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.
Out Of Control
Ric Ocasek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you fucked around and waited
For Amsterdam and lily-white
So heavenly sedated
It's faster than a speeding bullet
Well naive is someone blasted
Till they're thinking somehow you can tell
Keep it out of control
Keep it out of control
Keep it out of control
Keep it out of control
You don't have to think too much
We're all tryin' to help you out
Hey, show you how to save yourself
You ain't got no doubts
Prima donna Jesus moon
You win, now or never
Some people call you Speedo
They just think they're so clever
Keep it out of control
Keep it out of control
Keep it out of control
Keep it out of control
In the thick black night
Blow tray can you see?
Fly the pawns curly sight
Well, it's the easy way out
Yeah, it's the double take hidden
Yeah, it's the long gone beach lawn
Yeah, infested with headlights
Well, touched
Instrument landing
Keep it out of control
Keepin' it out of control
The lyrics to Ric Ocasek's song 'Out of Control' are cryptic and open to interpretation. Some might interpret the song as a warning to someone who is chasing a life of drugs and recklessness, while others view the song as a commentary on society's fascination with self-destruction.
The first verse seems to suggest that the person being addressed is making bad decisions and will eventually regret them. The line "That you fucked around and waited for Amsterdam and lily-white" could be interpreted as the person seeking out a life of drugs and indulgence in Amsterdam. "So heavenly sedated" suggests that this person is experiencing some temporary pleasure but will regret it later.
The chorus "Keep it out of control" seems to suggest that the person is already out of control and needs to be reminded to rein it in. The line "You don't have to think too much, we're all tryin' to help you out" is intriguing as it suggests that the person is not alone in their recklessness, and the people around them are also living dangerously.
The verses that follow are filled with surreal imagery such as "Prima donna Jesus moon" and "infested with headlights." The repeated chorus seems to suggest that the person, while aware that they are out of control, is unable to stop themselves from indulging.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, someday you'll be sorry
You will regret wasting time and missing opportunities
That you fucked around and waited
Wasting time and delaying decisions had negative consequences
For Amsterdam and lily-white
Chasing after pleasure and an idyllic life is a futile pursuit
So heavenly sedated
Feeling numb and disconnected from reality by seeking pleasure
It's faster than a speeding bullet
Negative consequences can happen suddenly and uncontrollably
Well naive is someone blasted
People who are unaware of the risks are more likely to be affected negatively
Till they're thinking somehow you can tell
People believe they can predict the outcome despite little evidence
Why no one ever lasted
People who indulge recklessly tend to have short-lived success and happiness
You don't have to think too much
Overthinking can be paralyzing and unproductive
We're all tryin' to help you out
People are trying to support and guide you
Hey, show you how to save yourself
Teaching self-reliance and resilience is essential for survival
You ain't got no doubts
Having confidence can be helpful, but overconfidence can lead to recklessness
Prima donna Jesus moon
A person who is excessively self-important and dominant
You win, now or never
Success comes from seizing the moment and not delaying decisions
Some people call you Speedo
A nickname for a person who is impulsive or reckless
They just think they're so clever
Others may underestimate the risks and consequences of reckless behavior
In the thick black night
In a difficult or dangerous situation with little clarity or direction
Blow tray can you see?
Can you see the way forward?
Fly the pawns curly sight
Navigating through an unfamiliar environment with many obstacles
Well, it's the easy way out
Taking the easy way may lead to negative consequences in the long run
Yeah, it's the double take hidden
There may be hidden risks or negative consequences that are not immediately apparent
Yeah, it's the long gone beach lawn
Trying to revive a past state of happiness or bliss is futile
Yeah, infested with headlights
Overwhelmed and surrounded by distractions and stressors
Well, touched
Overcome by emotions or stress
Instrument landing
A difficult and precise maneuver in a challenging environment, requiring focus and attention
Keep it out of control
Urging to avoid reckless behavior
Keepin' it out of control
Repeating the message to reinforce its importance
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREGORY A. HAWKES, RIC OCASEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind