Wells creates music by blending her many influences. She is a classically-trained violinist with a penchant for hip hop production. Live, Wells creates a lush layer of "symphonies" by looping and live sampling everything from her violin and voice, to her many toys and electronics. She performs both solo, and as a trio with drummer Sam Halterman and bassist Joey Reina, who also appear on her records.
Wells was born in Amarillo, TX and now resides in and tours from Los Angeles, CA. She is, however, moving back to NYC after her upcoming tour.
Passenger
Emily Wells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Give me the keys I wanna drive
I’m a passenger, I’m a passenger
If you give me the keys you know I won't survive
Pour it down my throat
I need it just to cope
Hey kitty kitty, say it ain’t so
Losing all my hope
Bottom of the well
And I just lost the rope, ah
I had a feeling, this might not end so hot
So tell me, tell me doctor you know how to make it stop
Oh, Give me all your medicine, and give me all your pills
Your bedside manner, just to cure my ills
I’m a passenger, I’m a passenger
Give me the keys I wanna drive
I’m a passenger, I’m a passenger
If you give me the keys you know I won't survive
I’m a buffalo, I’m a lone ranger
I’m a squad car, I’m ya, I’m ya stranger
Teenage boys are sure to take a tumble
The reins, the reins are my lover
I’m a passenger, I’m a passenger
Give me the keys I wanna drive
I’m a passenger, I’m a passenger
If you give me the keys you know I won't survive
I... I’ll be wait, be wait...
I... I’ll be waiting for you
I’m a passenger, I’m a passenger
Give me the keys I wanna drive
I’m a passenger, I’m a passenger
If you give me the keys you know I won't survive
The song "Passenger" by Emily Wells talks about the feeling of being lost and directionless in life, possibly due to substance abuse or addiction. The singer refers to herself as a passenger and expresses a desire to take control of her life by asking for the keys to drive. However, she also acknowledges that if she were given the keys, she would not survive, meaning she knows she cannot handle the responsibility. The use of the phrase "pour it down my throat" suggests she may be using drugs or alcohol to cope with the struggles in her life, and she feels like she is drowning in hopelessness and desperation for a way out.
The chorus of the song is repeated several times, emphasizing the theme of wanting control but being unable to handle it. The use of animal imagery, such as buffalo and lone ranger, reflects the singer's feelings of isolation and individuality. However, she also mentions the reins being her lover, which could suggest that she feels trapped and controlled by her addiction.
The last line of the song, "I’ll be waiting for you," could be interpreted as a plea for help or a desire for someone to come and save her from her situation. Overall, "Passenger" is a song that tackles the issues of addiction and feelings of helplessness, and it showcases Emily Wells' ability to tackle complex themes in her music.
Line by Line Meaning
I’m a passenger, I’m a passenger
I am not in control of my life, rather just going along for the ride
Give me the keys I wanna drive
I want to take control of my life and make decisions for myself
If you give me the keys you know I won't survive
I am not confident in my ability to take control and make decisions for myself
Pour it down my throat
I use alcohol to cope with my problems
I need it just to cope
I am so overwhelmed that alcohol is the only thing that can help me deal with my problems
Hey kitty kitty, say it ain’t so
I am pleading for someone or something to tell me that things are not as bad as they seem
I’m drowning on tomorrow
I am struggling to face the future and am overwhelmed with anxiety about what is to come
Losing all my hope
Things have gone so wrong that I am starting to lose faith that they will ever get better
Bottom of the well
I feel like I have hit rock bottom
And I just lost the rope, ah
I have lost my grip on the thing that was holding me up
I had a feeling, this might not end so hot
I knew deep down that things were not going to end well
So tell me, tell me doctor you know how to make it stop
I am seeking anything or anyone that can help me end my pain and make things better
Oh, Give me all your medicine, and give me all your pills
I am willing to try anything to make my pain go away, whether it is conventional medicine or not
Your bedside manner, just to cure my ills
I am desperate for someone who cares to help me through this tough time
I’m a buffalo, I’m a lone ranger
I feel like I am wandering aimlessly and am isolated from others
I’m a squad car, I’m ya, I’m ya stranger
I feel like people see me as an outsider and do not understand me
Teenage boys are sure to take a tumble
Young and reckless behavior is bound to lead to consequences and mistakes
The reins, the reins are my lover
I am in love with the feeling of being in control, even if it is not always for the best
I’ll be waiting for you
I am hopeful that someone will come along and help me through my struggles
Contributed by Madison D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
gehrke111
An authentic, talented artist, doing her own thing. They're out there, but they don't tend to get enough attention. Nice!
Mind Twist
gehrke111 bless
Chez MacLe
Seen you a few times in Philly. You are legit amazing. It is crazy to see her mixing/playing everything live as if in a spaceship.
Suzy
if you read this you have a great taste in music and have a wonderful day :)
Greg Szeman
Hey Emily, talked to you after your show in Regina Folk Fest. Introduced you to my daughter who like yourself had started taking violin lessons at a very young age. I'd like to say a big thanks for telling her to stick with it. She now can see from watching your performances how diverse the violin can be used, not just for playing concerto's fiddle music etc. You inspire. Nice to had met you and I love your talent.
ashlikethetree
Emily thank you so very much for your music we can all grace our ears with :]
Ahmed Adel
This music takes me to special world, rides me around her life, it's great
Synthia Rudy Nova☘️
She is the most underrated artist! She deserves way more subscribers than she has!
Mr. Magic
Una de las mejores musicas que eh escuchado
Lastima que sea poco visitada 😟
Alex Lopez
Primer comentario que veo en español jaja