The Meaning Behind The Song: Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
When “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol was released in 2006, it quickly became a worldwide hit. The song’s emotionally charged lyrics and simple yet powerful melody struck a chord with listeners and climbed to the top of the charts in multiple countries. But what is the meaning behind this iconic track? Let’s dive deeper into the lyrics and explore the story behind the song.
Table of Contents
Falling in love
At its core, “Chasing Cars” is a love song. The lyrics describe the feeling of falling head over heels for someone and wanting to spend the rest of your life by their side. “We’ll do it all, everything, on our own/ We don’t need anything or anyone” suggests a self-contained, insular world to be explored by the two in love. The narrator is so taken with their partner that they don’t need anything else – just each other.
The idea of abandoning all other priorities to be fully present in a relationship is not a new one. Jack Nicholson’s character in the film As Good As It Gets said, “You make me wanna be a better man” to his equally smitten love interest. In a similar way, the narrator of “Chasing Cars” seems unable to resist the pull of the other person, claiming “Those three words, are said too much/ They’re not enough” because words can never fully encompass how deeply he feels for his partner.
Letting go
Despite the intensity of the narrator’s feelings, there is also a sense of release present in the song. The phrase “Two hearts entwined/ To beat as one” suggests a desire for unity and singularity that can only be fully realized through a deep connection with another person. The romantic imagery of snuggling close, hand in hand refers to the physical aspect of intimacy, with the narrator declaring that he doesn’t want to go home without his partner.
There are shades of death and transcendence present in the chorus, with the line “If I lay here, if I just lay here/ Would you lie with me and just forget the world?” suggesting a temporary escape from the mundanity of everyday life. This may be indicative of a desire for an even deeper connection, one that exists outside the confines of the physical world.
Universal application
One of the reasons why “Chasing Cars” has become such a beloved and enduring song is its universal and relatable nature. The feelings of love and devotion are something that almost everyone has experienced at one point in their lives.
Frontman Gary Lightbody explained in an interview with the New York Times, “It’s a song about not being able to tell someone how you feel, and just telling them to lie with you. It’s about that simple. It’s a really simple song.” The simplicity of the song’s message is indeed what elevates it to such a high level. Lightbody is tapping into a feeling that everyone knows – the desire for love that lasts no matter what.
Connecting with fans
In addition to its universal appeal, “Chasing Cars” speaks to the core values of Snow Patrol. The band has always been known for their emotional and heartfelt music that connects with fans on a deep level. “Chasing Cars” reflects that drive to create music that is both meaningful and accessible to anyone who listens. To this day, fans all around the world feel connected to the song, with many using it as a reminder of a specific moment in their lives or a special someone who they will always cherish.
A lasting legacy
“Chasing Cars” has become a song with a legacy that will last long after Snow Patrol has retired from music. The song has been featured in countless films and TV shows, providing an emotional backdrop to characters and storylines. It’s been used in everything from medical dramas to high school romantic comedies – a testament to the universality of the song.
In addition, the song has reached incredible milestones in the music industry. It was awarded Song of the Year at the 2007 Ivor Novello Awards and has been streamed over half a billion times on Spotify alone. “Chasing Cars” has become a symbol of Snow Patrol’s enduring spirit and commitment to creating music that touches people on a deep and universal level.
A testament to the power of love
In the end, the meaning behind “Chasing Cars” is simple – it’s a song about love. It’s about the joy and intensity that comes from being with someone you care deeply about, and the desire to hold onto that feeling for as long as possible. It’s a testament to the universality and power of love, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest messages can be the most profound.
“Chasing Cars” will undoubtedly continue to touch people for years to come, a symbol of the way that music can capture the essence of something as intangible as love. In a world that is constantly changing, Snow Patrol’s iconic song is a reminder that some things remain constant, and that love is something that will always be worth chasing.
