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.
Last time I was sober, man I felt bad
Worst hangover that I ever had
It took six hamburgers and scotch all night
Nicotine for breakfast just to put me right
'cause if you want to run cool
If you want to run cool
If you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel
My life makes perfect sense
Lust and food and violence
Sex and money are my major kicks
Get me in a fight I like dirty tricks
'cause if you want to run cool
Yes if you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel
My chick loves a man who's strong
The things she'll do to turn me on
I love the babes, don't get me wrong
Hey, that's why I wrote this song
I don't care if my liver is hanging by a thread
Don't care if my doctor says I ought to be dead
When my ugly big car won't climb this hill
I'll write a suicide note on a hundred dollar bill
'cause if you want to run cool
If you want to run cool
Yes if you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel
Worst hangover that I ever had
It took six hamburgers and scotch all night
Nicotine for breakfast just to put me right
'cause if you want to run cool
If you want to run cool
If you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel
My life makes perfect sense
Lust and food and violence
Sex and money are my major kicks
Get me in a fight I like dirty tricks
'cause if you want to run cool
Yes if you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel
My chick loves a man who's strong
The things she'll do to turn me on
I love the babes, don't get me wrong
Hey, that's why I wrote this song
I don't care if my liver is hanging by a thread
Don't care if my doctor says I ought to be dead
When my ugly big car won't climb this hill
I'll write a suicide note on a hundred dollar bill
'cause if you want to run cool
If you want to run cool
Yes if you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
I think the song's a satire about "very male" guys... about those machist jerks who think all girls are paying them attention...
I relate this song to my high school, because everybody runs on Heavy Fuel here! We got drinkers, Smokers, Hellraisers and more. I swear that some of these kids were raised with that song. I sing it all the time and it gets more attention from everyone than any other song- these guys just dont give a fuck how unhealthy their lifestyle is, because like Mark wrote, theses kids will "Write my suicide note on a hundred dollar bill."
The only possible theory that I can come up with is that this is a commentary on certain aspects of male society...a pastiche, if you will. Strong evidence of this is the line that says "I love the babes, don't get me wrong / hey, that's why I wrote this song."
Another theory is that it is just a song about booze and sex and cigarettes. Occam's Razor dictates that the latter must be true, but I'm not so sure.
Definitely satirical. Not one of their best; I hate the way the intro just goes on and on...
I think the main objective of the song is to lampoon the stereotypes of male machismo and libido, to kind of poke fun at all those guys who run on little more than the energy provided by sex, meat, and beer. One of those instances where turning a simple narrative description into a song helps underline the silliness of the topic at hand.
It is actually a song based on a character in a Martin Amis novel
I think the lyrics from this song shouldnt be taken so seriously it was obviously knopfler having a laugh I just love it anyway these lyrics always make me laugh!
Aye, on one level anyway this is simply a sarcastic dig at bullshit macho male attitudes adopted by those who don't care how damaging they are to them. So much so that they're actually spoken from the perspective of such a bloke in question who doesn't care for his outlook.
There's no doubt a bit of clichéd music star thrown in, one clear inspiration for the adoption by some of such lifestyles; "I'll write a suicide note on a hundred dollar bill."
Though the Martin Amis character prospect sounds interesting. Do go on....
I personally really like Mark Knopfler and think he is a very talented singer + musician. I feel the song is very much about the "sod life" attitude and about life is too short to care about what happens.<br /> <br /> "I don't care if my liver is hanging by a thread<br /> don't care if my doctor says I ought to be dead."<br /> <br /> The meaning is that why should we care about consequences. We're all going to die someday, at least die happy doing the things you wanted to do and enjoying yourself.<br /> <br /> That's personally how I see this song, your opinion may vary :P
The best thing about this song is that you can't really tell if it's serious or satirical.
@thedashingdebonair I'll tell ya right now. He's talking about running wide open ,, Last time I was sober '' dude ' he's not talking about alcohol , you don't drink alcohol through a 100 bill , grab a gear and hang on.
I bet none of the commenters here have ever even seen a real tit......
I'm pretty sure he found the riff on the guitar before writing the lyrics, and he decided to write a song that would reflect the dirtiness of the sound of the guitar. That would be Knopfler-like and to me, the song sounds a bit like it was that way.