Driving In England

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of societal decay and personal defiance. The opening verse describes people becoming "cannibals" and "deep-freez[ing] their own souls" out of sheer boredom, suggesting a profound spiritual and emotional emptiness. This bleak outlook is contrasted with the narrator's belief that the only way forward is to "go against the grain," setting up a core tension between conformity and individuality. The central conflict emerges in the chorus, where the jarring image of "driving in England / Down the Santa Ana Freeway" creates a disorienting sense of misplaced reality. This surreal setting is amplified by the warning, "You're going down the wrong way!" This implies the narrator is actively pursuing a path that others condemn, highlighting their commitment to their chosen direction despite external disapproval and the inherent dangers. The lyrics employ stark, almost violent imagery to underscore the stakes of this defiance. Phrases like "eat each other's hearts out" and "shoot their own wounded" emphasize a brutal, self-destructive tendency within society. The narrator's plea, "Don't you get too cynical / They'll put you on a cross," further illustrates the severe consequences for those who deviate from the norm or speak out against perceived injustices, suggesting a martyrdom for unconventional thinking. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their ability to evoke a sense of urgent, almost reckless, perseverance. The repeated, defiant declaration "Big surprise, we're still alive" after the repeated warnings of going the wrong way transforms the potentially disastrous journey into a testament to survival. It suggests that by embracing the unconventional path, even with its inherent risks and societal condemnation, one can achieve a profound, albeit precarious, sense of existence and triumph.