Detroit
We Vs. Death / Green Concorde Lyrics


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He looked a lot like Che Guevara, drove a diesel van
Kept his gun in quiet seclusion, such a humble man
The only survivor of the National People's Gang
Panic in Detroit, I asked for an autograph
He wanted to stay home, I wish someone would phone
Panic in Detroit

He laughed at accidental sirens that broke the evening gloom
The police had warned of repercussions
They followed none too soon
A trickle of strangers were all that were left alive
Panic in Detroit, I asked for an autograph
He wanted to stay home, I wish someone would phone
Panic in Detroit

Putting on some clothes I made my way to school
And I found my teacher crouching in his overalls
I screamed and ran to smash my favorite slot machine
And jumped the silent cars that slept at traffic lights

Having scored a trillion dollars, made a run back home
Found him slumped across the table. A gun and me alone
I ran to the window. Looked for a plane or two
Panic in Detroit. He'd left me an autograph




"Let me collect dust." I wish someone would phone
Panic in Detroit

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Detroit" by We Vs. Death / Green Concorde tell a vivid and intriguing narrative about a character who, in the midst of chaos and panic in the city of Detroit, stands out as a mysterious and enigmatic figure. The singer describes this individual as bearing a striking resemblance to Che Guevara and driving a diesel van, giving off an aura of quiet strength and humility. Despite being the sole survivor of the National People's Gang, there is a sense of unease and uncertainty surrounding his presence, as reflected in the repeated refrain of "Panic in Detroit." The desire for an autograph highlights the fascination and curiosity that the singer feels towards this enigmatic figure.


As the narrative progresses, the tone shifts to a scene where the character appears unfazed by the chaos and sirens that permeate the city. The police warnings of imminent repercussions further heighten the tension and sense of foreboding. The portrayal of a dwindling number of survivors and the singer's continued quest for an autograph serve to emphasize the feeling of isolation and disconnection in the midst of the panic. The plea for someone to reach out and make a connection underscores the underlying theme of loneliness and yearning for human connection amidst the turmoil.


The lyrics take a surreal turn as the singer navigates through a disrupted routine, finding their teacher in a vulnerable state and expressing a mix of fear and defiance by smashing a slot machine. The image of jumping over silent cars at traffic lights adds to the sense of disorientation and unreality in the face of the escalating crisis. The sudden revelation of a significant sum of money acquired and the discovery of the enigmatic character's demise inject a sense of urgency and desperation into the narrative, culminating in the singer's search for a means of escape and resolution.


In the final stanza, the singer is left grappling with the aftermath of the chaos, reflecting on the autograph left behind by the mysterious figure. The plea for someone to break the silence and reach out underscores a sense of abandonment and uncertainty in the face of tragedy. The image of the singer staring out the window in search of hope or salvation encapsulates the themes of loss, longing, and the fragile nature of human connection amidst the backdrop of a city in turmoil. The lyrics of "Detroit" weave together a tapestry of emotions and imagery that invite interpretation and reflection on themes of isolation, resilience, and the fleeting nature of existence.


Line by Line Meaning

He looked a lot like Che Guevara, drove a diesel van
He had a rebellious appearance and practical vehicle


Kept his gun in quiet seclusion, such a humble man
He concealed his weapon discreetly, despite his humble demeanor


The only survivor of the National People's Gang
He was the sole member left of a once-powerful group


Panic in Detroit, I asked for an autograph
Amid chaos, I sought a keepsake to remember him by


He wanted to stay home, I wish someone would phone
He desired seclusion, while I longed for communication


He laughed at accidental sirens that broke the evening gloom
He found humor in the disruption caused by sirens


The police had warned of repercussions, they followed none too soon
Law enforcement threats turned into action quickly


A trickle of strangers were all that were left alive
Only a few unfamiliar faces survived the ordeal


Putting on some clothes I made my way to school
I proceeded to get dressed and head off to my educational institution


And I found my teacher crouching in his overalls
I discovered my instructor in a crouched position, wearing work attire


I screamed and ran to smash my favorite slot machine
I reacted emotionally by destroying a beloved gambling device


And jumped the silent cars that slept at traffic lights
I made my way past stationary vehicles in the quiet of night


Having scored a trillion dollars, made a run back home
With newfound wealth, I hurried back to my residence


Found him slumped across the table. A gun and me alone
Discovered him lifeless at the table, leaving me feeling isolated


I ran to the window. Looked for a plane or two
I sought to escape the situation by scanning the skies for aircraft


He'd left me an autograph. 'Let me collect dust.' I wish someone would phone
He left behind a memento with a somber message, yearning for connection


Panic in Detroit
Chaos and fear engulfed the city




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Bowie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

rasil007

you guys deserve more praise!! and more views!

Yagprod

Great music !

klausvers

Fin fin video. Den har efterhånden også været et godt stykke tid undervejs. Flot. Ses Mr. Sej

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