Rehab

by Amy Winehouse

What is “Rehab” really about?

If you’ve ever wondered what “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.

Amy Winehouse's 'Rehab' captures her defiant resistance to entering rehabilitation for addiction issues, expressed through a blend of frankness and a poignant refusal to surrender her autonomy.

So… what’s this song really about?

In 'Rehab,' Amy Winehouse confronts the external pressures to conform to a standard path towards recovery, emblematic of her broader struggles with addiction and mental health. The lyrics weave a narrative of personal defiance against rehab, projecting both a sense of denial and a fierce declaration of self-determination. This resistance is rooted in her complex relationship with her identity and the public's perception. The song doesn't just reject rehabilitation; it questions the very nature of recovery and who gets to define whether one needs help. The chorus, with its catchy yet plaintive refusal, exposes a deep vulnerability amidst its boldness. Winehouse offers a critique of how society manages addiction - pushing towards institutional solutions without always respecting individual circumstances or the underlying causes of distress. In refusing rehab, Winehouse is not only discussing her personal journey but is also making a broader statement about the struggles of confronting one's demons in the public eye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What inspired Amy Winehouse to write 'Rehab'?
Amy Winehouse wrote 'Rehab' based on her own life experiences fighting addiction and the pressures she faced to enter a rehabilitation program.

Q: Did 'Rehab' win any awards?
'Rehab' won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2008.

Lyrics to “Rehab”

117 ContributorsTranslations
[Pre-Chorus]
He said, "I just think you're depressed"
This, me: "Yeah, baby, and the rest"
[Chorus]
They tried to make me go to rehab but I said, "No, no, no"
Yes, I've been black, but when I come back, you'll know, know, know
[Verse 3]
I don't ever wanna drink again
I just, ooh, I just need a friend
I'm not gonna spend ten weeks
Have everyone think I'm on the mend
[Pre-Chorus]
It's not just my pride
It's just till these tears have dried
[Chorus]
They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said, "No, no, no"
Yes, I've been black, but when I come back, you'll know, know, know
I ain't got the time and if my daddy thinks I'm fine
He's tried to make me go to rehab, but I won't go, go, go