The Passenger
Lunachicks Lyrics
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I ride through the city's backsides
I see the stars come out of the sky
Yeah the bright and hollow sky
You know it looks so good tonight
I am the passenger
I stay under glass
I look through my window so bright
singing la la la la lalalala
la la la la lalalala la la
We get into the car
We'll be the passenger
We'll ride through the city tonight
We'll see the city's ripped backside
We'll see the bright and hollow sky
We'll see the stars that shine so bright
You know it looks so good tonight
singing la la la la lalalala
la la la la lalalala la la
Oh the passenger
Oh how he rides
Oh the passenger
He rides and he rides
He looks through his window
What does he see?
He sees the bright and hollow sky
He sees the stars come out tonight
He sees the city's ripped backsides
And everything was made for you and me
So let's take a ride
And see what's mine
singing la la la la lalalala
la la la la lalalala
la la la la lalalala la la
The song “The Passenger” by Lunachicks is a cover of an Iggy Pop song with the same title. The lyrics explore the idea of being a passenger in a vehicle, observing the city and its surroundings from a distance. The repetitive nature of the lyrics emphasizes the feeling of being a passive observer rather than an active participant in what is happening around them. The constant refrain of “singing la la la la lalalala” adds to the dream-like quality of the song.
The passenger in the song always travels under glass, as if in a bubble or a cocoon, never really engaging with the world outside of the vehicle. They watch as the stars come out of the sky, mesmerized by the bright and hollow sky. The passenger speaks of a city’s backsides, which may refer to the less glamorous parts of the city or even the literal backside of a building. This adds a layer of grit to the song, making it more than just a surface-level dreamy tune.
Towards the end of the song, the passenger switches from the first person to the third person, almost as if they are watching themselves from outside their own body. It is in this moment that the passenger sees that everything was made for themselves and for the listener. This line, coupled with the repeated invitation to take a ride, creates a sense of universality and inclusivity.
Line by Line Meaning
I am the passenger and I ride and I ride
I am simply occupying this car and journeying down the streets.
I ride through the city's backsides
I travel through the urban areas which are often overlooked and neglected.
I see the stars come out of the sky
I witness the appearance of celestial bodies as daylight fades away.
Yeah the bright and hollow sky
The insubstantial sky dazzles me with its vivid colours.
You know it looks so good tonight
The spectacle of the sky tonight is simply amazing to look at.
I am the passenger
I am not driving or controlling the car, but just enjoying the ride.
I stay under glass
I observe everything from the safety of the car's windows.
I look through my window so bright
I gaze through the bright and clear glass of the automobile.
We get into the car
We collectively enter the car for transportation purposes.
We'll see the city's ripped backside
We'll witness the less magnificent and more rundown areas of the urban landscape.
Oh how he rides
The person who is driving, guides us through the streets.
He looks through his window
The driver also surveys the surroundings via their own glass window.
What does he see?
What sights does the driver visually capture?
And everything was made for you and me
The entire planet Earth and its offerings are at our disposal, for us to take part in.
So let's take a ride
We should take advantage of our mobility and journey via car.
And see what's mine
Explore and discover new territories.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Newell Osterberg, Ricky Gardiner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dawndeschain999
This band helped shape my life. So many great songs. Recommended:
Less Teeth, More Tits
The Day Squid's Gerbil Died
Luxury Problem
Insomnia
Fallopian Rhapsody
Pretty Ugly
Babysitters On Acid
Passenger [live version is UHMAYZE too]
Also check out Bantam, Gina's other band -
Waiting For Rescue
Come Undone
❤❤❤
@chrisnak6578
Will never forget finding their album in Philly after months of searching as a kid. These guys, L7, 7 Year Bitch, The Gits, all absolutely rip.
@johna4146
After all these years. I love their groove.
@bassgrrl21
I fell in love with the Luna Chicks with THIS SONG!! Thanks for sharing!
@urlight13
2020 and still loving.🔥🔥🔥
@artjackson6872
If you're going to do a cover, then do it like this. With attitude and attack, this song rocks.
@Mrch33ky
Rockin it cold-hearted...
@DizzyTheWyldesage
I love EVERY version.
@blasphema69
One of the coolest remakes I've ever heard :)
@humongousfungusamongus3871
Have you heard their cover of "Debbie Harry's - Heart of Glass?" Too awsum!
@thomasmoser1187
@@humongousfungusamongus3871 Just herad that 5 minutes ago !