Meaning of "Road Movie to Berlin" by They Might Be Giants
The lyrics of "Road Movie to Berlin" convey a sense of urgency and the inability to return to the past. The opening line, "We're in a road movie to Berlin," suggests that the speaker and their companion are embarking on a journey, but it is not a smooth drive as depicted by the line "Can't drive out the way we drove in." This line implies that they must find an alternative route or approach to their destination. The reference to "sneak out this glass of bourbon" suggests a desire for escapism and a way to cope with the challenges they face.
The lines "We were once so close to heaven, Peter came out and gave us medals" allude to a significant past event or achievement. The mention of Peter, associated with Saint Peter, suggests a heavenly or divine connection. The medals symbolize recognition or validation for their actions, reinforcing the idea that they were once in a more favorable position.
However, the subsequent line "Declaring us the nicest of the damned" brings a sense of irony and contradiction. Despite being regarded as "nice" or perhaps having good intentions, they are still caught in a state of damnation or less-than-ideal circumstances. This contrast highlights the complexity of their situation and the inability to escape their predicament.
The lyrics then shift towards the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality. The line "Time won't find the lost, it'll sweep up our skeleton bones" suggests that time does not have the power to restore what is lost or to reverse the effects of aging. Instead, it is portrayed as an unstoppable force that erodes and ultimately leads to death. This notion adds a layer of urgency to the song, emphasizing the need to seize the moment before it is too late.
The closing lines, "So take the wheel and I will take the pedals," can be interpreted as a call to action. It implies that they must take control of their own destinies and actively navigate their way forward. The repetition of the earlier lines reinforces the sense of determination and willingness to face the challenges ahead.
