Either on or off the drugs Lyrics – JPEGMAFIA

Either on or off the drugs Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
In the intro, JPEGMAFIA is setting the stage for the song. He mentions naming the track after himself, highlighting its personal nature. The repeated line about looking for “her” implies searching for something or someone important, possibly a metaphor for inspiration, love, or even inner peace.

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, JPEGMAFIA dives into his personal struggles and observations. He starts by saying he doesn’t care about showing off and feels out of place, like an accident. He thinks passionate talk is only meaningful if it’s genuine. He’s baffled by people who criticize him for no reason, wondering why they act that way. He acknowledges that people go through tough times but believes there’s a better way to express their struggles.

JPEGMAFIA addresses the criticism of not being present or involved, explaining that he’s just focused on his goals. He compares his energy, both on and off drügs, to Tony Montana’s intense drive. His drug use affects his vibe, making him feel magical with women but also like he’s battling in a boxing ring, referencing his resilience like boxer James Toney.

He talks about being put in a box by others, treated like he’s under surveillance, but he refuses to be fake. He hopes a woman acting promiscuous is just pretending, as she deserves an award for her performance. His constant drug use affects his perception, making him unsure if he’s in a “K hole” (a dissociative state) or just buzzing. Despite this, a woman’s voice haunts him.

JPEGMAFIA reflects on his past projects, mentioning that the first one had great beats, the second was deep, the third was intense, and the fourth was rushed. He admits he doesn’t have a solid foundation and has faced many hardships, with his mind full of demons. To cope, he indulges in distractions, likening his behavior to consuming these distractions like the duo Sara and Tegan.

He criticizes others for rhyming without meaning and insists his struggles are not just a facade. He stands up for himself, even when others don’t believe in him. He compares himself to Michael Jackson, dancing alone and being his own audience and believer. He likens himself to basketball player Chris Paul (CP3), ready to confront others. He dismisses those who rely on government assistance (EBT) or seek clout on social media. He hopes his children won’t be weak and repeats his search for something or someone significant.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, JPEGMAFIA calls out people who speak without thinking and those who praise insincere individuals. He criticizes people who spend their time hating on others they don’t know, feeling sorry for them. He mentions that when he gets wild, he creates chaos but keeps a gun for protection and outfits his partner with a vest for safety. He questions the value of a past relationship, noting it only brought him stress. He repeats that he’s searching for something, implying a deeper meaning or purpose.