Getaway Car
Audioslave Lyrics


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The first time I saw you
You were chasing down
A cyclone
All alone in a field
With rail yards and clovers
I kept rolling on and never thought
You'd wind up chasing me
Well settle down I won't hesitate
To hit the highway
Before you lay me to waste
Settle up and I'll help you find
Something to drive
Before you drive me insane

You're tired of walking and you
Loathe the ground
The sidewalk will barely
Touch your feet and life moves
Too slowly to hold you down
With ringing hands
You take it out on me

Well settle down I won't hesitate
To hit the highway
Before you lay me to waste
Settle up and I'll help you find
Something to drive
Before you drive me insane

Get yourself a car and drive it all alone
Get yourself a car and ride it on the wind
Get yourself a car and drive it all alone
Get yourself a car and ride it on the wind

Well settle down I won't hesitate
To hit the highway
Before you lay me to waste
Settle up and I'll help you find
Something to drive
Before you drive me insane

Get yourself a car and drive it all alone
Get yourself a car and ride it on the wind




Get yourself a car and drive it all alone
Get yourself a car and ride it on the wind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Audioslave's "Getaway Car" describe the thrill and rush of being caught up in a whirlwind romance. The first verse paints a vivid picture of the singer's initial encounter with their love interest, who is described as "chasing down a cyclone" all alone in a field with rail yards and clovers. Despite initially thinking that they would not be pursued by this person, they soon find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. The chorus emphasizes the need to hurry and find a way to leave before the relationship turns sour or overwhelming, with the repeated refrain "settle down I won't hesitate to hit the highway before you lay me to waste." The second verse portrays the lover as restless and impatient with life, seeking to escape from the confines of the world around them. The bridge encourages the partner to "get yourself a car and drive it all alone" as a symbol of freedom and independence.


In addition to its romantic themes, "Getaway Car" has been interpreted as a commentary on the band's own experiences in the music industry. The repeated emphasis on driving away and the lines "life moves too slowly to hold you down" and "before you drive me insane" could be seen as a reflection on the pressures and tensions of fame and touring. The song has been praised for its catchy, driving beat and powerful guitar riffs that reflect the sense of urgency and excitement in the lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

The first time I saw you
When I first met you


You were chasing down
You were pursuing something with determination


A cyclone
A metaphorical storm or chaos in your life


All alone in a field
You were isolated from everyone else, like you always are


With rail yards and clovers
With industrial and natural surroundings


I kept rolling on and never thought
I kept on moving, unaware of your existence


You'd wind up chasing me
You would end up pursuing me


Well settle down I won't hesitate
I encourage you to calm down as I am ready to take action


To hit the highway
To go on a journey or get away


Before you lay me to waste
Before you bring an end to me


Settle up and I'll help you find
If we are both ready, I can assist you in finding


Something to drive
A purpose or goal to move towards


Before you drive me insane
Before you cause me to lose my mind


You're tired of walking and you
You are fed up with your current lifestyle


Loathe the ground
You dislike the place where you stand


The sidewalk will barely
Even walking on the path built for pedestrians is insufficient


Touch your feet and life moves
Life seems to be not keeping up with your expectations


Too slowly to hold you down
So slow that it's unable to keep you grounded


With ringing hands
With fists that are shaking


You take it out on me
You express your anger towards me


Get yourself a car and drive it all alone
Obtain a car and take solitary journey


Get yourself a car and ride it on the wind
Find the freedom to travel wherever life takes you




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Timothy Commerford, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Brad Wilk

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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