Released: 1993″I Wanna Get High” by Cypress Hill isn’t just an anthem for cannabis enthusiasts; it’s a deep dive into the culture and vibes that surrounded marijuana, especially during the 90s when the track dropped. The song is clothed in a laid-back groove, but beneath the surface, it’s a declaration of the group’s love for getting high and an exploration of the culture around it. Through their distinctive sound and lyrical creativity, Cypress Hill managed to mix advocacy, experience, and a bit of audacity in a track that resonates with listeners even today.
The song kicks off with the straightforward, hypnotic lines, “I want to get high, so high” setting the theme up front. This repetition isn’t just a hook; it’s an anthem, a blatant declaration of intent that frames the whole track. Cypress Hill doesn’t beat around the bush – or the blunt, in this case. Then they move into what could only be described as a celebration of the high life. Phrases like “funk elastic,” “the blunt I twist it,” and “slamafied, Buddha-fied funk on your discus” are Cypress Hill’s way of mixing the world of music with the act of getting high. They’re talking about the art of rolling and enjoying a blunt, but they’re doing it with flair and a touch of mystique, all while keeping the beat irresistible.
The line “Catch a ho and another ho, Merry Christmas” might throw off the uninitiated, but here, it’s Cypress Hill adding a layer of humor to their track, likening the act of sharing their stash to giving gifts during Christmas. It’s not so much about the literal meaning but the spirit of generosity and good vibes, albeit in a cheeky manner. “Yes, I smoke shit, straight off the roach clip” – here, they’re reclaiming the act of smoking, even the last bits of a joint (roach), with pride. The mention of “roach clip” is a nod to the tools and rituals that are part of consuming cannabis.
The verse “My oven’s on high, when I roast the quail / Tell Bill Clinton to go and inhale” is particularly noteworthy. Cypress Hill uses this to comment on the political climate around marijuana use. The mention of roasting the quail is a metaphor for lighting up, and the Bill Clinton name-drop references his famous “I did not inhale” statement about his own marijuana use, highlighting the hypocrisy in the political arena concerning cannabis. It’s Cypress Hill’s way of saying they’re unashamed and unabashed about their choices, contrasting themselves with the political figures who they suggest are dishonest about their own consumption.
The hook and the repeated lines about getting high showcase the track’s embracing of marijuana, not just as an act, but as a lifestyle and a path to enlightenment and creativity. The repeated “Yo hits from the bong” lines serve as both a call to action and a celebration of the instrument of choice for many cannabis users. The bong hits references are not just about the act of smoking but about the communal experience and the ritual that surrounds it, elevating it from mere consumption to an almost spiritual act.
In sum, “I Wanna Get High” by Cypress Hill goes beyond the surface level of wanting to achieve a high. It’s a layered ode to cannabis culture, complete with references to the communal aspects of smoking, the political landscape surrounding marijuana use, and the personal freedom it represents. Through their distinctive rhythmic and lyrical style, Cypress Hill crafted a track that’s both a battle cry for cannabis lovers and a clever commentary on the societal views on getting high.
