Addiction and Abuse Through Music By: Pat Marks

Introduction The 1960’s and 1970’s was a time of radical change in many aspects of life. Though many of these changes had positive effects on society, some did not. Recreational drug use became widespread at this time. These drugs were slowly tearing apart society one family at a time. Many musicians saw this problem and did their best to fix it. Drugs were a very influential aspect of the music industry. Some of these musicians saw the horrors of drug abuse and used their popularity to spread knowledge about it’s detrimental effects. The songs included in this album attempt to educate the public of the dangers of drug use.

Casey Jones Casey Jones was released in the year 1970 off the album Workingman’s Dead. This song speaks of the dangers of cocaine use. The band does not tell its listeners not to use cocaine. It merely warns them that its use can quickly grow out of control. “Casey Jones you better watch your speed”

The Needle and the Damage Done The Needle and the Damage Done was written by Neil Young in 1972 for the album Harvest. This is an emotionally driven song that paints a picture of the horrors of heroin addiction. Young had seen many of his friends and fellow artists die from heroin addiction. “I am not a preacher, but drugs killed a lot of great men”- taken from linear notes of this song.

Mothers Little Helper Penned by the Rolling Stones in 1966 for the album Aftermath. This song details a hidden side of drug abuse at the time. Prescription pill addiction was common among housewives. When a housewife had trouble with her hectic day, she would become dependent on prescription pills. The Stones tried to warn these women that their addiction would eventually lead to death. “They just helped you on your way, through your busy dying day”

Cocaine Written and performed by Eric Clapton in 1977 for the album Slowhand. This song attempts to dissuade listeners from using drugs as an escape from their daily problems. “If your thing is gone and you wanna ride on; cocaine. Don't forget this fact, you can't get it back; cocaine.”

Mr. Tambourine Man Written by Bob Dylan in 1965 for the album Bringing It All Back Home. This song speaks of a lonely man who turns to LSD out of boredom. The Tambourine man depicts a drug dealer. Slowly this man loses his grip on reality. “Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin' ship, My senses have been stripped, my hands can't feel to grip.”

Got To Get You Into My Life Written by Paul McCartney in 1966 for The Beatles album Revolver. On its surface, this song seems to be written for a woman. However, McCartney latter admitted it was about his first introduction to marijuana. Contrary to popular belief that marijuana had no addictive qualities McCartney writes, ““Did I tell you I need you, Every single day…”

Conclusion Hopefully, the listeners of this album have become educated in the dangers of drug abuse. The artists mentioned in this album have all seen first hand how drugs can ruin a life. All of these songs attempted to educate. If any of these songs saved someone from a life of abuse and addiction, their efforts were not in vain.