Lyrics
Jerry was a race car driver
Jerry was involved in racing cars.
And he drove so goddamn fast
He drove at incredibly high speeds.
He never did win no checkered flag
Despite his speed, he never won a checkered flag (symbolizing victory in a race).
But he never did come in last
However, he never finished in last place.
Jerry was a race car driver
Reiteration of Jerry's identity as a race car driver.
He'd say el sob number one
Refers to Jerry calling himself "el sob number one."
With a Bocephus sticker
Indicates a Bocephus sticker on Jerry's 442 car.
On his 442 he'd light 'em up
Describes Jerry's habit of accelerating rapidly ("light 'em up") for enjoyment.
Just for fun
Emphasizes that Jerry did this just for fun.
Captain Pierce was a fireman
Introduces Captain Pierce as a fireman.
Richmond engine number three
Specifies Captain Pierce's affiliation with Richmond engine number three.
I'll be a wealthy man when I get
Expresses the speaker's anticipation of wealth for learning from Captain Pierce.
A dime for all the things that
Implies Captain Pierce's significant impact on the speaker's life.
Man taught to me
Reiteration of the positive influence of Captain Pierce.
Captain pierce was a strong man
Highlights Captain Pierce's physical strength.
Strong as any man alive
Emphasizes Captain Pierce's exceptional strength.
It stuck in his craw that they
Reveals Captain Pierce's discontent with retirement at 65.
Made him retire at the age of 65
Describes Captain Pierce's frustration about being forced to retire.
Jerry was a race car driver
Reiteration of Jerry's identity as a race car driver.
22 years old
Specifies Jerry's age as 22 years old.
Had one too many cold beers one night
Explains that Jerry's involvement in a fatal accident resulted from excessive drinking.
And wrapped himself around a telephone pole.
Describes the tragic outcome of Jerry wrapping himself around a telephone pole.
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