One Headlight Wallflowers from their 1996 Album "Bringing Down the Horse" written by lead singer Jakob Dylan
One Headlight Wallflowers from their 1996 Album "Bringing Down the Horse" written by lead singer Jakob Dylan
SONG 3
G D/F#
So long ago, I don't remember when
F#7 Bm/F# A
That's when they say I lost my only friend
G D
Well they said she died easy of a broken heart disease
F#7 Bm A
As I listened through the cemetery trees
G D
Now it always seemed such a waste she always had a pretty face
F#7 Bm A
I wondered how she hung around this place
G D/F#
She said it's cold, It feels like Independence Day
F#7 Bm A
And I can't break away from this parade
G D/F#
But there's got to be an opening, Somewhere here in front of me
F#7 Bm A
Through this maze of ugliness and greed
G D
Well this place is old, It feels just like a beat up truck
F#7 Bm A
I turn the engine, but the engine doesn't turn
G D
Well it smells of cheap wine & cigarettes, This place is always such a mess
F#7 Bm A
Sometimes I think I'd like to watch it burn
G D
I'm so alone, and I feel just like somebody else
F#7 Bm A
Man, I ain't changed, but I know I ain't the same
G D
But somewhere here in between the city walls of dyin' dreams
F#7 Bm A
I think her death it must be killin' me
"One Headlight" by The Wallflowers, written by Jakob Dylan, is often interpreted as a song about a relationship or a situation that is falling apart, or even about the death of ideas and the struggle to move forward despite feeling incomplete or broken.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the song's meaning:
The Metaphor of One Headlight:
The imagery of driving with "one headlight" is a central metaphor, representing continuing on despite being incomplete or broken, pushing forward even when the road ahead is dark and uncertain.
Death of Ideas:
Jakob Dylan has stated that the song is about "the death of ideas," suggesting it's not necessarily about the death of a person, but rather about feeling stuck, uninspired, and struggling with the weight of expectations.
Relationship Breakdown:
The lyrics also suggest a relationship that is ending, with the protagonist seeing the writing on the wall and knowing that things are going to end, but still wanting to try to hold onto what they have.
Haunting and Hopeful:
The song's imagery is haunting yet hopeful, acknowledging pain and darkness but emphasizing perseverance.
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