Well, I wish I was born
A thousand years ago
And I wish that I sailed
The darkened sea
On a great big clipper ship
Goin’ from this land into that
In a sailors suit and cap
Away from the big city
Away from the big city
Where a man cannot be free
Of all the evils in this town
And of himself and those around
And I’m closin’ in on death
And I guess that I just don’t know
And I guess that I just don’t know
Ah. Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine
Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine
I don’t know just where I’m goin’, ah
But I’m gonna try for the kingdom if I can, yeah
‘Cause it makes me feel like I’m a man
When I put a spike into my vein
And I tell you things aren’t quite the same
It’s a mainline to my pain
Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin)
Jesus died for somebody’s sins
(I can feel it)
But not mine (heroin)
I said, Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin)
Ow, ow, ow, ow, yeah
Ow, ow, ow, ow
(I can feel it)
(I can feel it)
I have made a very big decision
I gonna try to nullify my life, you know
I get so low and then the smack flows
I don’t care I’m gonna make it my wife
‘Cause when the blood begins to flow
And shoots up the dropper’s neck
And I’m closin’ in on death
You can all go take a walk
And I guess that I just don’t know
And I guess that I just don’t know
Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin)
Jesus died for somebody’s sins (I can feel it)
But not mine (heroin)
I said, Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin)
I said, Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin) not mine
Heroin, smack attack
(I can feel it)
(I can feel it)
Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin)
Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin)
Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin)
I said, Jesus died for somebody’s sins
But not mine (heroin)
Smack attack
Don’t touch that needle
V.R. H E R O I N
V.R. H E R O I N
V.R. HELL H E R O I N (forever)
And I’m closin’ in on death
H E R O I N
Exploring the Depths of “Heroin” by Billy Idol
“Heroin” by Billy Idol confronts listeners with raw honesty, examining the turbulence of addiction and the struggle for escape. The lyrics evoke a yearning for freedom and a sense of displacement, as the narrator dreams of a different time and place, far from the chaos of the city and the pain within. The repeated mention of Jesus juxtaposed with self-doubt and existential questioning intensifies the song’s emotional weight, revealing a search for meaning amid despair. The references to heroin use are vivid and unflinching, capturing both the temporary relief and the destructive consequences. Idol’s delivery underscores the anguish and rebellion woven throughout, making “Heroin” a powerful meditation on addiction, alienation, and the human desire for release.
Song Credits
- Artist: Billy Idol
- Songwriters: Lou Reed