The lyrics reflect on a time when the narrator and someone they were close to used to live next to an abandoned house with a broken pool. They reminisce about the carefree moments spent there, watching the sun set over the overpass and listening to the sounds of cars passing by. However, their peaceful memories are shattered when they come home to find their belongings stolen and their home vandalized, causing them to realize that the familiar sounds of the freeway no longer resemble a calming river.

Meaning of "We Used to Think the Freeway Sounded Like a River" by Richmond Fontaine

The lyrics of "We Used to Think the Freeway Sounded Like a River” capture a powerful sense of nostalgia for a simpler and more innocent time, tainted by the harsh reality of loss and betrayal. The abandoned house and broken pool symbolize a sanctuary from the outside world, where the narrator and their companion found solace and joy in each other's company. The imagery of the overpass and the continuous flow of cars represents the constant passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it. The sudden intrusion of vandalism and theft disrupts the idyllic memories, forcing the characters to confront the harsh truth of impermanence and vulnerability. The metaphorical shift from perceiving the freeway as a peaceful river to a harsh and unforgiving reality reflects the loss of innocence and the realization that the world is not always as kind as we once believed.