In the "the program" (AA, and all other 12 steps), the hypothetical 13th step is a combination of the first (admit that you are powerless . . .) and the 12th (give away the"gift" of your sobriety to others). Therefore, the 13th step is someone saying "my life is out of control and I want to share it with you". It usually refers to people in early stages of sobriety who get into relationships before they are ready, and thus run a high risk of relapse/fuck up someone else's life. It's not totally clear who is in rehab here -could be the singer, drinking because he can't stand himself. Could be the woman with the bruise. Could even be her other man, who gave her the bruıse. Could be all of the above. Could even be a metaphorical addictıon to a person, rather than alcohol or another substance.
Just thought someone should clarify the reference in the title. I will never be a 12-stepper, but I know a lot of people who went so far that they could not see any other option.
In the "the program" (AA, and all other 12 steps), the hypothetical 13th step is a combination of the first (admit that you are powerless . . .) and the 12th (give away the"gift" of your sobriety to others). Therefore, the 13th step is someone saying "my life is out of control and I want to share it with you". It usually refers to people in early stages of sobriety who get into relationships before they are ready, and thus run a high risk of relapse/fuck up someone else's life. It's not totally clear who is in rehab here -could be the singer, drinking because he can't stand himself. Could be the woman with the bruise. Could even be her other man, who gave her the bruıse. Could be all of the above. Could even be a metaphorical addictıon to a person, rather than alcohol or another substance.
Just thought someone should clarify the reference in the title. I will never be a 12-stepper, but I know a lot of people who went so far that they could not see any other option.