Song meaning of Used To Get High by John Butler Trio

The song "Used To Get High" by John Butler Trio provides a critical commentary on the ways in which society distracts and manipulates individuals. The lyrics reflect on the speaker's past habits of seeking pleasure and escape through various means, such as drugs, food, and consumerism. Through a list of vices and societal pressures, the song highlights the pervasive nature of addiction and the ways in which individuals are constantly bombarded with external influences.

The lyrics suggest that the speaker used to believe everything they saw on television, including false promises and illusions of happiness. They also indulged in harmful habits, such as consuming unhealthy food, relying on substances, and engaging in reckless behaviors. The repetition of "I used to get high for a living" emphasizes the speaker's realization that they were living in a state of false pleasure and distraction.

Furthermore, the song touches on themes of societal control and manipulation. The mention of "Cheney" alludes to political corruption, war, and economic exploitation. The lyrics criticize the influence of powerful entities, such as big business, on the lives and decisions of individuals. The mention of workers struggling to make a living and the disregard for their well-being highlights the unequal power dynamics in society.

Overall, "Used To Get High" encourages listeners to question the influences and distractions in their lives, to seek authenticity, and to reclaim control over their own destinies. The song serves as a reminder to critically examine media, consumerism, and societal pressures, and to find genuine fulfillment in the face of these external forces.