(Verse 1) The sun's a brutal editor,highlighting every flaw The conversation's hit a snag,a temporary draw You're making coffee in the kitchen,I'm constructing my defense A monument to nothing,built on shaky common sense And I know the script to smooth this out,the words to make it right But they're hiding in the periphery,just outside the light They're waiting for the key turn of a slightly altered mind To loosen up the bolts and let the proper phrasing find its way.

(Chorus) [Music: A punchy, driving acoustic rhythm. A melodic, steady bass line. Vocals are clear, confessional, and charming.] And it's better on the drugs,I won't pretend it's not The sharp edge of this feeling gets a little less…sharp I'm a warmer,slower river, I'm a softer, kinder man I can hold onto the moment,'stead of letting go the plan It's a borrowed,easy magic, a forgiving, gentle haze And it's better on the drugs,for a couple of sweet days.

(Verse 2) I see the look you're giving me,a complicated text A mix of pure affection and a"what are you on next?" And I don't blame you for it,no, I'd probably do the same It's hard to watch a person play a losing,sideways game 'Cause you fell for the clear-eyed me,the one who's sometimes here The one who gets entangled in a complicated fear That maybe all the best of me is just a chemical release A temporary,peaceful, and magnificent cease-fire.

(Chorus) [Music: The rhythm feels a little more urgent, a little more desperate.] And it's better on the drugs,I have to speak my truth It sandpapers the anger of a misspent,reckless youth I can laugh a little easier,I can let a slight just slide I can open up the windows and let all the shame inside It's a beautiful deception,a performance that feels true And it's better on the drugs,when I'm with you.

(Bridge) [Music: Drops to just a single, repeating guitar note and the vocal, which is a whispered, insomniac's clarity.] And the real work is the waking up,and facing the decline The knowing that the easy fix is just a clever,crooked line Drawn between the man I am and who I'd like to be for you… A straight and sober promise I don't always see through.

(Outro) [Music: The full rhythm comes back, but slower, more resigned. The vocals are tired but affectionate.] Yeah,it's better on the drugs… it's a fact I can't erase. It puts a tender buffer on this cold and lonely space… But the best part,the true part, the part that makes it hell… Is that I love you so damn much,even when I'm not… well. Even when I'm not well.

[Final, clean guitar chord that rings and fades into the hum of a quiet room.]