Boxcar
The Ataris Lyrics
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Second best there never was one
You don't know what I'm all about.
Like killing cops and reading Kerouac.
My enemies are all too familiar.
They're the ones who used to call me friend.
I'm coloring outside your guidelines.
I was passing out when you were passing out the rules.
Who's punk, what's the score?
Got a friend.
Her name is Boxcar.
Cigarettes and beer in El Sob.
Her hair was blue, now it's green.
I like her mind.
She hates the scene.
My enemies are all too familiar.
They're the ones who used to call me friend.
I'm coloring outside your guidelines.
I was passing out when you were passing our the rules.
One. Two. Three. Four.
Who's punk, what's the score?
You're on your own.
You're all alone.
The Ataris's song Boxcar is a punk rock track with lyrics that speak to the attitudes and ideals of the punk community. The opening line of "You're not punk, and I'm telling everyone" is a direct challenge to anyone who claims to be part of the punk subculture but doesn't live up to its ideals. The lyrics then go on to talk about the singer's own sense of individuality and non-conformity. They reject the rules and guidelines of society, preferring to color outside the lines and forge their own path. The reference to Jack Kerouac is indicative of the Beat generation's influence on punk rock, with their emphasis on freedom, individuality, and anti-authoritarianism.
The chorus repeats the question "Who's punk, what's the score?" It's a challenge to anyone who claims to be punk to prove themselves. The second verse introduces the character of Boxcar, a friend of the singer's. The description of Boxcar's appearance and preferences align with punk culture, with her blue (now green) hair and penchant for cigarettes and beer. However, she too rejects the punk scene, indicating the inherent contradictions and tensions within the subculture.
Line by Line Meaning
You're not punk, and I'm telling everyone.
You don't fit the punk image and I am going around spreading that information.
Second best there never was one
There is only one best, and you are not it.
You don't know what I'm all about.
You do not understand me or my beliefs.
Like killing cops and reading Kerouac.
I enjoy radical activities such as law enforcement assassination and literary works by Jack Kerouac.
My enemies are all too familiar.
Those who are against me are people who were once my friends.
They're the ones who used to call me friend.
The people who now oppose me were once my companions.
I'm coloring outside your guidelines.
I am not bound by your rules or expectations.
I was passing out when you were passing out the rules.
While you were establishing norms, I was rejecting them.
One. Two. Three. Four.
Counting off, preparing for something big or disruptive.
Who's punk, what's the score?
Questioning the authenticity and value of being punk.
Got a friend.
I have a friend.
Her name is Boxcar.
My friend's name is Boxcar.
Cigarettes and beer in El Sob.
Boxcar and I are drinking beer and smoking in El Sob.
Her hair was blue, now it's green.
Boxcar used to have blue hair, but she changed it to green.
I like her mind.
I appreciate Boxcar's intellectual and creative abilities.
She hates the scene.
Boxcar dislikes the mainstream punk scene.
You're on your own.
You are alone in your efforts or beliefs.
You're all alone.
You are completely isolated and without support.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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