Meaning of "Hamburger Midnight" by Little Feat

"Hamburger Midnight" is a song that speaks to the struggle and frustration of living in poverty and trying to make ends meet. The imagery of the narrator sleeping in a car and their tires smoking symbolizes their constant movement and search for stability. The term "ha hamburger midnight blues" is a phrase that captures the narrator's feelings of discontent and dissatisfaction. The repetition of this phrase highlights the repetitive and cyclical nature of their struggle, as if they are caught in a never-ending loop of hardships.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of escapism. The mention of a "grease mother" who is a "holder finder" suggests a reliance on drugs to cope with their situation. Snorting the crank, which is likely cocaine, is described as a way to escape reality and momentarily forget about their troubles. Riding a "tin can street machine" symbolizes the narrator's reliance on their car as a means of escape and survival, despite its mechanical problems.

Overall, "Hamburger Midnight" provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by those living in poverty and the desperate measures people may resort to in order to keep going. It captures a sense of hopelessness and the repetitive nature of their struggles, as they find themselves stuck in a cycle of poverty and frustration.