The song "Like A Drug" by Hard-Fi explores themes of addiction and dependence, using drug metaphors to describe a toxic relationship. The lyrics depict a person who is unable to let go of their partner, despite the negative impact it has on their life. The opening lines, "Sleep on floors cos I can't go back, my whole life in a plastic sack," suggest that the protagonist is willing to sacrifice comfort and stability because they are unable to break away from the relationship. The line "Temperatures falling, like a drug you sucked me in" implies that the allure of the person is intoxicating and addictive. As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal a sense of desperation and self-destructiveness. The protagonist admits that being alone at night feels wrong and that they crave something, comparing it to a drug they cannot resist. The lines "On my knees darling, so demanding, find a vein sweetheart, plug yourself in" suggest a plea for the partner's attention, craving their presence like a drug. Despite the warnings from friends that the relationship is no good for the protagonist, they disregard the advice because the person they are involved with is everything to them. The lyrics "My friends say you're no good for me, they tell me constantly, I never listen, like a drug you're everything" illustrate the protagonist's inability to detach themselves from the toxic relationship. The chorus repeats the phrase "You're like a drug that I just can't kick" to emphasize the addictive nature of the relationship. The lyrics describe the person as making the protagonist sick, causing shakes, but the inability to quit persists. The song ends with the lines "Everybody knows, everybody sees, you're never gonna leave me, you've taken all of me and I feel so strung out." These lines highlight how the protagonist feels trapped and consumed by the relationship, despite knowing that it is unhealthy. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and longing for escape. Overall, "Like A Drug" metaphorically portrays the emotional and psychological effects of being addicted to a toxic relationship. It showcases the struggle of desperately wanting to break free from a destructive cycle, yet feeling unable to let go.
