"A Junkie's Lament" by James Taylor is a song that explores the struggles and consequences of addiction. The lyrics depict the story of a man named Ricky who is caught in the grip of drug addiction. The lines "Ricky's been kicking the gong, lickity-split, didn't take too long" suggest that Ricky has been indulging in his addiction rapidly and without restraint. The phrase "kicking the gong" refers to getting high or using drugs. The lines "A junkie's sick, a monkey's strong, that's what's wrong" highlight the destructive nature of addiction. A "junkie" is a term for a drug addict, and the reference to a "monkey" implies that the dependency on drugs has consumed him and made him physically and emotionally strong, but at the same time, sick. The lyrics also mention Ricky's decline and loss of stability, as he is depicted as "messing around downtown" and "losing ground." The phrase "winding down behind closed doors" indicates Ricky's withdrawal from society and his descent into the depths of addiction. The chorus, "
