The Meaning Behind The Song: Cars by Gary Numan
Released in 1979, “Cars” by Gary Numan became an instant classic and a defining moment in the world of new wave music. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100. But beyond its chart performance, “Cars” is also a song with a deep meaning that has resonated with many people over the years. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this iconic song.
The Origins of “Cars”
To understand the meaning behind “Cars,” it’s important to understand the artist behind the song. Gary Numan was a British musician who emerged in the late 1970s as part of the new wave movement. He was known for his use of electronic instruments, particularly the synthesizer, which gave his music a futuristic and otherworldly sound.
“Cars” was actually one of the last songs Numan wrote for his album The Pleasure Principle, which was his first solo album after leaving his band, Tubeway Army. The song was inspired by Numan’s fear of cars and driving, which he had developed after a traumatic experience where he almost hit a lamppost while driving on an icy road.
The Lyrics of “Cars”
The lyrics of “Cars” are deceptively simple, with just four lines repeated throughout the song:
Here in my car,
I feel safest of all.
I can lock all my doors.
It’s the only way to live, in cars.
At first glance, the lyrics might seem like a celebration of the independence and freedom that comes with owning a car. But a closer look reveals a much darker and more pessimistic view of modern society.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The opening line, “Here in my car,” sets the scene for the song. The car becomes a sanctuary, a place where the narrator can retreat from the outside world and feel secure. This feeling of safety is emphasized in the second line, where the narrator claims to feel “safest of all” inside his car. This suggests that the outside world is a dangerous and unpredictable place.
The third line, “I can lock all my doors,” implies that the narrator’s fear of the outside world is related to the fear of other people. By locking the doors, he is protecting himself from potential threats, whether real or imagined. This is a common theme in Numan’s music, where he frequently explores themes of alienation, paranoia, and social anxiety.
Finally, the last line of the song, “It’s the only way to live, in cars,” suggests that the narrator has resigned himself to a life lived in isolation, inside the confines of his car. This line also turns the initial impression of the song on its head. Rather than celebrating the freedom of the open road, the song suggests that being trapped inside a car is the only way for the narrator to feel safe.
The Legacy of “Cars”
“Cars” has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has appeared in countless films, TV shows, and commercials. In 2010, Numan himself appeared in a high-profile commercial for the Nissan Leaf electric car, where he performed “Cars” in a futuristic setting.
Beyond its cultural impact, “Cars” continues to resonate with listeners because of its exploration of themes of isolation, fear, and anxiety. The song speaks to the human experience of feeling like an outsider in the modern world and the desperation for a safe space. It’s a feeling that is particularly relevant in today’s society, where technology has allowed us to retreat further into our own private worlds.
Conclusion
“Cars” by Gary Numan is a song that has stood the test of time. It’s a reflection of the fears and anxieties of modern life, wrapped up in a catchy and accessible package. As Numan himself once said, “It’s not so much if you like the song or not, it’s what it means to people.” And for many people, “Cars” has come to represent the struggle to find security, meaning, and purpose in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving.
