GUEST SPOT # 15 - The Verve - 'The Drugs Don't Work'

He likes to keep his shoes polished and he comes out with the best "Northern Slang" I've ever heard, this week's Guest Spot is from Russ!


The Verve - "The Drugs Don't Work" (1997)

I first heard this song believe it or not whilst serving in the Falkland Islands in 1997. Thousands of miles away from my family, but with loads of friends around. There's quiet irony in that because although I was surrounded by friends it didn't quite cut it for me. Maybe because the only time I got to hear it, was in a testosterone filled NAAFI with hundreds of blokes all singing it at the top of their voices. Oh! Did I mention they were drunk mostly too?

The times I needed to hear it were the quiet times I had in my room, reflecting and wondering what my family were doing at the time and thinking "I'll see them all again soon." Yeah the song can be depressing if you want to look at it from a depressing angle. I don't. It's a beautiful song and I'll treasure the memories it invokes in me, even of the hundreds of drunk squaddies (and RAF) all trying to out sing each other!

Undoubtedly, it's a great song which has probably featured in many a funeral or sad occasion. Look beyond the words (apart from Drugs Don't Work...cos lets face it they don't!) and appreciate a truly fantastic Urban Hymn.

OK, so the drugs don't work, but music is your medicine! Click for more Guest Spots!