Every Penny Fed Car
Modest Mouse Lyrics


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what are you doing here?
I came to get a case of factory outlet beer, then
I go home
I don't feel like I want to be by myself
mice eat cheese
for the most part, they do as they please then
cat comes home
mice don't feel very free to walk around




Overall Meaning

Modest Mouse's "Every Penny Fed Car," presents its listeners with a seemingly disconnected series of images, but when analyzed critically, it resonates with an underlying theme of the struggle for power - financial, or metaphorical. These lyrics are, in a way, a metaphorical exploration of the societal imbalances that exist. The line, "I came to get a case of factory outlet beer, then I go home" indicates someone looking for cheap pleasures but struggling to find solace elsewhere. This, however, is constrained by circumstances because they cannot afford to live a higher life. In contrast, "mice eat cheese, for the most part, they do as they please then cat comes home, mice don't feel very free to walk around" serves as a metaphor for the rat race that people find themselves in, making them feel trapped – just as mice cannot do what they want due to the presence of a cat.


The song carries an imagery of class imbalance, hinting at the general financial inequality in society. The mice, eating cheese when they please, are a symbol for the well-off members of society who can indulge when they wish, while the case of cheap beer represents middle or lower-class individuals who don't have the financial means to do so. It is interesting to note that the song highlights societal problems through the use of animals, rather than human characters.


Line by Line Meaning

what are you doing here?
What led you to this place?


I came to get a case of factory outlet beer, then
I came here to buy a cheap case of beer from the factory outlet, and soon after that,


I go home
I plan to return back to my place


I don't feel like I want to be by myself
I don't want to stay alone


mice eat cheese
Mice consume food such as cheese


for the most part, they do what they please then
Most of the time, they indulge in their own choices


cat comes home
The cat returns back to its home


mice don't feel very free to walk around
Mice feel restricted and uncomfortable to move around when the cat is back




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dann Gallucci, Isaac Brock, Jeremiah Green

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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