Five gears in reverse
For girls looking at the big lift
Somebody send out for the night nurse
Please don`t stick me on the late shift
If you don`t know by now
Nobody`s gonna tell you
If you don`t know by now
The shock will probably kill you

But if your patience is corrupted and you still cannot decide
You`re sitting in the garage contemplating suicide
And you have no motivation you can`t even catch your breath
All of this acceleration is driving you to death

Five gears in reverse
You think I don`t know what I`m doing
Another fashionable first
Like walking down the road to ruin
But if you`re safe and sound
Don`t let me interrupt you
And if you`re gagged and bound
Well how can I corrupt you


Lyrics submitted by Mopnugget, edited by popmattress

5ive Gears in Reverse Lyrics as written by Elvis Costello

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

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5ive Gears In Reverse song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • +1
    General CommentLOVE this song. I think it's about drug use: "The big lift" and "the road to ruin"

    "If you're gagged and bound,
    how can I corrupt you?" in other words - if you're doing silly things (maybe while on drugs) how can anyone make you even worse? And "FIVE GEARS IN REVERSE" is perhaps about drugs take you backwards - never forwards. Maybe. I've listened to this song for many years and never thought about it.
    FLY2venuson November 11, 2008   Link
  • 0
    My InterpretationJust an overall observation how society in general is basically going to hell with the speed of changes that the average citizen just can't keep up with.

    If you're self satisfied and comfortable, just fine - the singer wants to break that up and introduce his brand of chaos.
    popmattresson November 07, 2022   Link

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