Meaning of "Big Black Car" by Gregory Alan Isakov

The lyrics of "Big Black Car" delve into the complexities of love and its transformative power. The opening lines introduce the dynamic between the narrator and their past lover, with the metaphor of a phonograph and a kid emphasizing the stark contrast and power dynamics in their relationship. The rain tapping on the lover's face is a symbol of vulnerability and the narrator recognizing the immense impact this person has had on them. The mention of time throwing it all in your face suggests that the passage of time reveals truths and brings forth both painful memories and uncertain futures. Heartbreak is personified as a big black car, indicating the heaviness and suffocating nature of the emotions associated with it.

The second verse continues to explore the transience of love and the difficulties of communication. The narrator sees themselves as a passive observer, watching the corn crows (symbolic of transitory experiences) through the glass. They acknowledge that these experiences won't stay for long, suggesting a fleeting nature of happiness. "This could be all that we know of love and all" implies that the fleeting moments of joy and connection are all they have experienced or may have a chance to experience.

In the final verse, the narrator reflects on the differences between themselves and their past lover. They see themselves as a plain jane, while the lover is described as a dancer and a magazine. This contrast highlights the perceived sophistication and allure of the lover, while the narrator sees themselves as ordinary. The mention of rain and sidewalks adds to the atmosphere of longing and melancholy. The desire to be a part of the lover's stories indicates a longing for connection and validation.

Overall, "Big Black Car" is a haunting and poignant exploration of a past relationship. It captures the emotions of love, heartbreak, and longing in a beautifully poetic way.