This song is excellent on so many levels -- the music and lyrics have a simplicity and directness that reaches out and grabs you, pulling you in. At the same time, there's some subtlety in Patty's voice and the lyrics to give even more depth to this song.
I agree with dark_maiden101 that this is from a guy's perspective about his wife's death, but it's indirect, which makes this song even better.
The opening references about the car are the first hint. Most "car talk" comes from guys, and all the references about "Shiniest thing I've ever seen", "quiet as a dream", and "nice and clean" indicate a guy, IMHO.
Then the lyric, "One day I took your tiny hand" only makes sense from a man's perspective. If anyone can interpret this as coming from a woman, please let me know.
Finally, The lyrics literally tip-toe around the emotional reality of the situation, sticking to the facts almost exclusively. Notice that the lyric is "and seems as empty as the inside of me" rather than "and feels ...". This lyrical style sure seems to indicate a guy who just lost his wife, at least to me.
It's Patty's voice that breaks through the shell of literal words to the feelings within of utter loss and devastation. We feel the emotional connection from the bittersweet juxtaposition of the understated lyrics and their resonant delivery.
This song is excellent on so many levels -- the music and lyrics have a simplicity and directness that reaches out and grabs you, pulling you in. At the same time, there's some subtlety in Patty's voice and the lyrics to give even more depth to this song.
I agree with dark_maiden101 that this is from a guy's perspective about his wife's death, but it's indirect, which makes this song even better.
The opening references about the car are the first hint. Most "car talk" comes from guys, and all the references about "Shiniest thing I've ever seen", "quiet as a dream", and "nice and clean" indicate a guy, IMHO.
Then the lyric, "One day I took your tiny hand" only makes sense from a man's perspective. If anyone can interpret this as coming from a woman, please let me know.
Finally, The lyrics literally tip-toe around the emotional reality of the situation, sticking to the facts almost exclusively. Notice that the lyric is "and seems as empty as the inside of me" rather than "and feels ...". This lyrical style sure seems to indicate a guy who just lost his wife, at least to me.
It's Patty's voice that breaks through the shell of literal words to the feelings within of utter loss and devastation. We feel the emotional connection from the bittersweet juxtaposition of the understated lyrics and their resonant delivery.