Discover the story of the song > Uppers Aren’t Necessary – Rocky Votolato

The song is about a man who is walking through imaginary cities and feels like something is going to change soon. He knows that these cities can be fickle and unpredictable, and he has a lot to lose. However, he believes that he can build things himself and doesn't need to rely on drugs to get through tough times. The lyrics also talk about the loneliness and despair that can come with traveling and how the protagonist relies on the guilt he feels to keep him going instead of turning to drugs.