I Buy The Drugs

Album: Switzerland (2006)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The drug dealer is the butt of the joke in this song, which isn't trying to make a grand statement. In a Songfacts interview with Electric Six lead singer Dick Valentine, he said: "The main character in the song is being supported by his girlfriend. There's drugs and laziness. I think it's just an anthem of, 'That's all it is.' It's just a poppy, festive song about a drug-addled sloth."
  • "I Buy The Drugs" was the first single from the third Electric Six album, Switzerland (so named because the band "loves to yodel, loves to make money and loves to sit on the political fence). The group is from Detroit but made it big in the UK, where two songs from their debut album - "Danger! High Voltage" and "Gay Bar" - made the Top 5. Three members quit after that album, but they soldiered on, releasing an album every year or so and doing lots of touring. They specialize in the absurd, especially when it comes to their videos.
  • The music video takes place at a fraternity on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit. It was directed by Anthony Garth, a Detroit native who worked with many artists from that area, including The White Stripes, Eminem, Kid Rock and the Von Bondies. He later moved into directing commercials.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Tommy James

Tommy JamesSongwriter Interviews

"Mony Mony," "Crimson and Clover," "Draggin' The Line"... the hits kept coming for Tommy James, and in a plot line fit for a movie, his record company was controlled by the mafia.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."