Guide
I have long admired Calvin Harris and his approach to music. His new release, “SMOKE THE PAIN AWAY” is also another track which ticks many of my boxes. The great thing about Calvin Harris is that he is not afraid to try something new, although this is often the case with artists who have the freedom to explore, especially ones who have proven themselves already.
Song Analysis
“SMOKE THE PAIN AWAY” is very different to his previous releases. Moreover, the Scottish DJ must have been listening to a lot of country recently with this track delving straight into the Nashville sound. From initial feedback online, it appears that the song has mixed reviews from music fans, some are digging the new direction, and others are not too impressed with the style. For me, though, I love it! It is unusual, but unusual in a good way with country-inspired guitar tones sitting on top of a dance beat. Many new sounds jump out too including the harmonica.
Calvin Harris – “SMOKE THE PAIN AWAY” Lyrics
Verse 1
Eyes sparkle like sun in June
Grow up and wait for you
Wide awake in a hotel room
Thinkin’, “Oh, what I could do”
Too late, I’ve been up for days
If I can’t even see straight
No, I can’t smoke the pain away
Instrumental Chorus
Post-Chorus
Pain away
Verse 2
2 a.m. on the street (I know)
Flow marrows on my feet (I know)
Bad dealer in my phone (I know)
Welcomed into my home (Thank you)
Bridge
But I can’t drink the pain away
No, I can’t snort the pain away
No, I can’t smoke the pain away
Instrumental Chorus
Post-Chorus
Pain away
Meaning (My Opinion)
The lyrics speak about heartache, escapism, and emotional turmoil. There is a struggle to cope with pain, and longing for someone from the past while grappling with loneliness in transient spaces like hotel rooms and empty streets. The mention of “eyes sparkle like sun in June” suggests a nostalgic reflection on a love that once brought warmth and happiness, but as the song moves forward, this optimism fades into sleepless nights and self-destructive habits. Through smoking, drinking, or other vices, the recurrent theme of seeking to numb the pain also underlines the futility of these coping strategies and supports the view that no substance in the world can truly remove emotional anguish.
The song also touches on themes of addiction and the dangers of seeking solace in the wrong places. Emphasising the downward spiral, the second verse adopts a harsher tone and references a “bad dealer” and reckless indulgence. It dawns on Calvin that smoking, drinking, and snorting cannot ease the suffering and instead, it is a flashpoint.
Conclusion
Yes, this song is very different to the usual sound I would expect from Calvin Harris but I like it, therefore I am giving it a solid 5/5.
Listen To “SMOKE THE PAIN AWAY” by Calvin Harris
He discovered the gem when he was 12 years old and still has it now, claiming it to be why he fell in love with music. He likes to play disc golf when he's not writing about music. He is a one-of-a-kind individual who is always the first to bust out his air guitar on the dance-floor.
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