Motor Away
Guided by Voices Lyrics
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When you free yourself from the chance of a lifetime
You can be anyone they told you to
You can belittle every little voice that told you so
And then the time will come when you add up the numbers
And then the time will come when you motor away
Oh, why don't you just drive away?
The lyrics to Guided by Voices's song "Motor Away" seem to be an introspective reflection on personal growth and learning to let go of the past. The first line, "When you motor away beyond the once-red lips," suggests leaving behind a former lover or a time in life that no longer serves you. The second line, "When you free yourself from the chance of a lifetime," could be interpreted as breaking free from the pressures of societal expectations or the fear of failure. The next two lines, "You can be anyone they told you to / You can belittle every little voice that told you so," may refer to conforming to others' expectations and then realizing the harm in doing so.
The chorus of the song, "And then the time will come when you add up the numbers / And then the time will come when you motor away / Oh, why don't you just drive away?" seems to suggest that there will come a time when all of our experiences will add up to a moment of clarity and we will feel the need to move on to the next chapter in our lives. The repetition of "motor away" and "drive away" underscores the importance of taking action and leaving behind what no longer serves us. Overall, the lyrics of "Motor Away" encourage the listener to find their true self and to not let the opinions of others hold them back.
Line by Line Meaning
When you motor away beyond the once-red lips
As you move away from familiar things and people (represented by red lips), you gain independence and a chance to explore new possibilities.
When you free yourself from the chance of a lifetime
Instead of waiting for opportunities to present themselves, take control and create your own path in life.
You can be anyone they told you to
Society often has expectations and norms that it expects people to conform to, but it is important to break free from these constraints and be your authentic self.
You can belittle every little voice that told you so
Do not let self-doubt or negative opinions of others hold you back from achieving your goals and dreams.
And then the time will come when you add up the numbers
Eventually, you will look back at your achievements and recognize how far you have come.
And then the time will come when you motor away
After reflecting on your progress, it is time to continue pushing forward and exploring new opportunities.
Oh, why don't you just drive away?
The song encourages us to take risks, be bold, and not be afraid to leave our comfort zones in search of new experiences and opportunities.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Robert Pollard Jr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@spookedhorse
Post-punk X-Man parked his fork-lift
Like a billion stars flickering from the grinder's wheel
Lower hybrid clad in metal
In subgroup tools
Excused from schools
To fathom hell
See you now
Echo and his brother (Echo and his brother)
Fish and Peter the Pig
Will meet where it's big
Auditorium
Auditorium
Auditorium
Auditorium
@thenavajoknow
Of the 1000 best songs in human history Bob has written about 200.
@barrypotter5751
What about Mark e. Smith of the fall 31 studios albums
@concars1234
@Barry Potter paintwork is pretty damn good
@wakingpug
He still makes interesting, often great, music... but this era is Pollard at the peak of his powers. Just an unstoppable force of nature.
@snakeworldpeace
haha crazy how the top 2 songwriters in history are both named bob ;)
@thenavajoknow
@snakeworldpeace Not to forget Bob Lennon and Bob McCartney.
@DrakikleidiLeia
my brother n sister RIP used to pick on me so bad bc the GBV CD didnt leave my hooptie for a legit year. on repeat in my oldsmobile cutlass salon. damn comfortable ride even better w gbv.
@DrakikleidiLeia
it was alien lanes
@DrakikleidiLeia
late 90s
@DrakikleidiLeia
good times