The Theme From Route 66
Nelson Riddle Lyrics
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Talking can only give you away
And there's so nothing to say
The voices say hello
Imprisoned, they're invisible
But we look a lot alike
This is boring, all we talk about is you
Come on give me a reason
When you're finished struggling, are you free tonight?
Did they stick you in here
'Cause you weren't working right?
Don't move stay just like you are
You look sane motionless like that so very flat
It's amazing what velocity can do
When human beings are in season
A boy and his machine gun, if you're quiet we might see some
When you're finished struggling, are you free tonight?
Did they stick you in here
'Cause you weren't working right?
There's a TV in every room
And it's free even pay-per-view
Which you'll need if no one's going to visit you
Animal, fucking animal
I know who you're waiting for
No one's coming though
So fuck you and your principals
And fuck whatever made me
Perhaps you think I'm evil
Perhaps you think I'm crazy
The lyrics to Nelson Riddle's song Route 66 Theme depict a sense of imprisonment and boredom. The singer is telling someone not to move, stay where they are, because talking could give them away. The voices say hello, but they are invisible and both the singer and the subject in question look alike. The conversation is boring because they only talk about one person. The chorus "A boy and his machine gun, when you're finished struggling, are you free tonight? Did they stick you in here 'cause you weren't working right?" suggests that the person they are talking to might be in some kind of prison or institution.
The second verse seems to continue this theme of imprisonment and isolation. The singer talks about the TV being on in every room and being free even for pay-per-view. They mention that the subject might need it if no one visits them. The chorus repeats again, and then the bridge begins with "Animal, fucking animal, I know who you're waiting for." The singer seems to be frustrated and angry at this point, telling the subject that no one is coming and to "fuck you and your principals." The song ends with the final line "Perhaps you think I'm evil, perhaps you think I'm crazy."
Line by Line Meaning
Don't move, stay right where you are
It's best not to draw attention to yourself
Talking can only give you away
Silence is key to avoiding trouble
And there's so nothing to say
There's no need to speak right now
The voices say hello
The voices in my head are bothering me again
Imprisoned, they're invisible
My mental health struggles are overlooked and misunderstood
But we look a lot alike
You and I may be in similar situations
This is boring, all we talk about is you
Our conversations are always focused on my issues
Come on give me a reason
Please justify why you are bothering me
A boy and his machine gun
Someone dangerous is nearby
When you're finished struggling, are you free tonight?
When you are done with your personal problems, do you have any plans tonight?
Did they stick you in here 'Cause you weren't working right?
Are you also a patient here due to mental health struggles?
Don't move stay just like you are
Keep your composure and remain still
You look sane motionless like that so very flat
Staying still makes you appear more stable and less erratic
It's amazing what velocity can do When human beings are in season
People can be extremely cruel when they are mistreating others
A boy and his machine gun, if you're quiet we might see some
We are risking danger by staying put, but if we stay silent we may avoid it
When you're finished struggling, are you free tonight?
Are you available tonight after you are done dealing with your problems?
Did they stick you in here 'Cause you weren't working right?
Did you end up here for the same reason as me?
There's a TV in every room And it's free even pay-per-view Which you'll need if no one's going to visit you
There's not much to do here, but at least there are TVs you can watch if you are alone
Animal, fucking animal
I am cursing someone who I perceive as cruel and inhumane
I know who you're waiting for No one's coming though
I understand who you are hoping will arrive, but they will not be coming
So fuck you and your principals And fuck whatever made me
I am angry at you and the system that has led to my current situation
Perhaps you think I'm evil Perhaps you think I'm crazy
You may have a negative perception of me, but I do not care
Writer(s): Nelson Riddle
Contributed by Brooklyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@toobad181
I am crying as I write this. George Maharis ( "Buzz" who co- starred with Martin Milner ) just passed away May 24, 2023, at the age of 94. I hope he's " found himself " perhaps continuing to find adventure traveling around in heaven in a Corvette --
RIP " Buzz ". Will always love you.
@Alan-71351
Thanks toobad. I LOVED this show starting as a ten year old.Two cool cats. Sorry about G. Too
@nyterpfan
That walking bass line with the jazzy piano counterpoint--then the booming brass section--absolutely friggin BOSS!!
@dsparkman6315
Pay attention to that bass line. It is rather unique and innovative.
@margotblanchette3767
❤
@scottmckenna9164
My childhood passes by in music
@dmswanson5694
Adriot, or as we say, dead-on. Take a bow.@@scottmckenna9164
@kentayers4578
I can virtually visualize him playing that big upright bass fiddle.@@dsparkman6315
@kentayers4578
I was lucky enough 30 years ago to buy an old Seeburg jukebox. I immediately went out and found the "45" single of this song, put it in the rack, and it is still there. I still get goosebumps when I hear it like I did 58 years ago on TV. I also remember right at the end of the theme during the closing credits, an announcer said "This has been a Screen Gems film presentation, in association with Columbia pictures."
@felixbautista
Good for you! Thank you so much.