Shiftless When Idle Lyrics

Lyric discussion by drock13 

Cover art for Shiftless When Idle lyrics by Replacements, The

Paul Westerberg wrote this song about his old Honda CB350 motorcycle. It can be very hard to go from 5th gear to 1st at an idle if you haven't downshifted as you came to a stop. Especially on those older bikes. It may have some sort of hidden social meaning as well, but I doubt it.