The Meaning Behind The Song: She Talks To Angels by The Black Crowes
The Black Crowes’ song “She Talks To Angels” has become a classic rock hit since its release in 1990. The song’s melancholic tone and bluesy-roots rock sound earned it a spot on several top 100 rock songs lists. The lyrics are shrouded in a somber air of mystery, hinting at a story of addiction and self-destruction. But what is the meaning behind this timeless classic? Let’s dig deeper and unravel the secrets of “She Talks To Angels.”
The Inspiration Behind the Song
The song’s lyrics were penned by Chris Robinson, the lead singer and lyricist of The Black Crowes. He wrote it after a chance encounter with a woman in Atlanta who told him about her brother’s struggles with drug addiction. The woman said her brother had died from an overdose, and she used to think he was talking to angels. While this encounter inspired the song’s title, the lyrics are a culmination of Robinson’s own experiences with drugs and alcohol.
In interviews, Robinson has been candid about his struggles with addiction and how it influenced the song. In a Rolling Stone interview, he said, “I was a complete mess when I wrote it. I was completely strung out on drugs and alcohol. It was written in a moment where I was trying to articulate to myself what was going on in my life, and that song is pretty naked.”
The Lyrics and Their Interpretation
The lyrics of “She Talks To Angels” are open to interpretation, and that’s part of their appeal. The first four lines are perhaps the most iconic part of the song:
“She never mentions the word addiction
In certain company
Yes, she’ll tell you she’s an orphan
After you meet her family”
These lines suggest that the woman the narrator is referring to is hiding something, and it’s something serious. The word “addiction” is never mentioned, but it’s implied. The woman’s family knows about it, but she keeps it hidden from certain people, perhaps those who would judge her.
The next verse hints at the woman’s struggles with addiction:
“So you want to be her angel
But angels are the choosy kind
She’ll count up all your faults
And then you’ll be cast aside”
The narrator wants to help the woman, but he realizes that she’s in a bad place and doesn’t want his help. She’s choosy about who she talks to and keeps everyone at arm’s length.
The chorus of the song is where the title comes in:
“She talks to angels, says they call her out by name
Oh yeah, she talks to angels, says they call her out by name”
The woman finds solace in her addiction, and while it’s destroying her, she believes she’s still connecting with a higher power. The angels she talks to could be the hallucinations brought on by her drug use. Or they could represent her deep longing for something better in her life.
One interpretation of the song is that the woman’s addiction is a metaphor for the singer’s addiction to drugs and alcohol. In this reading, the woman represents the self-destructive tendencies that he struggles with. By personifying his addiction as a separate entity, he can better understand and deal with it.
The Music of the Song
The music of “She Talks To Angels” is as haunting and mesmerizing as the lyrics. It’s based on a simple chord progression, but the band builds on it, layering in rich melodies and soulful harmonies. The acoustic guitar is the foundation of the song, with its finger-picked intro and driving rhythm.
The song has been heavily praised for its bluesy-roots rock sound, which is reminiscent of classic rock bands such as The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. The instrumentation is sparse, leaving plenty of room for the vocals to take center stage. Robinson’s soulful voice drips with emotion and sincerity.
The Legacy of the Song
“She Talks To Angels” has been covered by several artists over the years, including Melissa Etheridge, Nickelback, and Train. The Black Crowes’ version remains the most popular and well-known. The song has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, cementing its place in pop culture.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless message. Addiction and self-destruction are universal themes that have touched millions of people. “She Talks To Angels” captures the pain and heartache of addiction with its raw, emotionally honest lyrics. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who has ever struggled with addiction or known someone who has.
In Conclusion
“She Talks To Angels” is a classic rock hit that has stood the test of time. Its haunting lyrics and soulful melodies continue to resonate with listeners today. The song is a testament to the power of music to explore difficult themes and emotions, making it a timeless classic that will endure for generations to come.
