While touring in support of their full-length album Albatross, the band created the Acoustic EP: Seattle Sessions, which was simply a compilation of songs they created while on the road.
Their next album, 'The Silver Cord', was released on July 22, 2008. With the album being based on the realities of life and death, it signals a move into an alternative genre for TCC. Exactly 5805 copies of 'The Silver Cord' were sold in the first week. 5805 is a significant number because it is a song title on the album and it is the address of the house where the band formed and began to break out.
In 2010, 'Vagabonds' was released.
Headlights
The Classic Crime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A broken heart, nothing to lose
I know it hurts so bad just trying
To please the ones you hate to love
And I wrote this note
About someone I used to know
So I'd remember how life can be so short
How it is someone opens and shuts the door
And I know you're cold but come home
It's a shame how short we all have come
You set your mind on cruise control
Knuckles grip the wheel in fear to let it go
Love is empty, love is cruel
Love, it blindly breaks the rules
How could you have been a fool?
It's something all of us go through
You choke back tears and swallow lies
But those wiper blades won't fix you eyes
Count on having clouded vision for at least a little while
And I know you're cold but come home
It's a shame how short we all have come
And I know you're cold but come home
Please don't face the headlights
Of the oncoming cars along
We won't forget the past
We won't forget the past
And I know you're cold
Say all the answers and I will let you go
I won't look back and I won't look back
Say all the answers and I will let you go
I will let you go and I will let you go
Say all the answers and I will let you go
I won't look back and I won't look back
Say all the answers and I will let you go
I will let you go and I will let you go
(Say all the answers and I will let you go)
You're gone
(I won't look back and I won't look back)
Please don't face the headlights
(Say all the answers and I will let you go)
Of the oncoming cars along
(I will let you go)
And I will let you go
The lyrics of The Classic Crime's song "Headlights" reflect on the pain and confusion that arise from lost love. The song's first verse sets the scene of driving away from a situation, potentially a failed relationship, and dealing with heartbreak while trying to please those who are not worth the effort. The singer also mentions writing a note about someone they used to know, indicating that this experience has taught them how short life can be.
The second verse talks about being in a state of chaos and feeling lost after a breakup. The singer describes how love can be cruel and blindly break the rules, leaving the person feeling foolish for ever having been in love in the first place. The use of wiper blades as a metaphor for being unable to fix the pain in their eyes is an especially poignant way to describe grief.
The chorus repeats the same line, "And I know you're cold but come home," which could be interpreted as the singer's desire to have the person they are singing to return to their comfort zone, to seek solace despite how difficult it may feel. The repetition emphasizes the singer's desire for the person they are addressing not to face the oncoming headlights of the cars, again using them as a metaphor for the difficulties of life.
Overall, the lyrics of "Headlights" are relatable and emotional, demonstrating how lost love can lead to feelings of sadness, heartbreak, and confusion. Despite the pain, the song's repeating chorus stresses the importance of seeking comfort and preventing potential further harm.
Line by Line Meaning
A summer drive away from dying
Going on a drive without a clear destination to distract oneself from the pain of heartbreak and the inevitability of death.
A broken heart, nothing to lose
Feeling like there's nothing left to lose after experiencing a broken heart.
I know it hurts so bad just trying To please the ones you hate to love
The pain of trying to satisfy the people that you both love and hate.
And I wrote this note About someone I used to know So I'd remember how life can be so short
Writing a note about a past relationship to remember how fleeting life is.
When your left alone to wonder How it is someone opens and shuts the door
Reflecting on how a person can change their feelings towards you so quickly.
You set your mind on cruise control Knuckles grip the wheel in fear to let it go
Staying in autopilot mode and holding onto control desperately, afraid to let go.
Love is empty, love is cruel Love, it blindly breaks the rules
Love can be harsh and unpredictable, causing it to not always follow the expected norms.
How could you have been a fool? It's something all of us go through
Feeling foolish after a breakup is common and relatable.
You choke back tears and swallow lies But those wiper blades won't fix you eyes
Trying to hide emotions and accept false statements won't erase the pain.
Count on having clouded vision for at least a little while
Expect to have your judgement and perspective clouded after a difficult situation.
And I know you're cold but come home It's a shame how short we all have come
Even though the situation is tough, it's better to return home and face reality, sad how brief life can be.
Please don't face the headlights Of the oncoming cars along
A plea to not face danger and harm head-on.
We won't forget the past
Acknowledging the existence of the past and deciding not to forget it.
Say all the answers and I will let you go I won't look back and I won't look back
Finally giving up control and accepting the truth in order to move on from the past.
You're gone
Realizing the finality of the situation and accepting someone's departure.
And I will let you go
Letting go of the need to hold onto pain and the past.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: MATTHEW JAMES MACDONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ashleyseestars
I've fallen in love with this song. It's helped me a lot.
OnesAndXeros
I was super depressed in March 2011 and this was the only song I listened to for like 2 weeks. Now it has like 3,000 plays in my iTunes library lol
John Faver
I had the same relationship with this song. Thought I would off myself to it actually.
AA-ron
I hope you're doing better now!
NaGaKoshu
Good old days!!!! Love this band since day one!!!
Ceci Finney
just discovered this band. and i think they're becoming one of my favorite bands now :)
Malissa
Man, 12 years later and this song still makes me so emotional ♥️
ryanjd93
After an amazing album like this and a good album like The Silver Cord, I think The Classic Crime kind of dropped the ball with Vagabonds. Here's hoping they hit their peak with Phoenix!
Mike Sanders
Amazing song, I love it. Always gives me shivers.
VResendiz1
they're totally awesome, discovered them by chance and have been hooked since.