Substance Lyrics

Lyric discussion by modestmash 

Cover art for Substance lyrics by Girls

Does anyone have an idea of what the last part means?

I take the key in my hand....etc.

That has to be a reference to the use of substance (takes the pain away, opens up the day)

But I can't seem to find a correlation between a key in a hand and drugs.

Is it just an analogy, like sobriety is something that is unlocked by a key, and that key is substances?

Or is a key in your hand some drug lingo I don't understand?

Yes, it's a reference to substance use. The song opens with someone (his inner monologue?) suggesting that a substance will take the edge off, make everything easier, etc. The substance is the key to this carefree life (or the illusion thereof, as the lyrics "you could have nothing," "just give up," and the final line suggest).

There is also car-related imagery throughout the song, such as "down the road," "let go of the wheel," "simple ride," and taking the key is a continuation of this.

The word "key" is also...

you snort cocaine with a key, that's all