Heatmiser was an alternative rock band that originated in Portland, Oregon … Read Full Bio ↴Heatmiser was an alternative rock band that originated in Portland, Oregon in 1992. Consisting of Elliott Smith (guitar and vocals), Neil Gust (guitar and vocals), Brandt Peterson (bass; later to be replaced by Sam Coomes, frontman of Quasi), and Tony Lash (drums), they were known for their well-crafted lyrics and songs featuring melancholic and cheery words and melodies. The pop-oriented songs of Elliott Smith were a contrast to the darker songs of Gust, while both Smith and Gust's songs touched on subjects such as anger, alienation, loneliness and despair.

The band broke up in the fall of 1996 after Smith's solo work began gaining popularity. Gust went on to play in the band No. 2. Coomes carried on as half of Quasi, as well as playing as a guest musician for Built to Spill and Sleater-Kinney. Lash currently keeps himself busy as a producer. He helped with the production of Death Cab for Cutie's first two studio albums (Something About Airplanes and We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes).

Buick
Heatmiser Lyrics

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When I'm screwed into the wall
I may as well take my time
My my the runway, I don't wanna be reminded
A bruise from outta nowhere

Now it's making sense
I'd get the car off the runway
If I could get it outta the ditch

I'm awake and I'm coiled
Maybe I won't drink this once
I'm awake, I've been rejected
And I'm ashamed of what I've done

I'm awake, I'm awake
Sorry about the buick
Turn the room into a car
Drive it off a fucking cliff

When I'm screwed into the wall
I may as well take my time
My me, the runway, I don't wanna be reminded

A bruise from outta nowhere
Now it's making sense

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Heatmiser's song Buick describe a sense of being trapped and unable to move forward from a difficult situation. The singer acknowledges that they are "screwed into the wall," but instead of feeling defeated, they decide to take their time and try to make sense of what has happened. They reference a "runway" and a "bruise from outta nowhere," suggesting that perhaps they have crashed or been hurt in some way. The singer expresses a desire to get their "car off the runway," but it's unclear whether this is a literal or metaphorical reference.

As the song progresses, the singer continues to grapple with their situation. They say that they are "awake and coiled" and that they might not drink this time, perhaps indicating that self-destructive behavior has played a role in their troubles. They also express shame and regret for whatever they have done to end up in their current predicament. The repeated refrain of "I'm awake, I'm awake" suggests that the singer is trying to remain present and alert, even though their situation is difficult.

The final lines of the song are perhaps the most striking: "Sorry about the buick / Turn the room into a car / Drive it off a fucking cliff." Here, the singer seems to be suggesting a radical solution to their problems - to embrace the chaos and destruction around them and drive headfirst into it. It's unclear whether this is meant to be taken literally or metaphorically, but either way, it's a stark and powerful image.

Line by Line Meaning

When I'm screwed into the wall
Feeling trapped and hopeless

I may as well take my time
In this situation, there's no rush

My my the runway, I don't wanna be reminded
Painful memories resurface at unexpected times

A bruise from outta nowhere
Unexpected pain or harm inflicted on oneself

Now it's making sense
Suddenly understanding a confusing situation

I'd get the car off the runway
Trying to fix a problem that has arisen

If I could get it outta the ditch
Wishing for an easier solution

I'm awake and I'm coiled
Feeling on edge and tense

Maybe I won't drink this once
Considering a healthier choice

I'm awake, I've been rejected
Feeling hurt and excluded

And I'm ashamed of what I've done
Regretting one's past mistakes