Released: 2023
In “Fighting My Demons” by Ken Carson, we dive deep into a raw portrayal of coping mechanisms and internal battles. The song kicks off with a stark litany of questions that paint a picture of someone searching—their blunt, their cup, their reefer—alluding to the use of substances as a form of escape from reality or personal demons.
The lyrics swiftly move to a narrative that combines flexing wealth and indulgence with dark, introspective admissions. Phrases like “I’m smokin’ on kush” and “You know I’m a chief?” not only flaunt a lifestyle centered around marijuana consumption but also signal a declaration of identity and status. The depiction of a high-flying, carefree existence—”I’m flyin’ just like an eagle”—is quickly juxtaposed with moments of vulnerability and confrontation, such as “I’ve been fighting my demons.”
Ken Carson doesn’t shy away from illustrating a grim reality of violence and the numbing allure of drugs—captured in lines like “My trigger finger itchin’, I feel like D-Wade with the heat” and “I pop X, I pop X, yeah, yeah, I’m geeked.” These lyrics speak volumes about the struggle to cope with inner turmoil, juxtaposing moments of perceived control or power with the constant battle against personal demons. The recurring, haunting refrain, “I’ve been fighting my demons”, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing internal conflict, despite the temporary distractions or illusions of grandeur painted in the verses.
Overall, “Fighting My Demons” provides a gritty, unfiltered glimpse into Ken Carson’s psyche, layered with the complexities of success, substance dependency, and the ever-present battle with one’s darker side. Through its gritty narrative and hypnotic repetition, the track pulls listeners into a vortex of introspection and the relentless pursuit of solace amidst chaos.
