Box Elder
Pavement Lyrics


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Wasn't the question you asked me
It wasn't the answer I gave
That made me feel like I was on a train
Was a distant voice
Made me make a choice
That I had to get the fuck out of this town
I got a lot of things to do
A lot of places to go
I've got a lot of good things coming my way
And I'm afraid to say that you're not one of them.

Last time I was there
You were out on the couch
Pressed into a little electric 2
It was the way that you smiled
Made me know at once
That I had to get the fuck out of this town
'Cause I've decide to make a stand
And I'm not gonna take your hand




I'm taking the next bus outta here,
I'm gonna head for Box Elder, M.O.

Overall Meaning

Box Elder, a song by Pavement, is a reflective ballad about wanting to escape a small, suffocating town and the people in it. The chorus conveys a sense of urgency and determination: "I've got a lot of things to do, a lot of places to go, I've got a lot of good things coming my way, and I'm afraid to say that you're not one of them." The singer feels trapped by the expectations of others and their limited worldview. They want to leave and explore the world, but they are being held back by a sense of loyalty and obligation to their hometown.


The verses contain specific imagery that brings the story to life. The first verse describes a feeling of being cornered by someone he doesn't want to talk to, but ultimately deciding to take control and leave. The second verse describes a previous encounter with someone who had a positive impact on him, but he still feels the need to escape and make his own way. The song's message is one of empowerment and self-determination. It encourages the listener to take control of their own life, to not let others hold them back or define who they are.


Overall, Box Elder is a song that speaks to anyone who has felt trapped by their circumstances and yearns to break free.


Line by Line Meaning

Wasn't the question you asked me
You didn't ask me the right question


It wasn't the answer I gave
I didn't give you the right answer


That made me feel like I was on a train
I felt trapped, like I was on a moving train


Was a distant voice
It was a voice far away from the situation


Made me make a choice
The voice made me decide something


That I had to get the fuck out of this town
I had to leave this place immediately


I got a lot of things to do
I have a lot of tasks to complete


A lot of places to go
Many different locations I need to visit


I've got a lot of good things coming my way
I am expecting many positive developments


And I'm afraid to say that you're not one of them
Unfortunately, you are not included in those positive developments.


Last time I was there
During my last visit


You were out on the couch
You were on the sofa, possibly sleeping


Pressed into a little electric 2
I saw you in a small space that was crowded and confining


It was the way that you smiled
Your smile was the reason for my decision


Made me know at once
I instantly realized


That I had to get the fuck out of this town
I needed to leave this place immediately


'Cause I've decide to make a stand
I have made up my mind to take a stand


And I'm not gonna take your hand
I will not hold your hand or depend on you


I'm taking the next bus outta here
I am leaving on the next available bus


I'm gonna head for Box Elder, M.O.
I am traveling to Box Elder, Missouri.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Scott Kannberg, Stephen Joseph Malkmus

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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