Meaning of Them Stems by Chris Stapleton

The overall theme of Chris Stapleton's song "Them Stems" revolves around addiction and the consequences it brings. The lyrics tell a story of a person who is in a state of despair due to their addiction to smoking the leftover stems of marijuana. While the topic itself may seem straightforward, there are several standout lyrics in the song that help develop unexpected and imaginative themes related to addiction and its impact on various aspects of life.In the chorus, the line "This morning I smoked them stems, yeah, that's the kinda shape I'm in" establishes the immediate consequence of the protagonist's addiction. The usage of "shape" here highlights the physical and mental toll that addiction can take. It suggests that their well-being is deteriorating, emphasizing the detrimental effects of addiction on one's overall health.Moving to the first verse, the line "My dealer, he's been out of town, and that's really got me down" introduces a theme of dependency and reliance on external sources. While the protagonist's addiction to smoking stems is already harmful, the absence of their dealer amplifies their sense of desperation. It highlights the vulnerable position they are in, as they are reliant on someone else to feed their addiction.In the second verse, the line "My baby, she done said goodbye, and all I ever do is cry" adds a layer of emotional turmoil to the narrative. Here, addiction takes a toll on the protagonist's personal relationships. It suggests that their substance abuse has pushed away their loved ones, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of addiction beyond just the physical aspects. This theme delves into the idea that addiction not only affects the individual but also impacts those around them, causing strain and emotional pain in relationships.The third verse introduces another unexpected theme related to addiction - the idea of shared experiences. The line "I called up this buddy of mine 'cause we always had a real good time" conveys a sense of camaraderie and the shared bond formed through substance abuse. It suggests that the protagonist seeks solace in the presence of others who share similar addictive habits. However, the following line reveals that even they have succumbed to their own addiction, leaving the protagonist without the support they were seeking. This theme delves into the notion of community and the potential dangers that lie within it when it comes to addiction.Overall, Chris Stapleton's "Them Stems" tells a story of addiction and its devastating consequences. Through its standout lyrics, the song explores themes of physical and mental deterioration, dependency on external sources, strained relationships, and the potential pitfalls of seeking solace in shared experiences. By delving into these unexpected and imaginative themes, the song not only sheds light on the immediate consequences of addiction but also explores its far-reaching impact on various aspects of life. "Them Stems" serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of addiction and the importance of seeking help and support to overcome it.