The lyrics of "Space Forklift" describe a surreal landscape where the speaker observes various scenes, including an orange shimmer, foreign girls on college benches, and his own reflection. The imagery of pushing forward into the unknown, grappling with questions of reality, and feeling trapped behind the controls of a forklift are prominent throughout the song.

Meaning of "Space Forklift" by Kurt Vile

The lyrics of "Space Forklift" by Kurt Vile delve into themes of displacement, disillusionment, and existential questioning. The surreal imagery of an orange shimmer and foreign girls colonizing college benches suggests a sense of otherness and unfamiliarity in the speaker's surroundings. The reference to pushing forward into the unknown with gasoline up to the eyelids reflects a feeling of being overwhelmed by life's uncertainties. The speaker's contemplation of whether things are real or just a mirage portrays a sense of detachment and disorientation. The repeated refrain questioning youth and the inability to stay young implies a longing for innocence and simplicity in the face of life's complexities. Overall, the song captures a sense of drifting through a confusing and disorienting world, searching for truth and meaning amidst the chaos.