Won't Be Home

Journey of Independence: Old 97's 'Won't Be Home' Meaning Unveiled
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Lyrics

You're a bottle cap away

You're very close to pushing me to my limit

From pushing me too far

The problems are escalating, like an empty car with no occupants

Well the problem's gettin' big

The issues are becoming significant

An empty compact car

A metaphorical description of a failing relationship, comparing it to an empty car

So I won't feel so bad

To ease my conscience, I've done everything possible

I did all I could do

A reference to a historical event (Wounded Knee) and a metaphor for personal struggles

Now I'm on wounded knee

Drawing a parallel between the difficulties in the relationship and the historical battle of Waterloo

And we're at Waterloo

A plea for the other person to leave the car

So please get out of my car


I was born in the backseat of a mustang

The narrator shares details about their birth and early experiences

On a cold night in a hard rain

Describing the challenging circumstances of their birth

And the very first song that the radio sang

The first song on the radio becomes a symbol for their life's direction, choosing not to go home

Was "I won't be home no more"

A repeated assertion of the decision not to return home


You're a rattle trap tonight

Describing the other person as troublesome or noisy

My ears are gettin' tired

The narrator is becoming weary of the situation

So listen for awhile

Asking the other person to listen before the situation completely breaks down

Before this thing expired

Referring to the inevitable failure of the relationship

Oh it was bound to fail

The relationship's failure is attributed to the narrator's origins

All because of where I'm from

A reference to a late hour, suggesting a critical moment is approaching

Now the moon's at four o'clock

Symbolic imagery of time and an impending significant event

And it's high time kingdom come

Repeating the plea for the other person to leave the car

So please get out, of my car


I was born in the backseat of a mustang

Reiteration of the narrator's origin story, emphasizing the harsh conditions

On a cold night in a hard rain

And the very first song that the radio sang

Repeating the refrain about not going home

Was "I won't be home no more"


I was born in the backseat of a mustang

Reiteration of the birth story and the first radio song, emphasizing the decision to stay away

On a cold night in a hard rain

And the very first song that the radio sang

Repeating the decision not to return home

Was "I won't be home no more"

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