Vices

The overall theme of the song is about the battle with personal demons and the coping mechanisms people use to deal with pain. It paints a picture of someone who feels restless and lost, turning to substances to numb feelings instead of addressing them. There’s a sense of acceptance, almost a resignation, that as long as they can keep functioning day to day, it’s all okay. It’s a raw and honest look at how past experiences and societal pressures influence behavior.

Verse 1

I drink liquor like it's water
'Cause I'm my father's daughter
And something in my brain says it'll numb the pain
And as long as I still wake up on time
The next morning, then it's fine, right?

In this verse, the singer reveals a direct link between her habits and her upbringing. Drinking liquor becomes a normal part of her routine, almost like a survival mechanism. She recognizes that her choices are shaped by her father's influence and a desire to escape discomfort. There’s a hint of irony in the idea that as long as she can wake up the next day, the consequences of her actions don’t seem to matter much. This sets the tone for her internal struggle.

Chorus

I grew up in the suburbs where there wasn't much to do
And I learned pretty quickly that you'll make more friends if you
Just show up with some beers and a bottle of whatever
They say it numbs your fears and makes your jokes a bit more clever

The chorus emphasizes the role of environment in shaping behavior. Growing up in the suburbs with limited options, the singer quickly discovers that socializing often revolves around drinking. It’s a way to connect but also speaks to a deeper issue of needing substances to feel comfortable or funny. The mention of numbing fears highlights the idea that these vices are a common escape, not just for her, but for many who feel stuck.

Verse 2

I shouldn't have nicotine for breakfast
But I'm just so fucking restless
And I should probably call my mom more
Instead of passing out on pub floors
God, I must be good for something
No conclusions, I'm just jumping into
Anything that might make me feel okay
Anything that might help to numb the pain
But as long as I still wake up on time
The next morning, then it's fine, right?

In this verse, the singer acknowledges her unhealthy choices, like starting the day with nicotine. The restlessness she feels pushes her toward these habits, showing a lack of direction. There’s also a hint of guilt about not staying connected with her family, particularly her mom. The repetition of wanting to feel okay and the justification of waking up the next day reinforces her struggle and the idea that surviving is enough, even if it means living unhealthily.

Chorus

They say people can change, but let's face it
We're all just products of how we were raised
And generations before us say to be more tough
As if they weren't the ones that raised us and fucking fucked us up

This chorus deepens the exploration of how upbringing influences behavior. The singer challenges the idea that change is easy, pointing out that everyone carries the weight of their past. There’s a sense of blame and recognition that the older generations often pass down their issues, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. It’s a powerful commentary on how we inherit not just traits, but also struggles.

Bridge

Now don't get me wrong
My parents did fine
They always did what they could
And my problems are mine
It's just that every other day, there's another world crisis
That's why we numb the pain with all of these vices

In the bridge, there’s a shift towards understanding and acknowledging her parents' efforts. While she recognizes they did their best, she also feels that her struggles are her own. The mention of global crises adds another layer, suggesting that the outside world contributes to her sense of helplessness. This realization reinforces why people turn to vices , it’s a way to cope with overwhelming feelings both personally and globally.

Outro

As long as I still wake up on time
The next morning, then it's fine, right?
As long as I still wake up on time
The next morning, then it's fine, right?
As long as I still wake up on time
The next morning, then it's fine, right?

The outro repeats the central idea of the song, driving home the notion that merely waking up each day is seen as a victory. It’s a haunting reminder of how low the bar can feel when one is struggling. The repetition emphasizes a kind of resignation, as if she’s trying to convince herself that this is enough. It leaves the listener pondering the balance between survival and truly living.

Closing Thoughts

"Vices" is a relatable exploration of coping mechanisms and the impact of upbringing on personal choices. Sara Beth captures the struggle of feeling lost while trying to numb pain through substances. It's a raw and honest reflection that many can connect with, reminding us of the importance of addressing our issues rather than escaping them.