Engine -
Neutral Milk Hotel Lyrics


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For I am an engine and I'm holding on
Through endless revisions to state what I mean
For sweetness alone who flew out through the window
And landed back home in a garden of green

You're riding alone in the back of a steamer
And steaming yourself in the warm shower spray
And water rolls on off the round captain's belly
Who's talking to tigers from his cafeteria tray

And sweet babies cry for the cool taste of milking
That milky delight that invited us all
And if there's a taste in this life more inviting




Then wake up your windows and watch as those sweet babies crawl away
Oh oh dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Neutral Milk Hotel's song "Engine" are heavily metaphorical and reflect a sense of confusion and struggle in communication. The singer compares themselves to an engine, that is constantly undergoing "endless revisions" in order to accurately express themselves. The idea of "sweetness alone" is contrasted with the image of someone (or something) flying out through a window, suggesting a sense of loss or escape. However, the image of "landing back home in a garden of green" suggests a sense of paradise or renewal.


The second verse continues this theme of isolation and confusion, as the singer describes someone "riding alone in the back of a steamer". The person is "steaming" themselves in the warm shower, which could represent a desire for purity or cleansing. The captain of the ship is talking to tigers, which could be interpreted as a sign of madness or delusion. The image of "sweet babies cry[ing] for the cool taste of milking" is a powerful one, representing a basic human desire for nourishment and comfort. However, the final lines of the verse suggest a sense of loss or resignation, as the babies crawl away.


Overall, the lyrics to "Engine" are complex and open to interpretation. They touch on themes of isolation, confusion, and the struggle to communicate effectively.


Line by Line Meaning

For I am an engine and I'm holding on
I am a machine trying to remain functional amidst constant updates and revisions to convey my purpose.


Through endless revisions to state what I mean
I am constantly changing and adjusting in order to communicate my intended message with clarity and accuracy.


For sweetness alone who flew out through the window
The innocent and pure joy of life has been lost, escaping without warning or reason.


And landed back home in a garden of green
That purity and innocence found a new home in a place of natural beauty and simplicity.


You're riding alone in the back of a steamer
You are traveling on a vessel, removed from your usual surroundings and companions.


And steaming yourself in the warm shower spray
You are trying to find comfort in the midst of a challenging and uncertain situation.


And water rolls on off the round captain's belly
You observe the physicality of a weathered and experienced leader, his body reflecting the impact of his life's work.


Who's talking to tigers from his cafeteria tray
This seasoned leader has the confidence and imagination to engage with even the most unlikely of creatures or situations.


And sweet babies cry for the cool taste of milking
Innocent and powerless beings yearn for the nurturing and comfort of a simple act, one that has been a part of life for generations.


That milky delight that invited us all
The sustenance and comfort provided by the simple act of nourishment is something that is shared across all of humanity.


And if there's a taste in this life more inviting
Despite all the distractions and hardships of existence, the primal, basic needs of life remain the most attractive and fundamental.


Then wake up your windows and watch as those sweet babies crawl away
The passing of time and the harshness of reality will inevitably take away the simple pleasures of childhood and innocence.


Oh oh dee dee dee dee dee dee dee
These nonsensical sounds merely emphasize the emotional depth and meaning contained in the other lines.




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN DAVIES CALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@ElectricD44

For I am an engine And I'm rolling on
Through endless revisions to state what I mean
For sweetness alone who flew out through the window
And landed back home in a garden of green

You're riding alone in the back of a steamer
And steaming yourself in the warm shower spray
And water rolls on off the round captain's belly
Who's talking to tigers from his cafeteria tray

And sweet babies cry for the cool taste of milking
That milky delight that invited us all
And if there's a taste in this life more inviting
Then wake up your windows and watch as those sweet babies crawl Away
Mmm



All comments from YouTube:

@brownbenplumm9027

Sooooo, not five minutes ago, I just played this song all the way through on guitar. Itโ€™s the first song Iโ€™ve been able to play in its entirety, having picked up a guitar for the first time a year ago, at age 23. Thank you so much NMH. Iโ€™ve loved your music with a passion after discovering it 6 or so years ago. Your music inspired me to learn an instrument as an adult, and Iโ€™ve been practicing โ€œIn the Aeroplane Over the Seaโ€ every day since the week I bought my guitar last January. I still have a ways to go, but I was able to get this one down within one night, and itโ€™s so motivating in such a tough time in my life. I doubt any member of the band will ever see this, but I needed to express the impact NMH has had on me. Thank you.

@fathairlesscat2673

I feel this

@brownbenplumm9027

@@athelstan99 Bless you too!

@RhysRapin

Hello twin

@liammcooper

greatest singing saw in Louisiana 1990s indie-rock history

@bradleynaylor2713

always thought the chord progression in this song sounded like a struggling engine trundling forward...very poignant, very beautiful x

@brittanykantack2811

God, I love it. His voice is hauntingly beautiful. I get this song stuck in my head all the time.

@ElectricD44

For I am an engine And I'm rolling on
Through endless revisions to state what I mean
For sweetness alone who flew out through the window
And landed back home in a garden of green

You're riding alone in the back of a steamer
And steaming yourself in the warm shower spray
And water rolls on off the round captain's belly
Who's talking to tigers from his cafeteria tray

And sweet babies cry for the cool taste of milking
That milky delight that invited us all
And if there's a taste in this life more inviting
Then wake up your windows and watch as those sweet babies crawl Away
Mmm

@sunrisesurprise3176

in my opinion, this is easily one of the top 5 NMH songs

@joopipeppi

Some random guy recommended me this song long time ago. It's always a pleasure to find good music in mysterious ways woop

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