The Wallflowers - One Headlight
"One Headlight" is a song by The Wallflowers, released in 1996 as the second single from their album "Bringing Down the Horse." The Wallflowers, fronted by Jakob Dylan (son of Bob Dylan), gained significant popularity with this song.
"One Headlight" is characterized by its introspective lyrics and a driving rock sound. The song reflects on themes of introspection, loss, and perseverance, with poignant lyrics that evoke a sense of searching and longing. The title metaphorically refers to a car with only one working headlight, symbolizing a sense of vulnerability or being lost.
Musically, "One Headlight" features strong guitar melodies and Dylan's distinctive vocals. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1998. It remains one of The Wallflowers' most popular and enduring songs, celebrated for its evocative lyrics and memorable melody.
The Wallflowers One Headlight Lyrics
So long ago, I don't remember when
That's when they say I lost my only friend
Well they said she died easy of a broken heart disease
As I listened through the cemetery trees
I seen the sun coming up at the funeral at dawn
The long broken arm of human law
Now it always seemed such a waste, she always had a pretty face
So I wondered why she hung around this place
Hey
Come on, try a little
Nothing is forever
There's got to be something better than
In the middle
But me and Cinderella
We'll put it all together
We can drive it home
With one headlight
She said, "It's cold, it feels like Independence Day
And I can't break away from this parade."
But there's got to be an opening
Somewhere here in front of me
Through this maze of ugliness and greed
And I seen the sun up ahead at the county-line bridge
Saying all there's good and nothingness is dead
We'll run until she's out of breath
She ran until there's nothing left
She hit the end, it's just her window ledge
Hey
Come on, try a little
Nothing is forever
There's got to be something better than
In the middle
But me and Cinderella
We put it all together
We can drive it home
With one headlight
Well, this place is old, it feels just like a beat up truck
I turn the engine, but the engine doesn't turn
What smells of cheap wine, cigarettes
This place is always such a mess
Sometimes I think I'd like to watch it burn
I'm so alone, and I feel just like somebody else
Man, I ain't changed, but I know I ain't the same
But somewhere here in between
The city walls of dying dreams
I think her death, it must be killing me
Hey, hey, hey
Come on, try a little
Nothing is forever
There's got to be something better than
In the middle
But me and Cinderella
We put it all together
We can drive it home
With one headlight