The Meaning Behind The Song: The Pusher by Steppenwolf
In the 1960s, the American rock band Steppenwolf released one of their most iconic songs, “The Pusher”. The song was written by Hoyt Axton, a renowned singer-songwriter, and was the opening track of the soundtrack for the movie “Easy Rider”. “The Pusher” is a song that is as relevant today as it was over 50 years ago. It explores the theme of drug abuse, touching on how it affects the lives of users and those around them. The song is a powerful statement that condemns drug peddlers and the social ills that come with drug addiction.
The Lyrics of “The Pusher”
Before delving further into the meaning of the song, it’s essential to look at the lyrics. The song begins with a fast guitar riff that sets the pace for the socially conscious lyrics. The first verse is as follows:
“You know I smoked a lot of grass,
Oh Lord, and I popped a lot of pills,
But I never did touch nothin’
That my spirit could kill”
These words introduce the central theme of drug use in the song. The narrator admits to having used illicit drugs before but draws a line between the grass and pills they’ve taken and the dangerous things they’ve wanted to avoid.
The chorus is an unapologetic condemnation of drug peddlers. It goes,
“You know the dealer, the dealer is a man,
With a love grass in his hand
Oh but the pusher is a monster
Good God, he’s not a natural man”
This section of the song separates the two kinds of people involved in the distribution of illegal drugs. The dealer may be someone who innocently provides drugs to people who request them, while the pusher will not relent in his efforts to get more people hooked on drugs. The latter is what “The Pusher” focuses on, and it’s clear that Steppenwolf is speaking out against this kind of behavior.
The Social Commentary in “The Pusher”
“The Pusher” was written during a time when drug use was becoming increasingly common among young people in America. The war on drugs had not begun yet, and the government had not yet taken an official stance on the issue. Steppenwolf, through “The Pusher,” expresses their frustration with the status quo and calls for a change.
The song describes in graphic detail the effects of drug use on the lives of users. It talks about those who have lost everything in their search for the next high. One of the verses in the song says,
“Well, I know that lots of you folks out there,
Are scared, you’re scared of the changes,
Your eyes have seen,
Oh, the world is getting darker every day,
And fear’s got a hold on you, yeah,
And data banks, they’re watching you,
And everybody’s watching you”
This section highlights the paranoia that comes with drug use, where users fear retribution for their actions. It’s an eye-opener for anyone who may be considering drug use, and it underscores the destructive effect that the drug peddling industry has on individuals and society.
The Message of “The Pusher”
In today’s world, drug peddling continues to be a menace in many societies. “The Pusher” sends a strong message to anyone caught up in the cycle of drug abuse, warning them of the destruction that follows in the wake of drug addiction. It also encourages the authorities to take a more active role in combating drug peddling.
The song calls for more significant penalties for those involved in drug peddling and provides a clear distinction between drug dealers and pushers. It is a powerful commentary that shifts the focus away from drug users and onto those who profit from addiction.
Conclusion
“The Pusher” is an excellent example of a song that speaks to timely social issues. Its focus on drug peddling, drug addiction, and society’s impact on individuals who struggle with addiction is still relevant today. While Steppenwolf was making a call for change, “The Pusher” provides a reminder of how easy it is to get hooked and how difficult it is to kick that habit. Today, more than ever, the message from “The Pusher” highlights the need for continued efforts to combat drug peddling and address the causes of drug addiction.
