from the main theme and touch upon the negative aspects of certain cities in the US. Esham briefly mentions Cleveland, Ohio, Camden, New Jersey, and Detroit, Michigan, highlighting their reputations for corruption, poverty, and high crime rates. Overall, "Opioids" serves as a critique of drug addiction and its impact on individuals and society. Esham's lyrics combine personal experiences, arrogance, and social commentary to shed light on the destructive nature of drug abuse and the consequences it has on individuals and communities.
