Meaning of "Night Driver" by Tom Petty

The meaning behind the lyrics of "Night Driver" revolves around themes of longing, loneliness, and the search for connection. The mention of a shadow on the moon and imagining seeing the face of the person the singer misses suggests a deep longing for that person's presence. The reference to satellites and outer space creates a sense of distance and isolation, as if the person is unreachable. This longing is intensified by the description of being worn out from long goodbyes, highlighting the difficulty of parting ways.

The lyrics also touch upon the mystery surrounding the person the singer misses. The lack of history and information about this person adds to their enigmatic nature. The line "The new king hides behind the throne refusing to be crowned" can be interpreted as the person avoiding commitment or vulnerability, choosing to remain distant and unattainable. This further contributes to the sense of longing and frustration in the song.

The imagery of driving at night and the mention of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) evoke a sense of moving forward but feeling lost. The tires losing track and the helicopter circling overhead create a feeling of being disoriented and unsure of one's direction. This mirrors the emotional state of the driver, who is counting the days and trying to fill their time but ultimately feeling empty. The lyrics suggest that even with distractions and attempts to move on, the longing persists.

Overall, "Night Driver" portrays a deep yearning for someone and the struggle to find solace in their absence. It explores the emotions that arise from longing for connection, the complexity of human relationships, and the difficulty of letting go.