The group's name is derived from FuzzTone, the commercial name of a guitar distortion booster invented in 1964 and whose distinctive sound was popularized in the 1965 hit song by "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by Rolling Stones.
Blackout
The Fuzztones Lyrics
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No shooting star will put you right
Your head is blown
You see a name down in the sand written in stone
You see a girl there to your right
But you're all alone
Blackout! Blackout! Blackout! Blackout!
Can't stop the car
Over the edge, over the line, pushed way too far
After a week of double yellow lines
On burning tar
The desert night wants you to know
How young you are
Blackout! Blackout! Blackout! Blackout!
Do you know my name, I'm your best friend
We look the same
I'll be your ghost, when we reach the end
I'll take the blame
It's over now, your time is up
Dead chasing fame
Do you know my name? Do you know my name?
Do you know my name?
Blackout!
The Fuzztones's song Blackout depicts the experience of driving alone through a desert night. The lyrics paint a picture of a disorienting and surreal journey, with the singer unable to distinguish reality from illusion. It is unclear whether the driver is under the influence of drugs or simply succumbing to the hypnotic effect of the open road, but their mind is clearly altered. The repeated refrain, "blackout," suggests that the driver is experiencing moments of temporary loss of consciousness or memory.
The lyrics are rife with imagery that contributes to the song's dreamlike quality. The desert, with its vast expanse of sand and sky, takes on a life of its own. The idea of a name written in sand and a girl appearing out of nowhere contribute to the sense of disorientation and confusion. The driver is unable to navigate the landscape or even distinguish real people from hallucinations. The song's haunting melody and driving beat create a feeling of urgency and danger, mirroring the driver's experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Walkin' alone, the desert night, life of its own
Walking alone in the desert at night, with its eerie life of its own.
No shooting star will put you right
No wish upon a falling star will fix your problems.
Your head is blown
Your mind is in disarray.
You see a name down in the sand written in stone
You see a name written in stone in the sand.
You see a girl there to your right
You notice a girl off to your right.
But you're all alone
Despite seeing others, you feel alone.
Blackout! Blackout! Blackout! Blackout!
Repetition of the word 'blackout' to express a sudden loss of consciousness or awareness.
Could be the speed working on your mind
The speed of driving could be affecting your mind.
Can't stop the car
Unable to bring the car to a stop.
Over the edge, over the line, pushed way too far
Driving recklessly, beyond the limit and boundaries, and over the edge.
After a week of double yellow lines
After a week of driving along roads marked with double yellow lines, indicating no overtaking.
On burning tar
On hot, molten road surface.
The desert night wants you to know
The eerie night in the desert wants you to realize something significant.
How young you are
Emphasizing the youth and inexperience of the driver.
Do you know my name, I'm your best friend
Hinting at the possibility of an alter ego, a best friend or a part of oneself that he does not recognize as the one driving.
We look the same
Furthering this possibility by implying a similarity in appearance between the two personas.
I'll be your ghost, when we reach the end
The alter ego reveals itself as a ghostly figure who will be with the driver until the end.
I'll take the blame
The alter ego will take responsibility for any mistakes or accidents.
It's over now, your time is up
The end of the ride is near; death is certain.
Dead chasing fame
Ironically, the driver will be remembered, but at the cost of his life.
Do you know my name? Do you know my name? Do you know my name?
Repetition of the question of the identity of the alter ego.
Blackout!
The sudden loss of consciousness sets in.
Contributed by Benjamin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.