This is where the summer ends
In a flash of pure destruction,
No-one wins

Goin' nuclear
Nuclear

Violets in my eyelids goin' red
Sentimental geek
Shut up and go to sleep, oh

The calm, the beach and the remains
Of the bathing suit and Porsches all in flames

Goin' Nuclear
Nuclear

And when I saw her, the Yankees lost to Braves
Sentimental geek
Sentimental geek
Sentimental geek
Shut up and go to sleep

Give me an answer
Give me an answer
Give me an answer
Give me an answer
Give me an answer
Give me an answer


Lyrics submitted by Shadee01

Nuclear Lyrics as written by Ryan Adams

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Nuclear song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

11 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    My Interpretation

    For me as a cultural historian, the line the "Yankees lost to the Braves" indicates a lot more on the connotative level than merely the primary denotation of it being two baseball teams - in this case one in NYC, the other in Atlanta.

    If we follow the song's main motive of "going nuclear", i.e. a complete change taken place, I would suggest the line could also mean "a total reverse" of history and therefore all logic of previously experienced crackling apart. This probably works also on the sports metaphor, since the Yankees being a predominant team that is always expected or under the pressure to succeed (and also it could have to do something with his Southern heritage as somebody tried to interpret).

    But I think the sports teams could also be allegoric representatives here, rather as an implicit allusion to American Civil War. Meaning the fact of the lyrical I seeing her (like this) made the world of popular logic as we know it go upside down, as if the "Yankees" (Northern States) lost to the "Braves" (= Confederates)...and therefore all previous history doesn't exist, lost in space and time. All logic going nuclear, only the setting of the presence counts.

    Overall, a really witty line referring to all sorts of associations that come with it.

    DyngSlowlyon December 01, 2013   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Album art
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
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.
Album art
Dreamwalker
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.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
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/