Traffic Jam
Bartók Lyrics


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I packed everything up tonight
I burst out of this room
I look at the fast cars

Traffic jam in my mind
Traffic jam on my way
I need a lift, no matter who's
I jump in the car no matter who's

Take me where you're taking yourself
No matter where
We got the same look
Are you looking for something?

Nothing you got
Just stay together
Till we arrive




Be honest
Be wise

Overall Meaning

The song Traffic Jam by Béla Bartók is a beautiful tribute to the chaotic and overwhelming nature of modern life. The lyrics describe the feeling of being completely trapped in your own thoughts and struggling to find a way out. The singer is so consumed by their own inner turmoil that they need to physically escape their surroundings by hopping into a random car and riding along with whoever is driving.


At its core, Traffic Jam is a meditation on the isolation and disconnection that can come from living in a society that values productivity and material success above all else. The singer is searching for something more than just surface-level interactions or meaningless distractions - they want to connect with someone on a deeper level and find a sense of purpose and clarity.


There is a sense of urgency and desperation in the lyrics, as though the singer knows that time is running out and that they need to take action now if they want to escape the endless cycle of stress and anxiety. Despite the chaos and confusion all around them, the singer remains hopeful and committed to finding their way out of the traffic jam in their mind.


Line by Line Meaning

I packed everything up tonight
I have finished packing up all my belongings tonight.


I burst out of this room
I left the room suddenly and energetically.


I look at the fast cars
I observe the fast-moving vehicles around me.


Traffic jam in my mind
I am experiencing a mental block or confusion.


Traffic jam on my way
I am encountering a physical traffic jam on my path.


I need a lift, no matter who's
I require someone to give me a ride, regardless of their identity.


I jump in the car no matter who's
I enter whichever car is available without considering the driver's identity.


Take me where you're taking yourself
Please take me with you to the same destination as yours.


No matter where
I do not care about the destination as long as we are together.


We got the same look
We share a similar appearance or disposition.


Are you looking for something?
Are you in search of something specific?


Nothing you got
You do not possess the thing you are looking for.


Just stay together
Let us remain together, regardless of the circumstances.


Till we arrive
Until we reach our destination.


Be honest
Please be truthful.


Be wise
Exercise good judgment.




Contributed by Camilla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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