In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Two gunslingers, walked out in the street
And one said "I don't want to fight no more"
And the other gunslinger thought about it
And he said, "yeah what are we fighting for?"
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life now
Right now, oh yeah
Well the crowd that had gathered
For the gun fight were let down
Everyone hissed and booed
And a stranger told his Mrs.
That's the last one of these gunfights
You're ever gonna drag me to
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life now
Right now, oh yeah
Well the two gunslingers
Went ridin' out of town and
Were never heard from no more
And there ain't been a gun fight
For a long time, maybe never
But nobody knows for sure
And I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life now
Right now, oh yeah
Now, right now
Oh yeah
And one said "I don't want to fight no more"
And the other gunslinger thought about it
And he said, "yeah what are we fighting for?"
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life now
Right now, oh yeah
Well the crowd that had gathered
For the gun fight were let down
Everyone hissed and booed
And a stranger told his Mrs.
That's the last one of these gunfights
You're ever gonna drag me to
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life now
Right now, oh yeah
Well the two gunslingers
Went ridin' out of town and
Were never heard from no more
And there ain't been a gun fight
For a long time, maybe never
But nobody knows for sure
And I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life
I'm takin' control of my life now
Right now, oh yeah
Now, right now
Oh yeah
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"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
I can't beleive...well I can but it just shouldn't be...that no one else has posted on this song. Whatever.
It's about how people are forced to do what they don't want and act like someone they aren't, just to be accepted or to avoid being looked down on--"That's the last one/of these gunfights/you're ever gonna drag me to/"
It might let down other people but it's better for you as a person--"everyone hissed and booed" I think Petty means this as an allegory; the lines "And there ain't been a gunfight for a long time/maybe never, nobody knowd for sure"-it's lkike he's illustrating an example.
Let me know of I'm wrong here.
Id say noone posted cz its quite simple to understand. "Im taking control of my life"<br /> <br /> Great tune
@apettythief if you haven’t already, check out the stunning live version of this song on American Treasure”. Toms oldest daughter opines about it in the liner notes and talks about why it’s always been one of her favorites. <br /> <br /> I hear a little of Petty talking to himself and wrestling with his own demons. A very moving, under appreciated song. <br /> <br /> You deserved a reply on this post...even 14 years later!
Let me say that this is a really good song, and if you're a petty fan or not its worth a download. Great tune and great lyrics, and i think that apettythief really said what this song means.
Let me say that this is a really good song, and if you're a petty fan or not its worth a download. Great tune and great lyrics, and i think that apettythief really said what this song means.
This is a highly underrated Tom Petty song. I believe this song is about thinking for yourself and questioning things that you've never questioned before. Many people go through life like zombies without actually thinking about or questioning what they are doing. They do what they've always done and or what is expected of them. Sometimes change is difficult and it often displeases the masses. When just one person takes a stand for what he believes is right it often changes the course of history. This song is brilliant.