They Can Only Drag You Down
They Can Only Drag You Down - meaning Summary
Perils That Threaten Success
Lawson addresses accomplished creative figures and warns that success brings new dangers. He urges them to ignore empty praise, avoid rivalries, and resist temptations—pleasure, drink, flattering lovers—that can undermine achievement. The poem counsels steady, solitary labor whether in the bush or a quiet room, portraying discipline and restraint as the only means to preserve hard-won gains and continue useful work rather than yield to self-destructive allurements.
Read Complete AnalysesLeader, poet, singer, artist, who have struggled long and won, Though the climbing is behind you, now the battle has begun, Shut your ears unto the empty parrot phrases of the town, Shun the hand-grips of your rivals, they can only drag you down. See the bush or quiet chamber, work – for you have work to do, Though the city shall be lighted and the table spread for you – Work through ease and pleasure call you, work when you have care to drown, Shun the wine-cup like a serpent, it can only drag you down. And the star eyes and the red lips, luring ever to a wreck, And the beauty of the white arms clinging closely round your neck! Golden head thrown back and white arms clinging closer when you frown, Tear them from your neck if need be – they can only drag you down.
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