Mr. Ambulance Driver Explained
The Flaming Lips Lyrics


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Waitin' for the ambulance to come
Hopin' that it doesn't come too late
Hearin' the sirens in the distance
Hold on help is on the way

Mister Ambulance Driver I'm right here beside her
And though I'll live somehow I've found
Mister Ambulance Driver I'm not a real survivor
'Cause I'm wishing that I was the one that
Wasn't gonna be here anymore
The one that wasn't here anymore
The one that wasn't here anymore

Oh we can't trade places
Our lives are strangely our own
Mister Ambulance Driver tell me
For everyone that dies, someone new is born

Mister Ambulance Driver I'm right here beside her
And though I'll live somehow I've found
Mister Ambulance Driver I'm not a real survivor
'Cause I'm wishing that I was the one that
Wasn't gonna be here anymore

Mister Ambulance Driver I'm right here beside her
And though I'll live somehow I've found
Mister Ambulance Driver I'm not a real survivor
'Cause I'm wishing that I was the one that
Wasn't gonna be here anymore




The one that isn't here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore

Overall Meaning

The Flaming Lips’ song Mr. Ambulance Driver is a melancholic reflection on the fragility of life and the emotional turmoil that comes with facing death. The lyrics describe a scene of waiting for an ambulance, hoping that it arrives in time to save someone's life. The singer is by the side of a loved one, perhaps a partner or a family member, who is in distress and needs urgent medical attention. The sound of sirens in the distance brings a glimmer of hope, and the singer clings to the possibility of help arriving soon.


However, the central theme of the song is the wish for an alternate reality, where the singer himself would not survive. He expresses a feeling of guilt for wanting to trade places with his loved one and escape the pain of living with the uncertainty of their survival. He longs to be the one who is not there anymore, the one who is at peace and free from the burden of waiting and worrying. The repeated line "Mister Ambulance Driver, I'm not a real survivor," emphasizes the singer's sense of helplessness and the disconnect he feels from the role of a survivor, as if he does not belong to the world that continues on after death.


The song raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of life and death, the inevitability of loss, and the complexity of human emotions in a crisis. It is a poignant reminder that no matter how much we prepare or anticipate, when faced with the ultimate challenge of mortality, we are all vulnerable and afraid.


Line by Line Meaning

Waitin' for the ambulance to come
Waiting for help to arrive


Hopin' that it doesn't come too late
Hoping that help arrives in time


Hearin' the sirens in the distance
Hearing the sound of the ambulance approaching


Hold on help is on the way
Stay patient, help is coming


Mister Ambulance Driver I'm right here beside her
Addressing the ambulance driver and indicating that the singer is next to a person in need of medical help


And though I'll live somehow I've found
Despite the fact that the singer will survive, they are experiencing strong emotions


Mister Ambulance Driver I'm not a real survivor
The singer feels like they will not truly survive the experience


'Cause I'm wishing that I was the one that
The singer would rather it be them in need of medical attention


Wasn't gonna be here anymore
Not wanting to be alive anymore


Oh we can't trade places
Expressing the fact that people cannot simply switch places or roles in life


Our lives are strangely our own
Acknowledging the unique experiences and circumstances of each individual's life


Mister Ambulance Driver tell me
Asking for insight from the ambulance driver


For everyone that dies, someone new is born
Reflecting on the cycle of life and death


The one that isn't here anymore
Referring to the person who has passed away or is no longer present




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WAYNE COYNE, STEVEN DROZD, MICHAEL IVINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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