Telegraph Ave
Billie Eilish Lyrics


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I don't really want to drive
But I think I'd rather die
In Oakland, in Oakland
With my hands on two and ten
So I guess it all depends
On Oakland, on Oakland
And I'm nervous, truth be told
I never saw me growing old
In Oakland, in Oakland
And if I married you tonight
It would probably start a riot
In Oakland, in Oakland

Foot on the gas i'm just tryna pass





All the red lights and the stop signs
I'm ready to go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Billie Eilish's song "Telegraph Ave" convey a sense of inner turmoil and conflicted emotions, primarily centered around the setting of Oakland. The opening lines, "I don't really want to drive / But I think I'd rather die / In Oakland, in Oakland" suggest a profound hesitation and ambivalence towards driving, hinting at a deeper existential struggle or unease about facing the future. The repetition of the location "Oakland" throughout the verses serves as a thematic anchor, emphasizing the significance of the place in shaping the singer's mindset.


The mention of having "my hands on two and ten" alludes to the standard position on a steering wheel, symbolizing a sense of control or responsibility that the singer may not feel ready for. The lines "So I guess it all depends / On Oakland, on Oakland" further underline the pivotal role that the city plays in the singer's life decisions and emotional state. There is a palpable sense of uncertainty and vulnerability in the lyrics, with the admission that "I'm nervous, truth be told / I never saw me growing old / In Oakland, in Oakland."


The abrupt shift in tone with the lyrics "And if I married you tonight / It would probably start a riot / In Oakland, in Oakland" introduces a conflicting desire for connection or commitment juxtaposed against the fear of potential repercussions or chaos. This juxtaposition reflects a complex interplay of emotions and desires within the singer, capturing the underlying tension and inner conflict that permeate the song. The thematic thread of recklessness and defiance is further reinforced in the subsequent lines, with the singer expressing a sense of rebellion or defiance in the face of societal norms or expectations.


The concluding lines, "Foot on the gas I'm just tryna pass / All the red lights and the stop signs / I'm ready to go," encapsulate a sense of urgency and determination to break free from constraints or limitations. This act of defiance and readiness to push forward despite obstacles conveys a rebellious spirit and a refusal to be held back. Overall, the lyrics of "Telegraph Ave" paint a vivid portrait of a conflicted and emotionally charged moment in the singer's life, exploring themes of uncertainty, rebellion, and the search for identity amidst the backdrop of the city of Oakland.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't really want to drive
I don't have a strong desire to take control and guide myself


But I think I'd rather die
But I would prefer death over that responsibility


In Oakland, in Oakland
In this city, among its surroundings


With my hands on two and ten
Holding the steering wheel in a proper driving position


So I guess it all depends
So it ultimately relies upon certain factors


On Oakland, on Oakland
On this city, in its atmosphere


And I'm nervous, truth be told
And honestly, I am anxious


I never saw me growing old
I never envisioned myself getting older


In Oakland, in Oakland
In this city, these surroundings


And if I married you tonight
And if I committed to you this evening


It would probably start a riot
It would likely cause chaos and uproar


Foot on the gas i'm just tryna pass
Accelerating, aiming to surpass


All the red lights and the stop signs
All the signs and signals to halt or slow down


I'm ready to go
I am prepared to move forward




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@nataliakuszaj2616

I don't really want to drive
But I think I'd rather die
In Oakland, in Oakland
With my hands on two and ten
So I guess it all depends
On Oakland, on Oakland
And I'm nervous, truth be told
I never saw me growing old
In Oakland, in Oakland
And if I married you tonight
It would probably start a riot
In Oakland, in Oakland

Foot on the gas
I'm just trying to pass
All the red lights
And the stop signs
I'm ready to go



All comments from YouTube:

@siriusxm

Watch more Billie Eilish videos on the SiriusXM app! https://siriusxm.us/BillieCollection

@e_-us6lx

Bit late 😂😂

@donkravis2385

The Original is better, this version is a spit in the face of Donald. She should stick to country music.

@ScarlettJ1221

This was way too short, I need more!

@simone._.2285

ScarlettP EXACTLY

@lunalovegood6303

What we really need is a billie eilish unplugged album

@abbiespence5577

You are everywhere! !!!!!!!!

@bhavyakukkar

Sometimes short is good

@shahleenpotato2808

You r literally every in billie eilish vids

10 More Replies...

@ramsaygordon3072

LMAO HER BROTHER'S FACES AND THE NOD HE MAKES AT THE END XDDD

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