Josh Rouse (born 1972 in Paxton, Nebraska) is an American roots/melodic fol… Read Full Bio ↴Josh Rouse (born 1972 in Paxton, Nebraska) is an American roots/melodic folk singer. From his first album, Dressed Up Like Nebraska, in 1998, he has won critical acclaim.

Rouse lived in various places in Midwest America during his childhood due to his father's military career. Following his time at Austin Peay State University, he eventually settled down in Tennessee, where he met some local musicians and began recording. Signing to the Rykodisc subsidiary Slow River, in 1998, Rouse issued his debut album, Dressed Up Like Nebraska, to widespread critical acclaim; upon settling in Nashville, he was befriended by Kurt Wagner, frontman of the endlessly brilliant chamber country group Lambchop, and in the fall of 1999, the two singers/songwriters issued a collaborative EP, Chester.

Rouse's second solo LP, Home, appeared the following spring and was followed by Under the Cold Blue Stars in 2002. For his next record Rouse hooked up with producer Brad Jones and the resulting album in 2003, 1972, was both a homage to the soft rock sounds of Rouse's youth and an opening up and deepening of his sound. Before the release of his next album, Rouse's marriage ended and he moved from Nashville to Spain. This spawned 2004's Nashville, an example of his versatile musical talent, featuring a blend of Rock, Jazz and Ballad. It served as a farewell to both the city and his marriage; it was also his most fully realized record to date. This album was chosen as one of Amazon.com's Top 100 Editor's Picks of 2005 (#80).

Rouse's next album, called Subtitulo, was released March 21, 2006 in which his move to Spain was evident.It marked a further finessing of his sound and a move towards the music of an early Paul Simon.

2007 saw a rather busy year for Rouse. He started off supporting John Mayer on a series of his Winter Tour dates. Not soon after, he released a joint EP with his girlfriend Paz Suay, under the moniker of She's Spanish, I'm American. At the end of July, Rouse released his 7th LP, Country Mouse, Cit y House. The record marked a detour from Subtitulo, offering a fuller, more instrumental sound, which appeared to divide both critics and fans. Rouse toured extensively worldwide to support the album.

He released "El Turista" in February 2010 and "The Happiness Waltz" in 2013.

www.joshrouse.com

Car Crash
Josh Rouse Lyrics

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(these may be incorrect and are based on what I can hear. Please correct as necessary)
Don’t wanna die in a car crash.
I’m in the back of a taxi cab, we’re moving so fast.
I’ve got so much left to give, so much left to live for.
To think that it’s finally over, though.
Ohhhh… Don’t wanna die in a car crash

I didn’t end up white trash.

Went to the city, cause I was class.
It happened so fast
I should have called my family, all their generosity.
Tell them just how much they meant to me.
Oh, oh, oh oh. (hey, hey hey hey)

Run a red light, I close my eyes. (I close my eyes)
This driver’s got an attitude. (driver’s got an attitude)
Pull over to the side, I want off this ride, but I must stay in here, with you.

Don’t wanna die in a car crash
Don’t wanna die in a car crash
In the back of a New York City cab

(solo)

So I’m walking on broken glass
Either seconds or minutes passed.
It’s all a big flash
So have some patience as we bathe,
A little love, and there to compensate for days when you are feeling hate.

Don’t wanna die in a car crash.
I’m in the back of a taxi cab, and we’re moving so fast.
I’ve got so much left to give, so much left to live for.
To think that it’s finally over, though.
Ohhhh…

Run a red light, I close my eyes. (I close my eyes)
This driver’s got an attitude. (driver’s got an attitude)
Pull over to the side, I want off this ride, but I must stay in here, with you.
Run a red light, I close my eyes (I close my eyes)
This driver’s got an attitude (driver’s got an attitude)
Pull over to the side, want off this ride, but I must stay in here, with you.

Don’t wanna die in a car crash.

Don’t wanna die in a car crash.
In the back of a New York City cab

Overall Meaning

The song “Car Crash” by Josh Rouse is about a person who is in the back of a taxi cab in New York City, and they are contemplating their mortality while in the vehicle. The singer of the song is scared and worried that they might die in a car crash before they have the chance to experience all that life has to offer. Despite their fear, they must remain in the back of the taxi cab with the driver who has an attitude and is driving recklessly. The singer reflects on their life, acknowledging that they have a lot left to give, and they regret not expressing their gratitude towards their family for their generosity earlier in life. The song ends with the singer still in the taxi cab, desperately hoping that they won't die in a car crash.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency, as the singer is constantly reminding themselves and the listener that they don't want to die in a car crash. The lyrics highlight the fragility of life and how it can be taken away at any moment. The mention of broken glass and feeling hate and love alludes to the idea that life is unpredictable and can be both beautiful and painful.

Overall, “Car Crash” is a poignant and introspective song that encourages listeners to appreciate life and the people in it before it's too late.

Line by Line Meaning

Don’t wanna die in a car crash.
I am afraid of dying in an accident if this cab crashes.

I’m in the back of a taxi cab, we’re moving so fast.
I am currently in the back of a fast-moving taxi cab.

I’ve got so much left to give, so much left to live for.
I feel like I still have a lot to offer and many reasons to continue living.

To think that it’s finally over, though.
The thought of dying so suddenly is frightening.

Ohhhh… Don’t wanna die in a car crash
I am expressing my fear of dying in a car accident.

I didn’t end up white trash.
I was able to make something of myself and avoid a certain stereotype.

Went to the city, cause I was class.
I went to the city because I had a certain level of sophistication or taste.

It happened so fast.
Things are moving quickly and unexpectedly.

I should have called my family, all their generosity.
I regret not showing appreciation to my family for their kindness towards me.

Tell them just how much they meant to me.
I wish I had expressed my love and gratitude more clearly to my family.

Run a red light, I close my eyes. (I close my eyes)
The driver is behaving recklessly and I am scared for my life.

This driver’s got an attitude. (driver’s got an attitude)
The driver is exhibiting arrogance or indifference towards me and my safety.

Pull over to the side, I want off this ride, but I must stay in here, with you.
I want to get out of this dangerous situation, but I feel trapped or obligated to stay in the cab.

So I’m walking on broken glass
I feel like my life is precarious and every step feels dangerous.

Either seconds or minutes passed.
I feel like time is passing so quickly and I am unsure of how much has gone by.

It’s all a big flash
Everything feels like a blur or sudden burst of sensory information.

So have some patience as we bathe,
I am asking for compassion and understanding in difficult or uncomfortable situations.

A little love, and there to compensate for days when you are feeling hate.
I am suggesting that love and kindness can remedy feelings of anger or hostility.

In the back of a New York City cab
This specific situation is taking place in the back of a taxi cab in New York City.

Contributed by Christopher M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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