I think Chuck Klosterman's Spin piece around the release of A Ghost is Born gives a pretty good idea of what Tweedy was feeling when he wrote this song. I'm not exactly sure if the rehab stint mentioned was before or after the song's recording. In any event, apparently Tweedy had been on painkillers to treat migraines, all the while he was taking anti-depressants. When he tried to kick the painkillers, he resorted to other opiates, the handshake drugs of the song's title. When he crashed and went to rehab, the doctors had to treat both illnesses: addiction and mental illness. Both afflictions that can make you feel unlike yourself. Just the send of an idea, I try not to make too much of Tweedy's lyrics--just enjoy them and think about perspective.
I think Chuck Klosterman's Spin piece around the release of A Ghost is Born gives a pretty good idea of what Tweedy was feeling when he wrote this song. I'm not exactly sure if the rehab stint mentioned was before or after the song's recording. In any event, apparently Tweedy had been on painkillers to treat migraines, all the while he was taking anti-depressants. When he tried to kick the painkillers, he resorted to other opiates, the handshake drugs of the song's title. When he crashed and went to rehab, the doctors had to treat both illnesses: addiction and mental illness. Both afflictions that can make you feel unlike yourself. Just the send of an idea, I try not to make too much of Tweedy's lyrics--just enjoy them and think about perspective.