Meaning of "If I Only Had A Car" by Golden Smog

"If I Only Had A Car" by Golden Smog is a song that delves into the theme of distance and the obstacles it presents in relationships. The speaker expresses a deep yearning to be with someone they care about, lamenting not having the means to physically bridge the gap between them. The repeated lines, "If I only had a car, wouldn't be here in this bar, trying to get to you," highlight the frustration and helplessness the speaker feels in their current situation. The mention of being in a bar and feeling lost in a cafe symbolize emotional displacement and a longing for connection. The lyrics also touch on the struggle of maintaining a sense of self and resilience in the face of heartache, with lines like "Moving to keep strong, when I'm feeling myself burn, it don't matter let it hurt, it tells me I'm alive." Overall, the song captures the bittersweet essence of longing for someone who feels out of reach and the emotional toll that distance can take on a person.