"The lyrical inspiration for that was drugs," Queens Of The Stone Age bass player Nick Oliveri told Songfacts. "'First it giveth, then it taketh away.' First it's great, then you're stuck."
Many Queens Of The Stone Age songs deal with drugs, but not in a straightforward way. Lead singer Josh Homme considers them one of many tools in his creative toolbox, and also believes it's up to the user to manage them accordingly (he has said he's favor of legalizing drugs). It's similar to how The Beatles handled it - drugs influenced some of their songs, but were just a small part of their story. This song deals with the influence of drugs on making music; how they can spur ideas but then negate all that inspiration later.
That's Dave Grohl on drums, showing some sick stickwork during the chorus. The Foo Fighter joined the band to record the Songs For The Deaf album and subsequently toured with them.
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