Best known for his wry humor, Snider has been a fixture on the Americana, alt-country, and folk scene since his debut on MCA, entitled Songs for the Daily Planet, named for the bar where Snider used to play regularly in Memphis. On that album were the minor hits "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues", a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play", and "Alright Guy", which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album.
He released two more albums for MCA, Step Right Up and Viva Satellite, the latter often sparking colorful debate amongst fans for its comparisons to Tom Petty. He moved to John Prine's Oh Boy Records where he made Happy to Be Here, New Connection, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and East Nashville Skyline. That Was Me: The Best of Todd Snider 1994–1998 was released on the Hip-O label in August 2005.
Todd Snider's next studio album, The Devil You Know, was released in August 2006. It marked Snider's return to a major label, as he is now recording for New Door Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records.
The Devil You Know was named to several critics' year-end "best" lists, including a No. 33 ranking in Rolling Stone magazine's top 50 albums of the year, a No. 25 ranking by No Depression magazine, and No. 14 by Blender magazine.
Snider's songs "Late Last Night" and "I Believe You" have been recorded by the Oklahoma country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed. He co-wrote the song "Barbie Doll" with country star Jack Ingram.
Snider's new album, Peace Queer, is set to be released on October 14th, 2008, and will be available as a free download from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 at http://www.toddsnider.net/store/product/1/Peace-Queer .
New Connection
Todd Snider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Runnin' out of gas where a gas station's hard to find
These East Coast toll roads drive me out of my mind
You can't go any faster than the guy you gotta go behind
I need a new connection.
There ain't nothin' I hate more than waitin' in an airport line
I never do have enough room to move when I'm ridin' that jet airline
Jet airline.
I need a new connection, I need a new direction
I'm so tired of lookin' at the same reflection in the rear view mirror that I always do
I need a new inspiration, another kind of conversation
Anything but this situation we've all been through and through and through
A new connection to you.
I was ridin' in a cab around a town I'd never been
Cab driver's chain smokin' tryin' to get a station in
Twenty minutes in the ride the guy asked where I was goin' again
Where was I goin' again ?
I need a new connection, I need a new direction
I'm so tired of lookin' at the same reflection in my rear view mirror when I'm passin' through
I need a new inspiration, another kind of conversation
Anything but this situation we've all been through and through and through
A new connection to you.
I got a hand full of car keys jinglin' on a ring
I got a head full of worries doin' the same damn thing
I got a lot more songs than I've got words to sing
Sometimes you just gotta sing.
I need a new connection, I need a new direction
I'm so tired of lookin' at the same reflection in the rear view mirror that I always do
I need a new inspiration, another kind of conversation
Anything but this situation we've all been through and through and through
A new connection to you.
Todd Snider’s song New Connection is a commentary on the mundane and frustrating aspects of travelling, both physically and metaphorically. Starting with the singer running out of gas on a toll road, the lyrics detail a frustration with the endless lines, cramped quarters, and lack of inspiration found in airports and cab rides. The search for a new connection is a plea to escape these cycles of monotony and repetition.
The lyrics show a deep dissatisfaction with modern life and a desire for something new and meaningful. The repeated refrain of “I need a new connection, I need a new direction” highlights this search for something better, while the image of car keys jingling and worries filling the singer’s head speaks to the restlessness and anxiety that often accompanies the search for new experiences.
Ultimately, the song is a plea to connect with others, whether through new conversations, new inspirations or new directions. It suggests that while the mundane aspects of life can be frustrating, it is through connection and conversation that we find meaning and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Runnin' out of gas where a gas station's hard to find
Finding oneself in a difficult situation with no immediate solution or aid available.
These East Coast toll roads drive me out of my mind
The daily struggles and unexpected hindrances that make life difficult.
You can't go any faster than the guy you gotta go behind
Feeling stuck and unable to progress at a faster pace due to external circumstances.
I need a new connection.
Feeling the need for a change or a fresh start to overcome obstacles and difficulties.
There ain't nothin' I hate more than waitin' in an airport line
Expressing frustration and dissatisfaction with the common frustrations of air travel and bureaucracy.
Except a nine dollar glass of some cheap ass airport wine
Complaining about the high prices and poor quality of goods and services offered in certain situations.
I never do have enough room to move when I'm ridin' that jet airline
Feeling cramped and restricted in one's experiences and choices during air travel.
Jet airline.
An underwhelming and narrowly defined form of travel that doesn't offer much comfort or flexibility.
I need a new connection, I need a new direction
Feeling lost and in need of guidance or change to move forward.
I'm so tired of lookin' at the same reflection in the rear view mirror that I always do
Bored or frustrated with the same routines and patterns in life that lead to little personal growth or satisfaction.
I need a new inspiration, another kind of conversation
Looking for new perspectives and ideas that can offer fresh solutions to problems and challenges.
Anything but this situation we've all been through and through and through
Tired of the same old problems and struggles that everyone seems to face with no real solutions in sight.
A new connection to you.
Finding a renewed sense of purpose and connection through meaningful relationships or experiences.
I was ridin' in a cab around a town I'd never been
Traveling to new places and experiencing unfamiliar surroundings.
Cab driver's chain smokin' tryin' to get a station in
Encountering unexpected and unpredictable situations on the road and during travel.
Twenty minutes in the ride the guy asked where I was goin' again
Feeling lost or confused in new surroundings and requiring repeated directions or guidance.
I got a hand full of car keys jinglin' on a ring
Feeling overwhelmed by responsibility and the demands of everyday life.
I got a head full of worries doin' the same damn thing
Worrying about the future and the direction one's life is headed in.
I got a lot more songs than I've got words to sing
Feeling creatively motivated and inspired, but lacking the proper outlet to express oneself.
Sometimes you just gotta sing.
Emphasizing the importance of expression and creativity, even in difficult or uncertain times.
Contributed by Allison R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.