Between the Bars (Orchestral) by Elliott Smith is a poignant song exploring the themes of addiction, love, and escapism. The lyrics convey an intimate conversation from the perspective of the substance itself, coaxing the listener into a state of numbness and forgetfulness. Smith's haunting voice and the orchestral arrangement amplify the song's melancholic tone, highlighting the internal struggle of the subject. Key moments include the lines 'Drink up, baby, look at the stars, I'll kiss you again, between the bars', which suggest a yearning for comfort and a temporary escape from reality. The overall meaning reflects a deep sense of vulnerability, illustrating how people often turn to substances to cope with pain and emotional turmoil.