Her second album, White Smoke And Pines, was produced by Israel Nash and recorded at his home in Hill Country, outside Austin, TX. White Smoke And Pines was released in March 2015.
In December 2015, the new album Cigarette Secrets, was recorded at Dreamland Recording Studios in Woodstock, NY. The album was produced by Ellen herself and was released on August 26, 2016.
Official site: http://www.ellensundberg.se/
Headlights
Ellen Sundberg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wake up in the morning
Fall asleep in the night
Fall asleep in the morning
Wake up in the night
Fill up the car with gasoline
For a while I'm free
Don't be so hard on me
Desire is longing
Longing is crap
Truth lies upon me
Drive me back
Do not forget to keep your eyes fixed on the road
We're burning rubber now, my restless soul
Got there a little too early
Didn't really know when to come
Looking all around for me
Even though I don't like a hunt
Watering the flowers
So they don't have to die
Say something I can agree with
So I don't have to lie
Desire is longing
Longing is crap
Truth lies upon me
Drive me back
Do not forget to keep your eyes fixed on the road
We're burning rubber now, my restless soul
Wake up in the morning fall asleep in the night
Fall asleep in the morning wake up in the night
Red lights red lights
In my headlights headlights
Truth in disguise
In your deep honest eyes
Ellen Sundberg's song "Headlights" is a introspective reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the feeling of restlessness that comes with it. The opening lines establish a sense of confusion and disorientation: "Wake up in the morning, Fall asleep in the night, Fall asleep in the morning, Wake up in the night." This cyclical pattern is then contrasted with the temporary freedom that comes from driving and being on the road. The line "Fill up the car with gasoline, For a while I'm free" suggests that the singer feels liberated when she is moving forward and leaving the past behind.
The chorus, "Headlights headlights, Don't be so hard on me" can be interpreted as a plea for mercy, for someone or something to stop punishing or judging the singer as she navigates the bumps in the road of life. The second verse mentions the unending human condition of desire and longing, which can often lead to disappointment and disillusionment. The line "Say something I can agree with, So I don't have to lie" suggests that the singer is tired of pretending and just wants to hear some honesty.
The final stanza brings the song to a hopeful, albeit possibly ambiguous conclusion. The "Red lights red lights, In my headlights headlights" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the obstacles and challenges that will inevitably arise during our journey through life. However, the line "Truth in disguise, In your deep honest eyes" suggests that the singer has found or is seeking someone who can provide clarity and guidance in facing these obstacles. Ultimately, the song is a poignant reflection on the struggles and joys of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up in the morning
Starting a new day with new opportunities.
Fall asleep in the night
Ending a day with unfinished tasks, hoping to complete them in the future.
Fall asleep in the morning
Feeling tired and needing more sleep despite the day starting.
Wake up in the night
Feeling anxious and restless, causing difficulty in sleeping through the night.
Fill up the car with gasoline
Finding temporary freedom by going on a drive.
For a while I'm free
Finding freedom by driving, even if only for a short period of time.
Headlights headlights
Focusing on the path ahead, both physically and metaphorically.
Don't be so hard on me
Asking for compassion and understanding from oneself and others.
Desire is longing
Feeling a strong urge or want for something.
Longing is crap
Dismissing a feeling of desire as useless or unimportant.
Truth lies upon me
Feeling the weight of truth on oneself, and realizing the importance of honesty.
Drive me back
Asking to be taken back to a previous state or mindset.
Do not forget to keep your eyes fixed on the road
Staying focused and vigilant on one's goals and journey.
We're burning rubber now, my restless soul
Feeling a sense of excitement or adventure in making progress towards one's goals.
Got there a little too early
Arriving at a location prematurely and feeling out of place.
Didn't really know when to come
Feeling unsure of the right timing for a situation.
Looking all around for me
Searching for oneself or one's purpose.
Even though I don't like a hunt
Disliking the feeling of being lost or uncertain.
Watering the flowers
Taking care of something delicate or important.
So they don't have to die
Taking responsibility for the survival and wellbeing of something fragile.
Say something I can agree with
Seeking consensus or validation from others.
So I don't have to lie
Avoiding dishonesty or insincerity by seeking truth and honesty from others.
Red lights red lights
Feeling a sense of caution or danger ahead.
In my headlights headlights
Focusing intently on the path ahead.
Truth in disguise
Realizing that truth is not always immediately apparent or visible.
In your deep honest eyes
Finding truth and honesty in the gaze of others.
Writer(s): Ellen Sundberg
Contributed by Aiden B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.