Released: 2019
Jon Pardi’s ‘Heartache Medication’ is a classic country song about using the good times and the company of a bar to cope with heartbreak. It paints a vivid picture of a man trying to forget his past love by immersing himself in the nightlife, drinks, and new romantic interests.
The song starts with the protagonist at his usual bar, a place where he’s a regular. The bartender knows his name and serves him strong drinks. The ‘same old dive’ and ‘end of the work week drink’ signify his routine of seeking solace in the bar after a long week. The phrase ‘kicks ’em up strong’ refers to the bartender making his drinks potent, helping him forget his troubles.
‘I’m drinkin’ one, I’m drinkin’ two’ indicates the protagonist is consuming alcohol in an attempt to numb his pain. The ‘heartache medication’ is a metaphor for the alcohol he’s using to try and forget his past love. ‘Turnin’ me loose on that hardwood jukebox, lost in neon time’ suggests he’s letting go of his inhibitions, getting lost in the music and the atmosphere of the bar.
‘Another girl, another dance to a country song’ implies he’s trying to move on by engaging with other women and dancing to country music, a staple in bars. ‘Halfway to feelin’ all right’ indicates he’s starting to feel better, suggesting that his ‘heartache medication’ is working.
‘Single drinkin’ doubles’ is a clever play on words. It could mean he’s alone but drinking double servings of alcohol, or that he’s single and therefore drinking twice as much. ‘Teardrops turnin’ into bubbles’ suggests his sadness is being temporarily replaced by the fizzy lightheadedness of alcohol. ‘I’ll probably find me some trouble’ indicates he might engage in reckless behavior due to his drinking.
The repeated chorus ‘I got my heartache medication, a strong dedication to gettin’ over you’ emphasizes his determination to move on from his past love. The ‘heartache medication’ is his way of coping, even if it’s not the healthiest choice.
Overall, ‘Heartache Medication’ is a poignant portrayal of dealing with heartbreak. It’s a reminder that everyone has their own ways of coping, and sometimes, they’re not the most conventional or healthy. But as the song suggests, sometimes, they’re just what we need to get by.
