3 Meanings
Add Yours
Follow
Share
Q&A

Motorist Lyrics

Taking Division down to where I shouldn't be,
turn pockets run aground in the Green.
New way to see what's laid plain in front of me.
Nothing better than a look at what I shouldn't see.

When you examined the wreck, what did you see?
Glass everywhere and wheels still spinning free.
When you examined the wreck, what did you see?
Glass everywhere and wheels still spinning free.
Accidental, maybe.
Restraints too frayed to withhold me.

Remember,
you told me
you will go
where you're meant
to be.

This is my wreck, so let it be.
Cracked gauges carry messages for me.
Calls and responses you can't see,
calls and responses you can't see.
I know you'd never grasp the possibilities.
What would you risk to rescue me?

So turn your back,
just drive on past
'cause nothing is better than getting out fast.

Taking Division down to where I shouldn't be,
five blocks down in the middle of the Green.
No messages wash ashore with me.
Glass shards reflecting light so I can see.
I know you'd never grasp the possibilities.
What would you risk to rescue me?
Song Info
Submitted by
professor Stampede On Apr 22, 2004
3 Meanings

Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.

Add your thoughts...
Cover art for Motorist lyrics by Jawbox

I believe this is based upon JG Ballard's novel "The Concrete Island"

It's funny that you should mention Ballard, because this song reminds me of his novel Crash. I've never read Concrete Island, but I looked up a brief summary, and I can definitely see how the final verse could tie into that book.

@ratanx I actually thought it was based on Ballard's book Crash, although I never read The Concrete Island so you could be right

Cover art for Motorist lyrics by Jawbox

heh. its a cliche but people still slow down to look at a road accident.

Cover art for Motorist lyrics by Jawbox

The speaker is involved in a crash and is facing mortality. Lines like “you will go where you’re meant to be” and “nothing is better than getting out fast” make this sound like suicide. It could be about someone committing suicide via car crash to reach what they believe is the afterlife; they feel they have nothing else to live for and, if destined to end up in a certain afterlife, wants to get there faster.

The line “what would you risk to rescue me” is interesting. It could be asked to a paramedic, of course, or even to a person that the speaker was close to. But it could also be asked to a bystander. This brings to mind a sort of heroism: who would risk the danger of getting someone out of a car crash? Perhaps that is the person that the speaker here is looking for. Thus, it could also be about isolation and looking for human connection.

 
Questions and Answers

Ask specific questions and get answers to unlock more indepth meanings & facts.

Ask a question...