Motoroller: A Dynamic Return for the Pixies
A Sonic Adventure
"Motoroller" by Pixies produced by Tom Dalgety kicks off with an intriguing blend of sounds: a distorted, Arabian-esque guitar lick sets a mysterious tone, while Francis Black's menacing vocals, layered over the iconic Pixies bassline, create an immediate sense of tension. The song quickly explodes into a dynamic chorus, where biblical references add depth to the feeling of longing expressed in the lyrics.
Musical Highlights
Around the one-minute mark, a cleaner guitar solo provides a brief respite before diving back into the lyrical narrative. This contrast in textures keeps the listener engaged throughout the song. Overall, "Motoroller" showcases the Pixies' ability to craft a dynamic and sonically interesting track, proving they haven't lost their touch.
Thematic Exploration
The lyrics touch on themes of loss, regret, and missed opportunities. The repetition of the lines "First you run outta time / Then you run outta space / It's like watching a line erased" emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and the consequences of missed connections. The references to Berlin, Mason Hall, and attempts to play a song on the saxophone add a layer of personal narrative, hinting at specific experiences that have shaped the song's emotional core.
Pixies Motoroller Review
"Motoroller" is a strong addition to the Pixies' discography, demonstrating their continued ability to create music that is both sonically engaging and lyrically thought-provoking. As track 7 on "The Night the Zombies Came," it promises to be a highlight of the album.
Listen to Pixies Motoroller
Pixies Motoroller Lyrics meaning Explained
The meaning of "Motoroller" by Pixies is a poignant exploration of missed opportunities, the relentless passage of time, and the bittersweet acceptance of life's complexities. The song delves into the human experience of longing, regret, and the struggle for connection and expression, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. Through evocative lyrics and a dynamic musical landscape, "Motoroller" captures the essence of fleeting moments and the enduring search for meaning in the face of life's challenges.
A Deep Dive into the Lyrical Landscape of "Motoroller" by Pixies
The Pixies’ "Motoroller" is a poignant exploration of missed opportunities, regret, and the relentless passage of time. It's a song that resonates with a sense of longing and the bittersweet acceptance of life's complexities. Let's embark on a journey through its lyrical landscape, uncovering the layers of meaning embedded within each verse and refrain.
Verse 1: The Fleeting Nature of Time and Opportunities
The song opens with the lines, “First you run outta time / Then you run outta space / It's like watching a line erased.” This sets the tone for the entire song, introducing the central motif of ephemerality and loss. The imagery of a line being erased is particularly evocative, suggesting the disappearance of something precious – perhaps a relationship, a dream, or a moment in time. The subsequent lines, “First your tongue is tied / Then your words collide / Just right when you found your place,” further elaborate on this theme, portraying the frustration of missed connections and the difficulty of expressing oneself at the right moment. It's a poignant depiction of the human experience, where we often find the right words or the courage to speak just as the opportunity slips away.
Refrain: The Haunting Echo of "It was a very good line"
The refrain, “It was a very good line,” adds another layer of complexity to the song's emotional landscape. Its ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations. It could refer to a missed opportunity for connection, a brilliant idea that was never realized, or a beautiful piece of music that couldn't be played. This open-endedness invites the listener to connect the refrain with their own personal experiences of loss and regret, making the song even more resonant.
Verse 2: A Personal Narrative of Missed Connection
Verse 2 introduces a personal narrative element with the lines, “I rode my scooter 'round Berlin / I washed away all my sin.” This suggests a period of freedom and self-discovery, perhaps an attempt to leave the past behind and start anew. However, the subsequent lines, “I tried to call you on the telephone / And now I gotta do this all alone,” reveal the lingering presence of loneliness and missed connection. The narrator's attempt to reach out is met with silence, highlighting the isolation that often accompanies the human experience.
Verse 3 & 4: Revisiting Themes of Loss and Frustration
Verse 3 revisits the core motif of running out of time and space, emphasizing the cyclical nature of missed opportunities and the persistent feeling of loss. Verse 4 shifts the focus to a collective experience with the lines, "They killed it dead at Mason hall / I hit my head against the wall." This suggests a shared experience of frustration and disappointment, possibly related to a failed performance or creative endeavor. The subsequent lines about trying to play something on the saxophone further reinforce this theme, highlighting the struggle for artistic expression and recognition.
Outro: The Inescapable Passage of Time
The outro reiterates the central motif of running out of time and space, leaving the listener with a sense of finality. It underscores the inescapable passage of time and the lingering echoes of missed opportunities. The repetition of these lines creates a haunting effect, emphasizing the bittersweet acceptance of life's complexities.
Motoroller Meaning and Interpretation
"Motoroller" is a multi-layered exploration of the human experience, touching upon themes of loss, regret, missed connections, and the relentless passage of time. The Pixies' signature blend of raw energy and melodic hooks delivers these themes with emotional impact, inviting the listener to reflect on their own experiences of longing and the bittersweet beauty of life's fleeting moments. It's a song that lingers in the mind long after it ends, prompting introspection and a deeper appreciation for the preciousness of time and connection.
Pixies Motoroller Lyrics
[Verse 1]
First you run outta time
Then you run outta space
It's like watching a line erased
First your tongue is tied
Then your words collide
Just right when you found your place
[Refrain]
First you run outta time
Then you run outta space
It was a very good line
[Verse 2]
I rode my scooter 'round Berlin
I washed away all my sin
I tried to call you on the telephone
And now I gotta do this all alone
[Refrain]
First you run outta time
Then you run outta space
It was a very good line
[Verse 3]
First you run outta time
Then you run outta space
It's like watching a line erased
First your tongue is tied
Then your words collide
Just right when you found your place
[Refrain]
First you run outta time
Then you run outta space
It was a very good line
[Verse 4]
They killed it dead at Mason hall
I hit my head against the wall
We tried to play it on the saxophone
We tried to play it but that shit was blown
[Refrain]
First you run outta time
Then you run outta space
It was a very good line
[Outro]
First you run outta time
Then you run outta space
It's like watching a line erased
First you run outta time
Then you run outta space
It's like watching a line erased
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