Will Wood

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
This is a desk job, a data entry five to niner
Yeah, I guess I’m my own boss, but everyone’s my supervisor
Tell me, what kind of living legend would only want a living wage?
Because I just turned 27 and I’m dying of old age
Guess I’m just selfish, I wanna have but not be had
And I think, “Can I sell this? The rainfall’s a windfall, the fourth wall a paywall” whenever things get bad

[Pre-Chorus]
So this is what I choose to do with my redeeming quality
That thing that came from the same place as my instability
It’s not a gift if you pay for it, but I don’t want no charity
I spent all my years to end up right here, and now I really think I’d rather leave 'cause

[Chorus]
I hate sex, I hate drugs, and I hate rock n’ roll
And I hate music and my lack of self-control
I hate sex, I hate drugs, and I hate rock n’ roll
And I hate proving that I’m still human after all

[Verse 2]
It’s the death of the author, you read between white chalk outlines
Well if the pen’s that much stronger, then call this hare kari as I kamikaze to my career suicide
I hate these Easter bunny encores, 2 and 4 beat claps
Stockade stages, applause and praise and trying to chuck tomatoes back
[Bridge]
Newsfeeds, groupies, critics, analytics
And starry-eyed stalkers who demand a man in lipstick
And a role model psycho but an echo in their chamber
Martyr to their dollar but a baby in a manger
Effigy on the alter: the parish they brandish their torches and sway to this love song
Screaming “Virginia, walk on my water!”
Their apocryphal daughters with nerf armor and ARs
Who want me caught with red hands, cut my wrists and make me put white gloves on

[Pre-Chorus]
So go ahead sure, drink my kool-aid, it wouldn’t mix well with my meds
But there’s demand and a market for my brand scars, and I can’t treat the trademarks in my head
I hate to be “that guy,” but I’m not that guy anymore, and I made goddamn sure he’s dead
And I would dance on his grave, but the music that I play seems to say “take me instead,” so
[Chorus]
I hate sex, I hate drugs, and I hate rock n’ roll
And I hate music and my lack of self-control
I hate sex, I hate drugs, and I hate rock n’ roll
And I hate music, and I hate you kids
And I hate putting up fourth walls
And I hate proving that I’m still human after all
I hate proving that I’m still human

What happens when the glitz and glamour of fame collide with the dark underbelly of the music industry? Will Wood grapples with this question in his thought-provoking song, "Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll." With raw honesty and a touch of sardonic humor, Wood reminisces about his past self and actions, shedding light on the struggles he faced as he attempted to leave behind a version of himself that was deeply intertwined with his poor mental health.

The official music video for "Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll" adds another layer of complexity to Wood's introspective exploration. Past music videos and interviews play in the background, blurring the lines between reality and performance. Wood breaks the fourth wall, gesturing incredulously at his own distorted public persona, emphasizing the disingenuous nature of fame and publicity.

At the heart of the song is Wood's struggle to move forward from a version of himself that was fueled by the trappings of a life immersed in "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll." While he recognizes his artistry as his "redeeming quality," he also acknowledges that it emanated from the same place as his poor mental health. The juxtaposition of fame and instability becomes apparent as Wood confesses how the spotlight amplified his neuroses and pushed him to the edge.

In an interview, Wood revealed the toll that fame took on his psyche, saying, "The publicity amplified not only every neurosis and source of instability in me but every flaw in my personality." He vividly describes the intoxicating allure of the spotlight, reminiscent of an opioid-induced haze that alternated between a euphoric high and a devastating crash. It was a dangerous coping mechanism, with Wood realizing that if he didn't make changes, his true self would be consumed by the persona he had created.

About Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll

With "Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll," Will Wood delves deep into the psyches of those who walk the tumultuous path of fame. The song serves as a commentary on the dissonance between public perception and personal reality, as well as the toll that a life of excess can take on one's mental health.

Wood's lyrics paint a vivid picture of his struggle to maintain stability amidst the chaos. He reveals the allure of a life filled with sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, capturing both the exhilarating highs and the soul-crushing lows. The song's title itself acts as a symbolic representation of the enticing yet destructive world Wood found himself in.

Throughout the track, Wood's signature dry humor shines through, acting as a coping mechanism in its own right. His wit and wordplay add depth to the narrative, creating an engaging listening experience that balances introspection and entertainment.

The music video for "Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll" adds a visual element that further enhances the song's themes. By incorporating past music videos and interviews into the backdrop, Wood blurs the line between reality and performance. This artistic choice emphasizes the disingenuous nature of fame and highlights the struggle to maintain a genuine sense of self while navigating the pressures of the industry.

Will Wood's experiences with fame and his subsequent journey of self-discovery are relatable to anyone who has grappled with their own inner demons. "Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll" serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of the human condition and the delicate balance between self-expression and self-destruction.

In this song, Wood invites us to examine the true cost of celebrity and the sacrifices that must be made in pursuit of artistic vision. Through his unique blend of introspection and dry humor, Wood captivates listeners and encourages us to reflect on our own relationships with fame, perception, and personal growth.

• Release Date: September 20, 2021
• Artist: Will Wood