Ocasek released his first solo album in 1982. Beatitude is a somewhat more experimental variation of The Cars' New Wave rock sound. A more synthesizer-heavy follow up, This Side Of Paradise, was released in 1986. A minor hit, "Emotion In Motion" accompanied the album.
The Cars split in 1987, and Ocasek disappeared from the public eye for several years, resurfacing in 1990 with Fireball Zone. One track, "Rockaway", enjoyed a brief stay on the charts, but his solo albums have seen disappointing sales, especially compared to his success with the Cars. He subsequently released other solo works throughout the decade, including 1993's Quick Change World, 1996's Getchertikitz (a collaboration with Suicide's Alan Vega), and 1997's Billy Corgan-produced Troublizing (which Ocasek supported with a very brief tour, his first since leaving the Cars). In 2005, Ocasek released another album, Nexterday, to little fanfare but positive reviews.
In 2010, Ocasek reunited with the surviving original members of The Cars to record their first album in 24 years, titled Move Like This, which came out on May 10, 2011.
Look in Your Eyes
Ric Ocasek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you know you're not alone
Sad escapes and lullabies go home
There's someone trying to reach you
Without a cautious doubt
Someone you could never figure out
You got that look in your eyes
Tonight, you're full of sorry
Moonlight swims in bitter sweet
You never really know
Just who to keep
It's a question of silence
And propositions that you fear
It's a question of silence or tears
But you held them all before
There's nothing in here moving
But you know you're not alone
Sad escapes and lullabies go home
But you've been through this before
The lyrics of Ric Ocasek's song Look in Your Eyes are somewhat cryptic but suggest a deep level of introspection, loneliness, and the sense that something is missing. The first stanza seems to describe a sense of emptiness, with "nothing in here moving," which may refer to the singer feeling stagnant or stuck. However, they seem resigned to this feeling, as expressed by the phrase "you know you're not alone." This suggests that others have experienced similar feelings of emptiness.
The second stanza introduces the idea of someone trying to "reach" the singer. This person is described as someone who cannot be easily "figured out," suggesting a mystery or complexity that intrigues the singer. However, they also seem hesitant, as expressed by the phrase "without a cautious doubt." It's possible that the singer has been hurt in the past by people who were difficult to understand, leading to a sense of caution when someone unpredictable comes along.
The final stanza is perhaps the most telling, describing a "question of silence or tears." This suggests that the singer is faced with a difficult choice - to remain silent or to express their emotions, potentially leading to tears. However, the final line also suggests that the singer has been through this before, indicating a sense of resilience and the ability to weather difficult emotional situations.
Overall, the song seems to capture a sense of loneliness and introspection, but also resilience in the face of difficult emotional situations. It speaks to the universal experiences of feeling lost or disconnected, but also finding the strength to keep going.
Line by Line Meaning
There's nothing in here moving
Despite the lack of external changes or progress, the sense of stillness does not imply isolation.
But you know you're not alone
You recognize that you have an internal companion who can offer solace and support.
Sad escapes and lullabies go home
The melancholy dreams and comforting songs that give temporary relief to the pain no longer hold the same allure as reality.
There's someone trying to reach you
An unknown figure is attempting to communicate with you, but their intention remains unclear.
Without a cautious doubt
The entity is unabashedly reaching out without fear of resistance or rejection.
Someone you could never figure out
Despite previous attempts to make sense of this person, their true intentions and identity remain elusive.
But you felt it all before
This sensation of being pursued or sought after is not unfamiliar to you.
You got that look in your eyes
The telltale expression that betrays internal conflict and emotional turmoil is evident.
Tonight, you're full of sorry
The present state of regret and sorrow permeates your being, threatening to consume you.
Moonlight swims in bitter sweet
The beauty of moonlight is tempered by a sense of sadness and longing.
You never really know
Uncertainty and ambiguity cloud the judgment and perception of the unknown.
Just who to keep
The decision of who to allow entry into your heart and life is not always clear-cut.
It's a question of silence
The unspoken thoughts and emotions that simmer beneath the surface are a source of contemplation and introspection.
And propositions that you fear
New opportunities and possibilities present themselves, but the fear of failure or rejection keeps many from taking the plunge.
It's a question of silence or tears
Silence and tears reveal deep emotional truths, but the choice of how to express one's feelings remains a personal one.
But you held them all before
Regardless of which path one chooses, the act of holding in feelings and taking comfort in familiarity is not unknown.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RIC OCASEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind