The lyrics describe the speaker and a girl both walking the streets with their hands in their shoes, while also being in love with someone who only brings them sadness. They find solace in a boxcar racer that takes them away at the speed of sound, but ultimately realize that running away might not solve their problems.

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Meaning of "Boxcar Racer" by Blue Merle


The lyrics of "Boxcar Racer" seem to suggest a theme of escapism and running away from problems. The references to walking the streets with hands in shoes could symbolize feeling lost or disconnected, while being in love with someone who only brings sadness represents seeking fulfillment in the wrong places. The idea of a boxcar racer being faster than the speed of sound and taking them away could symbolize the desire to escape quickly from reality. However, the realization that running away doesn't solve anything is highlighted in the final lines, as the speaker ends up all alone in the night, questioning why they were running in the first place. Overall, the song conveys a message about the futility of avoiding problems by escaping, and the importance of facing and dealing with difficulties head-on.