Step Out of the Car

Album: Cold Still (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Boxer Rebellion is an international indie alternative rock band formed in London, United Kingdom around 2001, consisting of Tennessee-native vocalist Nathan Nicholson, Australian guitarist Todd Howe, and two Englishmen: bass guitarist Adam Harrison and drummer Piers Hewitt. This is the lead single from their third studio album, Cold Still.
  • The band explained the song's meaning to Clash Magazine: "We came up with this idea of a rogue cop being chased by his own department. I'm quite positive no one would ever get that story from the lyrics, but the whole idea spawned off the title. The guy is hearing voices in his head and I suppose feels victimized in life - 'Rumors of corruption. Acts of desperation leave you in mess. Voices winning me instead, undercover in my head.' We never try to write singles, but this song jumped out as one as soon as we'd finished it. It also gives the record some balance."
  • The Boxer Rebellion made their network television debut performing the song on February 2, 2011 on CBS's Late Show With David Letterman.

Comments: 1

  • Justin from Roseville, CaI would have assumed Step Out Of The Car was about America's current troubles. "Americana's glow is gone without a place to go. It's already war..." Nevertheless, this song has grown on me. Although I feel the album as a whole is good, this is definitely one of my favorites. I love the bridge, as well. And the video is equally as great... it's quite simple, but intriguing.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real Group

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real GroupSong Writing

The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular Music

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular MusicSong Writing

Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music.

Tony Joe White

Tony Joe WhiteSongwriter Interviews

The writer of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Polk Salad Annie" explains how he cooks up his Louisiana swamp rock.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."