Keys to the Car
The First National Band Lyrics
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And he says you can drive, some, but don't drive too far
Tonight when she tells you you're her only one
Remember the morning brings on the sun
And they're watching you stumble and fall
Until you're lost down below like them all
And tell you you're free, friend, as long as it's nice
Today when their words of sweet wisdom come down
Remember their smiles are hiding their frowns
And they're watching you stumble and fall
Until you're lost down below like them all
If you say you're their friend, I'm afraid you will learn
They want only friends they can have on their terms
But the love that you show them will give you an edge
For authority is more than wearing a badge
And you'll be watching them stumble and fall
Until they're lost down below like them all
Until they're lost down below like them all
The song "Keys to the Car" by The First National Band is a cautionary tale about the dangers of following the advice and expectations of others. The lyrics describe a scenario in which someone is given the keys to a car and told they can drive, but not too far. They are also told they are someone's only one. However, the singer warns that the morning sun will eventually rise and those promises may fade away.
The second verse advises the listener to be careful of the words of advice and sweet wisdom given by others, because they hide their true intentions with a smile. These people are described as watching the listener stumble and fall, until they are lost down below like everyone else.
The final verse is a warning to anyone who claims to be friends with these people. The singer suggests that these people only want friends who can be controlled and manipulated to fit their own terms. The only way to gain authority over them is to show them love, but the singer warns that even then, they will continue to stumble and fall until they're lost down below like everyone else.
Overall, the song is a reminder to be cautious of the influences and expectations placed upon us by others, and to ultimately strive for individuality and personal freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight when he hands you the keys to the car
When the person giving you permission to take control is giving you power and control over the situation.
And he says you can drive, some, but don't drive too far
The permission that is granted comes with conditions, room for some degree of freedom, but it also comes with limitations.
Tonight when she tells you you're her only one
When you're told you're the one and the only one.
Remember the morning brings on the sun
Tomorrow is another day, and the truth will inevitably come to light.
And they're watching you stumble and fall
Others are watching and waiting for you to make a mistake or experience a tragedy.
Until you're lost down below like them all
The fall from grace is swift, and one can easily become part of the crowd that has already tumbled down.
Today when they give you their words of advice
When those around you offer their guidance and counsel.
And tell you you're free, friend, as long as it's nice
The freedom you're offered is conditional on the way you behave and act within certain social constraints.
Today when their words of sweet wisdom come down
When well-meaning guidance is directed toward you.
Remember their smiles are hiding their frowns
The enthusiasm and positivity they're communicating is masking something less than positive.
If you say you're their friend, I'm afraid you will learn
Becoming too close with them can be dangerous in ways you may not anticipate.
They want only friends they can have on their terms
Their motivation for friendship is solely self-serving.
But the love that you show them will give you an edge
There is an opportunity to influence others through love and compassion.
For authority is more than wearing a badge
The power to make an impact in the world is not limited to those in positions of power or those with titles.
And you'll be watching them stumble and fall
You will have the chance to observe and learn from their experiences of failure and hardship.
Until they're lost down below like them all
They too, like everyone else, have the capacity to fall and to be humbled.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL NESMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind