“High Life” by Buju Banton and Snoop Dogg stands as an anthem in celebration of the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana, also referred to as “weed”, “ganja”, or “herb”. The track invokes themes centered around personal freedom, counterculture, subversion of authority, and the power of using natural substances for mental relief and creating a certain atmospheric experience. There’s also an insinuation about the sociopolitical aspect of the marijuana culture, touching on legalization, commercialization, and effects of anti-marijuana laws on individuals.
The song starts with an assertion of individual freedom, implying the right to choose one’s way of life and preferences. The repetition of marijuana’s soothing effects throughout the song illustrates its significance in both artists’ lives and their appreciation for the seemingly therapeutic benefits of the substance. They voice out their inherent admiration for its natural origin and untouched quality.
The narrative acknowledges the global impact of marijuana use, exemplifying its prevalence stretching from Buju Banton’s home of Jamaica to Snoop Dogg’s homeland, the United States. The lyrics bring out the counterculture aspect, painting the picture of their resistance to mainstream norms and authorities symbolized by “Babylon”.
The involvement in the culture of marijuana is depicted as a shared and peaceful experience. The verses describe using it to reduce stress, for meditation, and even as part of a dream-like state. The song creates a world where the use of marijuana is not only accepted but is also a source of unity and camaraderie, dismantling the negative connotations often associated with its use.
However, the lyrics also subtly touch upon the darker realities, pointing out the incongruity between the commercialization of marijuana and the existence of individuals still incarcerated for marijuana-related activities. The song acts as a commentary on the complex dynamics of legalization policies.
Emotions conveyed are generally relaxed, contemplative, and harmonious with moments of frustration and rebellion. The song not only expresses the pleasure the artists derive from marijuana but also employs it as a metaphor for the artists’ resilience against societal norms and disbelief in the system.