Lyric discussion by smitchy 

Cover art for Tonight lyrics by TV on the Radio

at first i thought that the song was not necessarily about drugs. but a second thought reveals to me that it is about drugs or the rejection of drugs. but it is from the point of view of a non-junkie, maybe talking to a junkie friend.

the first stanza describes the world or consciousness as it is experienced by the speaker.


My mind is like an orchard Clustered in frozen portraits Of Blossoms that bloom so fine, just to drop from the vine I’ve seen 'em all tonight


it seems like a description of a photographic memory from the inside.

i don't know what to make of the "drop from the vine" part, only that is a fucking beautiful metaphor.

in the next stanza the speaker suggests that he could keep his mind (an orchard of memories) silent, and torture it (himself) by not sharing his visions (frozen portraits) with the world, but his heart whines, so [we'll] free up [our] hearts or consciousnesses or needs to create or share that with the world (even by experiencing life)


Could keep it silent and tortured Or shove it unto the floor boards A rusty heart starts to whine, In its tell tale time so free it up tonight


in the next stanza,... i will have to continue later