Three Days Grace – Pain (Official Video)
Inspiration Behind Pain:
The lyrics of Pain comes from lead singer Adam Gontier’s experience battling an addiction to OxyContin. Pain was a daily battle during Adam’s rehab. The lyrics point to a more graphic and honest assessment of what is takes to fully recover from a drug addiction. Pain has become an anthem for individuals facing hardship and emotional turmoil.
Biblical Application:
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.
Exegesis of Pain:
Pain, without love
Pain, I can’t get enough
Pain, I like it rough
‘Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all
OxyContin is a pain killer than takes away your pain after a major surgery. Unfortunately, this is an extremely addictive substance. This is the context of the opening stanza.
You’re sick of feeling numb
You’re not the only one
I’ll take you by the hand
And I’ll show you a world that you can understand
Adam wants to help people facing a similar addiction today. Leading others through this pain and helping them understand what’s at stake.
This life is filled with hurt
When happiness doesn’t work
Trust me and take my hand
When the lights go out, you’ll understand
Adam is either referring to coping with addiction at night or before you undergo a major surgery and get knocked out until the procedure has been completed.
Pain (pain), without love
Pain (pain), I can’t get enough
Pain (pain), I like it rough
‘Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all
Adam explains that pain is a good thing while trying to free his body from the use of OxyContin.
Pain (pain), without love
Pain (pain), I can’t get enough
Pain (pain), I like it rough
‘Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all
Feeling pain means that he is not taking OxyContin.
Anger and agony
Are better than misery
Trust me, I’ve got a plan
When the lights go off, you’ll understand
Adam provides a series of emotions that he endured during rehab, explaining that anger and agony are signs of progress and recovery.
Pain (pain), without love
Pain (pain), I can’t get enough
Pain (pain), I like it rough
‘Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all
Overcoming addiction is like fighting another boxer, trying to be defensive with an occasion jab to be proactive.
Pain (pain), without love
Pain (pain), I can’t get enough
Pain (pain), I like it rough
‘Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing
Rather feel pain
Unless you have been to rehab or struggled to overcome bad habits, you need mental toughness that exists inside a long-distance runner and a heavy weight champion.
(I know, I know, I know, I know)
I know that you’re wounded
(You know, you know, you know, you know)
That I’m here to save you
(You know, you know, you know, you know)
I’m always here for you
(I know, I know, I know, I know)
That you’ll thank me later
This song serves as emotional support and encouragement to keep battling until you are freed from addiction.
Pain, without love
Pain, can’t get enough
Pain, I like it rough
‘Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all
Stick it out and keep fighting as pain will be a daily presence.
Pain (pain), without love
Pain (pain), I can’t get enough
Pain (pain), I like it rough
‘Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all
This repetitive chorus suggests that the end of this song is near.
Pain (pain), without love
Pain (pain), I can’t get enough
Pain (pain), I like it rough
‘Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all
Rather feel pain than nothing at all
Rather feel pain
The first step to recovery is acknowledging that you have a problem. Loved ones can’t fully help you until you reach this point in life. Pain is a reality of life. However, once addiction is conquered, there will be another set of challenges waiting for you to face.
Final Thoughts:
We all have dark periods in our lives, often influenced by poor choices. Some people recover without anyone noticing while others go down a one-way road that leads to destruction. There is no easy way out or shortcut back to normalcy. Addictions, bad habits and unwholesome cravings can ravage your soul. The key to recovery is to never give up hope, prevent the thought of quitting fro, entering your mind and fight through the pain until victory is achieved. However, you’ll need an accountability partner to walk with you along the way.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 