One Headlight by The Wallflowers

Album: Bringing Down The Horse (1996)

Charted: 54

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Songfacts®:

Wallflowers frontman Jakob Dylan wrote this song. He explained the meaning: "I tend to write with a lot of metaphors and images, so people take them literally. The song's meaning is all in the first verse. It's about the death of ideas. The first verse says, 'The death of the long broken arm of human law.' At times, it seems like there should be a code among human beings that is about respect and appreciation. I wasn't feeling like there was much support outside the group putting together the record. In the chorus, it says, 'C'mon try a little.' I didn't need everything to get through, I could still get through - meaning one headlight." >>
Suggestion credit:
Shirl - Bay Area, CA
Jakob Dylan is Bob Dylan's son, but he went to great lengths to stay out of his father's aura. Jakob moved from Los Angeles to New York City, where he formed The Wallflowers. He tried hard to conceal his lineage, which meant playing small clubs, dealing with flaky bandmembers, and navigating the often predatory industry - all the stuff any other singer-songwriter would have to deal with. That self-imposed struggle paid off with songs like this one, which would be hard to write without getting some dirt under your fingernails.
"One Headlight" followed "Sixth Avenue Heartache" as the second promotional single from the group's second album, Bringing Down The Horse. These songs weren't sold as singles in America, so they weren't eligible for the Hot 100 (Billboard changed this rule a few years later), but they both got lots of airplay and made The Wallflowers a big name. It was redemption for the band, whose first (self-titled) album was released on Virgin Records in 1992 and stiffed. Virgin tried to use the Bob Dylan connection to promote it, which didn't sit well with Jakob, and the band left the label. They landed on Interscope, which was a much better fit. With T Bone Burnett (who used to back Bob Dylan on guitar) producing, everything clicked.
"One Headlight" won the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 1998 ceremony.
A car with one headlight is known as a pedidle. In some cultures (American teenagers) spotting one and calling it out earns special privileges.
Jakob Dylan is a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, and these lines are a nod to Bruce's 1980 song "Independence Day":

She said, "it's cold
It feels like Independence Day
And I can't break away from this parade"

Many listeners wondered by it was cold on Independence Day, but this part has nothing to do with the 4th of July. Springsteen's song is about leaving home, asserting his own personal independence.

The line, "I turn the engine, but the engine doesn't turn" is also a Springsteen reference; it's to his 1987 song "One Step Up." In that song, Springsteen sings, "Hit the engine but she ain't turnin'."

Springsteen sang both of these lines when he joined The Wallflowers to perform "One Headlight" at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards.
The Wallflowers didn't do nearly as well with their next few albums, and Jakob Dylan started recording as a solo artist and also making music for movies. He didn't retire The Wallflowers, but by the 2010s they were essentially his solo project.
"One Headlight" shows up in the 2020 movie The King Of Staten Island and in the 2014 Parks and Recreation episode "Ann and Chris."
The Wallflowers performed this on Saturday Night Live when they were musical guests on the November 2, 1996 episode.
The video shows the band performing the song outside, with an abstract interpretation - the only car we see has two functioning headlights. It was directed by Ken Fox, who also did the Blues Traveller video for "Run-Around" and Dave Matthews Band's "So Much To Say."

Comments: 79

Julia From Buffalo from Buffalo, NyI agree with the person who said he hates when the songwriter explains what the song is about. A lost record deal? Oh please. I have listened to this song hundreds of times and while it may have other meanings woven into it, the main theme is about a girl, a close friend, who either died or committed suicide. The idea about driving home with one headlight may be a different subject entirely. But “they say she died easy of a broken heart disease”? What does that have to do with a record deal? I do agree that it has to do with depression in general.
Morgan from Lostthis is my fathers all time favourite song. his favourite song has to be very important to him. my dad doesn't find too many things dear to him, he reminds me of myself in that way, too hard to choose things when you belong nowhere, are misfit. too hard to say the things you like when you don't just want to interest in nothing, but like nothing about life. its cut you too deep too many times to live forgiving and forgetting. when I first heard this song, as soon as I heard "now it always seemed such a waste, she always had a pretty face, I wondered? why she hung around... this place?' I wondered what the song was about. to young to understand I thought of what my dads meaning to it must've been. I thought of my mother. they, are the reason I no longer believe in love. there love story is too beautiful to even think of, its so sad how things ended between them...they must of been so in love. the way they stuck together. the fact they weren't forever and weren't aloud to live happily ever after, if that love didn't work out. there's no way any love is really real. if something is artificial but feels real, looks like it will last forever throughout its lifespan, when the destined abrupt end arrives...do we call it real. , for yes it was there you could touch and see it, but no...cause even tho it felt true, it must've sadly been artificial like the label warned. cause no matter how real it felt, it disintegrated, if something was truly real it would last forever...wouldn't it?. love is destructive cause you destroy all else obliviously chasing that feeling when you look straight into loves eyes, love is a real feeling that can be shared pure serenity but an hateful illusion, its truly beautiful and so utterly pure so much so its obvious why it cannot flourish on this cruel earth. don't blame each other, blame the sky, because if you two were just two shining stars, you would of danced in the night sky together for eternity. you cant do that on earth you can feel like it tho and its astonishing even if its just for a slim second. when my dad met my mother, he was a crackhead living on the streets, lower than low, no hope, a junkie. my sisters have always pleaded with my mother, why the hell would you marry a junkie, why stick by that how choose that to be the father of all your children why choose that to have a family with why why... my mothers answer has stuck with me all these years, I long for someone to say it about me maybe one day. she answered..." because I thought he was .worth.saving." worth...saving. she saw through the drugs and greed... I hope someday someone can see through me. my mom was raised quite the opposite of my father, my dad must of been so confused and concerned why this beautiful women is sticking by his side, loving him through all the addiction, ugliness and greed. he must've thought wow how much insurmountable potential, a true angel girl, she could be whatever she wanted and so so much more, so smart young and beautiful, truly , infinite potential. "now it always seemed such a waste. she always had a pretty face I wondered? why she hung around...this. place." the song to him I see to be about my mother, he wondered why she hung around, ... this place? this dark place, the streets scary drugs the places he must of taken her, she has so much potential, how could she hang around this place with me who belongs here and wishes to get out. fights for his life every single breathing blinking second cause he has zero opportunities or hope... out of all people why her? hang around this evil place. with him,why. now that I am older, I struggle severely with addiction, severely. you'd think I'd know better hey. its my favourite song as well I love it because I relate to it so deeply and its my dad who I'm basically just the girl version of, who also finds such deep deep belonging in the song, I never grew up with him in the home because my family hated him but since I am the spitting image of him and we both will never find someone who understands us quite like each other. so I always took the time to understand him, my entire life even since I was a young clueless child I still naturally had his heavy head n heart.; the only song I can play when I'm high and not get sick of in fact is this one, I have to stop and take in every word even if its the 10th time its played this song is my heart and soul. every lyric hits hard. I associate "she said its cold it feels like independence day... and I can't break away from this parade. but there's got to be an opening somewhere here in front of me? through this maze of ugliness...and greed." with addiction. IDC what people say this song is about drugs its deeply metaphored. I cantt break away from this parade. being stuck in your high, no matter how hard you try an escape no matter how fast you run you cant hide from the drugs, stuck in your drug infested town, stuck high out in the cold the ice coursing through your veins being the only thing you have. being a deadbeat junkie and having accepted it longgg ago. your so sick of this drug your broken damaged beyond repair your heart is so hard and cold and you just can't break away from this high, but there has to be a way out there needs to be an opening somewhere in my trance, through all the other reasons you need to get high through all the desire n self loathing. theres got to be. now that I am older and an addict myself, "now it always seemed such a waste she always had a pretty face, I wondered? why she hung around?... this. place." . I'm the girl in the song... I had a guy, well man I'm much younger than him, we were so in love like my parents. he was my soulmate something deep inside wont stop telling me. who was the one who started my whole addiction, he would tell me sometimes he knew he was my downfall and he saw so much potential in me even tho he was the one stringing me out. he was the one who saw my potential how insurmountable it truly was, he told me I was the most beautiful girl hell ever meet and the person I was he'd never be able to meet anyone who made him feel the way I did, I'm so young and smart drop dead gorgeous intellectual and kind he thought, it always seems such a waste she always has a pretty face, I wonder? why she hangs around...this place. even tho your life is truly treacherous, your family is on drugs, and your trapped in addiction, its such a waste for all that potential to reside on a tombstone lurking what it could have been, knowing that's the case, how are you not scared, to hang out around...this.place. ? .
Old Broken Down Truck from OklahomaThis song is dripping with metaphors and as such could mean anything about anything. I like Jakob's explanation about the death of ideas but I've always read it as analogy for a long romantic relationship that has had some bad days and they could have treated each other better and kept it healthier. But even if the relationship is like an old broken down truck, they can still make it work. They can make it home on one headlight.
AnonymousAbout a relationship that doesn't know when to quit
Lalaith from Beleriand, Middle EarthI found the Relient K cover of this song a few years ago, and I absolutely LOVE it personally. Last year, I was quite depressed and was recovering from losing my best friend, and this song seemed to mean I was going on even though half of me died when I lost her. Though, she didn't die, she we just fell out of friendship in a very prolonged, painful process. I was attending the funeral of our friendship. I felt invisible as I watched her grow closer to people that have shunned me. I was trying to carry on even though I was overwhelmed and depressed. I had nobody I could talk to, and I couldn't find a way out of depression and anxiety as my mind and the world simultaneously went up in flames. I felt that the lyrics, "We'll run until she's out of breath; She ran until there's nothing' left; She hit the end-it's just her window ledge" described my life. I was always overwhelmed- and I felt I would collapse every day, but in the end, I was still watching life go by through a window, unable to go on or get help. I felt unlike myself, but somehow nothing in my life would ever change. I had to hope better things were ahead- even if that meant I'd die and go to the next life for that to be fulfilled. That is sometimes the only hope available. I cannot be at peace. Since then, things have gotten better, but I still have moments, days, and weeks where I fall back into depression.

This year a relatively new friend of mine has struggled profoundly with anxiety and depression. It has even caused physical problems and tics. But she has shut down when we (her friends) have tried to get through to her and find out what is happening or help her. She seldom talks to her therapist, and nobody knows how to help her as she spirals further out of control. This song has been constantly at the back of my mind. The chorus now is begging her to accept help from her therapist, her friends, her family, and most of all, God. Just try a little bit, LET US HELP YOU! She feels cold, feels stuck in this, but there has to be a way out. However, she is stuck in this endless cycle of depression inside her mind, as in the verse I once attributed to myself. She is out of control; the end is "just her window ledge." She wants to watch the world burn as she becomes further and further from the real world... further into her own mind. I am daily afraid for her as she spirals... she is beginning to have suicidal thoughts. I have cried lying awake at night, afraid I'll be attending her funeral soon... all I can do is pray. I've seen how in pain she is in her eyes, but I am completely unable to help her, though I desperately wish I could. I want to scream into the void she's stuck in, I just WISH I was able to save her. I am trying to help her as I still struggle daily myself. We both just have to carry on with one headlight, finding "an opening somewhere here in front of me; through this maze of ugliness and greed" that is our occupation and community right now, and our polluted hearts. We're not whole, but we have to do our best to keep going even in this. I don't feel myself anymore; I don't even know who I really am, because I am always in some type of crisis or trying to fix somebody else's problems. My friend is most definitely not herself anymore, either.

This song now means so much... it is so beautiful despite how painful it is. I have enjoyed reading your interpretations and your stories are really touching.
Everyone has their own interpretations, and this is mine. This song is highly personal, VERY emotional, and meaningful on a multitude of levels. It is both about hopeless and attempting to encourage you to have hope. It is about depression, and human brokenness. This song is about trying to limp forward despite how hopeless things are, and how lonely we are, because we can trust that the next life (which I believe is Heaven) will be better. Depression in this life isn't forever but know that Jesus is- and have hope in Him.
Zyraj from Somewhere Out ThereMy Daughter's Mommy from On... Que lata!!!!
My Daughter's Mommy from OnTo: "Just A Guy from Lima, Perú," I disagree, but NOT in a condescending way. Every different language group/country/village has its own dynamics, based on needs, religious affiliation, financial standing pon the world stage], hence our conflicting and contradictory perceptions of one person's musing. He might only have one, but those around him will have tattooed him/her like a madman's creative pièce de résistance, painting the critiqued as culpable, rather than honoured and laureled. In a room of 500 people, one might garner 500 opposing opinions, a) comprehending and B) discriminatorily blasphemous of that sentient being speaking his mind. We need more creative minds inspiring the village to build up, fo unto others, than critics who own no ideas of their own, except for their "power to manipulate, judge, bully and label. The power of pedantics over semantics is flawed with so many loopholes, especially when translating "meanings" that may be non-existent in another language will have us feeling as dorky as the time we sang the wrong words to some of the less intelligible, giving it yet, a whole new meaning. If there is ever a chance for one writer to defend what he has written, or explain it, it DOES belong to the language of thought that birthed the idea, and the one whose mind decrypted it long before many began encrypting it with their own algorithms. And the beat goes on ... All your ideas with respect to this song are insightful, and a travel machine to a meaningful time that can't be unseen, unfelt. Jakob might also have forgotten one sentence in his explanation, that, come tomorrow, tomorrow I'll be gone, so savour this moment by candlelight or one headlight, and allow enlightenment to be the glow that makes you grow and leaves you thirsting for more

P.S. About one month ago, I was speaking with someone about the song, he was cursing the winds of the night before that came crashing into his house, and mentioned something about the headlight on his bike. I was carried into the Wallflowers' One Headlight song, and this guy told me that the "one headlight" that Jakob was referring to, was the motorcycles.

We can find metaphors d'oeuvres where there aren't any, take a ride on a ferrous wheel or choose to die in a living-room. At the end of it all, they were verses to bring us together, the universe.
Just A Guy from Lima, PerúIt's so disappointing when the writer actually tells you the meaning as he was writing the song.

It's amazing all of us with the same language are able to communicate at all.

It's like the difference between reading a book and watching television.

The life experiences and our own personal interpretations are sometimes better.

(Seems like there's a song in there somewhere)...lol
Anonymous from Outer SpaceGreat song no matter what it's actually about.
Judy from IndianaTyler From usa has the best explanation for me, makes sense.
CIt means the death of America. Politcally speaking; it meant what the democrats did and what they are doing now. Deepstate, cabal etc...it's not just a conspiracy theory. It started a long time ago and now it's worse.

On another note; it reminds me of a good friend of mine who died from alcoholism. We were young girls & good friends when this song came out. Just dreamers. I miss her.
Jason Kline from Datil, NmLike the song says (there has to be something better than in the middle) and
(Well this place is old
It feels just like a beat up truck
I turn the engine but the engine doesn't turn) these songs of today tell a story narrated by jesus and God to prove life is real and your decisions do matter as we haven't even begun to live life as thr lyrics tell us, go to Unforgiven on Facebook to learn more
Elisha from ArizonaMy boyfriend always said this was our song. He would always point out cars when we were driving with “one headlight”. He passed away on 07-30-21. Whenever I listen to this song this is how I interpret it now: What if he passed away first and when she finally dies he is there waiting at her funeral to guide her “home” . Two lost souls searching for their way to heaven even if it’s only with “one headlight”. He wondered why she always hung around “this place”, the cemetery…it was because she missed him.
Just Saying from FlGiven the Weinstein, Epstein, Zimmerman et. al. Given the Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell, the Isaac Kappy…Given there are people on the inside who knows what happens when the chosen aren’t satisfied and the great unwashed are willing to sacrifice their dignity and self respect to ‘make it,’ sometimes at the expense of their lives and, then, usually in the worst possible way. This song is distressing and depressing.
Billycee from Somewhere In CanadaThe fact that so many can hear the same song, yet interpret it in different personal ways speaks volumes to the lyrics. The truth is however, it's the drummer and bass player in a perfect pocket that allowed these lyrics to become known to so many.
Thomas from United States I thought this song was about the death of an old girlfriend because of the broken heart disease and funeral line. I thought the chorus was a metaphor for living life to the fullest and doing things even if they’re a Little (driving home with one headlight, and that nothing is forever)
Sam from Vic AustraliaI thought it was about a man's love for his woman he won't give up on I'd been away and my ex sang and played this to me on his guitar...when I got back. I thought it was for me. But later did I come to more thinking that it meant... the 'her death..it must be killing me" I'm the song at the end. Now I think it's about being in a narcissists head... think about that now will ya!
Russ from East TexasI remember having a student who loved this song when it came out, and he would tell me he thought it was literally about an old truck that had been bought, and the owner had named it Cinderella.
Lisa, Jackson’s Mommy from FloridaWhen I was 21 weeks pregnant, I lost my son. The line “I’m so alone, Feel just like somebody else, Man I ain’t changed but I know I ain’t the same” was exactly what it was like dealing with my grief. This song still brings me there but it’s okay, it’s part of me still. (23 years later)
Rky from A College TownI always took this song to be about hopelessness and suicide. Reading the other comments have been really interesting. Beautiful song.
Not A Boy from Not An AmericanI was 14 when this song came out, and I only ever caught the chorus. I thought 'one headlight' was a metaphor for a penis & 'driving it home' a euphemism for sex. So yeah, sorry y'all.
Tanner from Here And ThereMatt from Central Alabama. I don’t even know you. But I love you. And I know she was a beautiful person. It happens way too often. Mental health awareness isn’t as open as it should be and this is the reason that this happens so often. Keep your head high. Remember the best. Remember you did everything you could. I’m only 24. But I’ve lost many to addiction. Most of them had depression and anxiety. I’ve suffered from the same. I battle daily. But I know I’m the end that I’m living and that means I can make my life as good as I possibly can every day. And daily. I become better. Stronger. Don’t forget that for yourself.
Matt from Central AlabamaI've heard this song probably a million times and never really paid too much attention to the lyrics just thought it was a great song. Well, today I listen to it for the first time since my wife passed away from alcoholism, and when I listen to it this time it was like the lyrics were just shouting at me. To me, it's talkin about a man who's soulmate has passed away even though she was looking for a path through the ugliness and greed. Unfortunately she never found "the opening here in front of me", or the path to defeating her disease. She was such a kind, compassionate, and beautiful person, and a lot of times people who struggle with addiction get labeled a bad person because of the stigma attached to addiction. But I just want to let people know that there are a lot of really good people who struggle with addiction, being an addict does not make you a bad person. So try not to judge someone prematurely just because they struggle with addiction.
Kevin Roy From Nj from South AmboyI thought this song was about a man who was in love with a woman. The woman being "way out of his league". She being gorgeous, materialistic, extremely smart bu t the man was just a very average guy. Wouldn't be able to take her to the nicest restaurants or buy her furs, top of the line jewelry, designer clothes, shoes & bags. And drove around in a cheap car but could give her things that money couldn't buy. Things like unconditional love, honesty, loyalty & communication. Knowing she wouldn't stay with him but he just wanted to know her and still date her even if just for a little while... Now that I know the truth behind the song, it kinda killed it for me. Hopefully in time I'll forget and be able to listen to it with less disappointment
Joe from Somewhere FlFor me this song reminds me of a lady I used to know in late 70’s early 80s. I was 17-18 and she was 22 and a true blond knockout. A few years later a friend told me that she died of cancer. I said something stupid which I regret. This song always reminds me of her and I never got to say goodbye
Kelly from Stouffville OntJust found out my bf fell in love with a bartender/ waitress , who apparently o/d. This was there song. Not to happy about it. He even paid for her headstone. He lied to me about it all- not a fan
Daveh from VirginiaTyler, I shall your pain. My wife have stage 4 liver cancer, don't know when the end is coming, but I tear up every time I hear this song. Thanks for your comments, almost like you are talking to me.
Telephonebill51 from IndianapolisSo, the song is sort of about the making of the song itself?
Wow. that puts it in a group of two; the other being Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4"
Giovanni from San Diego, CaI was in a really crappy relationship when this song came out & all I ever wanted was to get on my bike (motorcycle) and ride...somewhere (home?) ...with one headlight as that's all my bike had.
Tyler from UsaI seldom ever believe artists when they share publicly their interpretations of their art. It's against their interests to be honest in that case. Anyways, after losing my wife in the past year I can now see no other interpretation other than this: Cinderella is the girl and she is dead. He feels she will always be with him and they will continue their journey together through life, observing the surrounding world of decay...the same decay that led to her eventual death. They journey on through life together, one alive and one dead...one headlight is out. For me, it's a sad yet powerful sentiment.
Bob from ArizonaI realize I’m way off after reading other comments, but here’s the way I understood it years ago. The song is about unrequited love. The girl is a fan of his who hung around his shows but never got the courage to approach him. Eventually after getting more and more depressed and hopeless she jumps off the bridge. He is oblivious to her feelings all along and only finds out too late. He wishes she had the guts to “try a little” and break out of her shell. He might have driven her home one night with his one headlight (motorcycle) and changed their future. I’ll admit the later verses don’t really jive with this interpretation.
Jazzy from New Hampshire This song ment so much to me and my mom back when it came out my aunt/best friendhad just passed away sudenly and it felt like the whole world didn't understand what was happening (I was 13) this song hit the mail right on the head for us with everything it was crazy how much it felt like it was written for us.
Doug from Buffalo, NyI guess I was sort of correct in my interpretation that the song isn't literally about death, but the "death of ideas." But perhaps I was astray as this song connected with me in my youth. I felt like it was about the bar I used to go to and often played this song. Like the place was "beat up" and "smelled like cheap wine (beer) and cigarettes. I also felt that it was the "Cinderella" was pursuing then who also hung around that place.
Valentina from Tampa, FlI do believe it is about each individual's interpretation as well though. Struggle I think of any sort..
Valentina from Tampa, FlAddiction. Struggle. Done.
Jake from Pensacola, FlI feel like this is through the perspective of an aquaintence of the dead girl, like he feels the same way she did that caused her to die but through her death he finds his "one headlight" to make it through, cinderella is a fictional charactor maybe by saying "me and cinderella" he was saying the spirit of this girl would remain with him as a reminder, a story that had an end.
Andrew from Gold Canyon, AzJakob mentioned it had to do with ideas dying and dealing with it. To me, the chorus means you should not let this get you down. As long as you try, you can be happy with even the most inadequate amount resources, assets, money, or "One Headlight".

The Outlook may be bleak whenever a plan fails, but as long as you implore optimism, you can make ultimately be happy in life.
Megan from Stevenson, AlThis is a gorgeous song! I love this sooo much! Jakob's voice is so sexy!:)
Carol from Moriarty, NmOne Headlight, my favorite song. Deep and poetic, not a love song but a song about life and the dealings with ugliness and greed, his inner thoughts at a funeral about a pretty girl who chose to stick around a place that had nothing to offer, only to die and never of experienced more out of life. (perhaps her choices in life were more sadder than her death). It seemed such a shame or waste. It's about suppressive situations we can find ourselves in, whether it's financial or mental. It can relate to both because the song is so deep. The opportunity to just leave and the thought to simply stay."she can't break away from the parade" ..It's warm not cold in July, Independence Day...but it means "the day" to just do it and break away and leave.To make the decision. She feels that it is independence day for her. Where 'home' is---is the future and whatever it may have to offer. To get out of the place or condition you are allowing yourself to be in. The decision lies in "the middle"..................
Jim from Venice, FlTo me this song is about a man who loses his wife and has to raise his daughter by himself. Me and Cinderella we can drive it home with one headlight.
Michelle from Memphis, TnNever listened to much wallflowers music. I can just see him now with pen to paper in a cotton tee writing this beautiful song. Plan on purchasing even if it is 15 smackers. BTW if you wear glasses does this count as 4 headlights? On a serious note, I agree with the idea that you can make it even with just one dim headlight.

-corn nut
George from Islamorada, FlNo one has to know what the original meaning of any song or poem is, because what's important is how you interpret it. I've been running on one headlight for five years since my wife died. But both high beams are still working and I can see the road ahead. That's what this song means to me.
Brian from Boston, MaListen to the base line it is very similar to Don't you forget about me by simple minds.
Lalah from Wasilla, AkWhoah Nelly. you all are getting too much out of a simple song about moving on after an unanticipated ending . . . and i ROCKS!
Jimmy from Balboa Is., CaThis song reminds me so much of "Boys Of Summer" by Don Henley. It has the same melancholy, metaphors and images. They both include themes a like. Such as the death of ideas, the American Dream and lost Youth. Both make the top 10 on my forever list.
Homero from Lewisville, Txi am a child of the 90's, so when i hear this song i think of better times
Kimberly from Baton Rouge, LaI feel bad I always thought he was saying Water and Light.... One Headlight ahhhhh makes sense.
Jim from Long Beach, CaThis song about having taking on a journey that can still be done even with "one headlight". You can still complete it.
Joel from Columbus, OhAnybody notice that in the video that Bruce Springsteen sings along with Jakob Dylan in the video?
Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnSuch a popular song from 1997. The Wallflowers never got the respect they deserved.
Dave from Cleveland, OhDrive it home with "one headlight" in my opinion means that "yes, you can continue your journey"; just not as easy as two headlights but you can do it. This is encouragement, a healing process one goes through when dealing with grief.
Nicky from Scituate, MaI'm going to throw in an entirely different interpretation. I just watched the video, and if you haven't seen it, Jakob is shown against a backdrop of what appears to be an old American flag, which is beat up, and worn out. Jakob says the song is about the death of ideas - I wonder if he also means the death of the ideals of the United States, the death of the "American Dream". American ideals are pretty tough to achieve - freedom, equality - and even though America is far from perfect in achieving its ideals, its dreams, and maybe has settled for something "in the middle", or less than ideal, but Jakob may hold out hope for her, saying that she can drive it home "with one headlight". Maybe she's not perfect, but she can still try.
Brett from Toronto, OnI am Just going to Give my opinion on what this song reminds me of but can't really translate it.

To me when he sings it sounds like like he is singing about a women he loved, and shes past away.Someone who he was really close to. (Broken heart maybe.) (maybe she jumped I don't know). Things are still the same in life, he feels different but he knows he hasn't really changed, everything still runs like it always has. He doens't know how to feel, but hes trying to go on with his life, feeling melon coly. then he kind of breaks out, singing the chorus talking about it and telling her, we can drive it home with one headlight. Meaning to me anyway, i guess it would be like having a family and telling her you built this life with someone and you (meaning him and her) can see it through with only one of you left.
Ashley from Spring, TxFor me this song has always been basically what Jakob said the death of ideas. Or even your existance that surrounds you. Cinderella being the fairytale you orginally set out for but realizing that you only have "One headlight" and not that much going for you in the long run. This can be seen especially in the last stance about the comparison of a beat up truck and the place being old. It's realizing that the life you may have set yourself up for isn't all it's cracked up to be. I love the line "Man I ain't changed but I know I ain't the same." You know your the same person you were entering into the situation but you know somehow you've changed because it's not as thrilling and new as it once was. It's a lifestyle (relationship, employment, state of being) that's grown old and you want to seperate youself from.
Liz from Someplace, CtOkay, whoever said that it's about a friend with breast cancer - i get the whole i lost a friend thing out of the song.

but really? Breat cancer? one headlight? Grow. up.
Taylor from Ames, IaI think this song is about one of his close friends that gets breast cancer and loses a breast in the process.. "We can drive it home with one headlight"
Christy from D.c, MexicoOK, im not saying this is what the song means, its just what it means to me.

"So long ago, I don't remember when
That's when they say I lost my only friend
Well they said she died easy of a broken heart disease
As I listened through the cemetery trees"

I believe this explains how a close/best friend of his left (not necessarily dieing but far enough away to wear it probably hurt nearly as bad as her dieing) and he was so disoriented that he lost track of time. Although he knew why she left (reasons unstated) the people around didnt and believed she was unhappy and that is why she left.

"I seen the sun comin' up at the funeral at dawn
The long broken arm of human law
Now it always seemed such a waste
She always had a pretty face
So I wondered how she hung around this place"

The day he woke up after she had left (the day of the -funeral-) he thought how even though she left was against the unspoken law of humanity (for whatever reason, whether it be leaving her family or simply leaving him) she had been able to do it and then he realizes how messed up where they were really was and he wondered how she had stayed there as long as she had

"Hey, come on try a little
Nothing is forever
There's got to be something better than
In the middle
But me & Cinderella
We put it all together
We can drive it home
With one headlight"

When he thought about the situation he didnt know what he should do, be with her or stay, he was stuck in the middle. But he decided he wanted to be with her (not nessarily saying they are romantically involved, just generally close) and they went to find a new home not knowing what to expect, running half blind into the dark (one headlight)

"She said it's cold
It feels like Independence Day
And I can't break away from this parade
But there's got to be an opening
Somewhere here in front of me
Through this maze of ugliness and greed
And I seen the sun up ahead
At the county line bridge
Sayin' all there's good and nothingness is dead
We'll run until she's out of breath
She ran until there's nothin' left
She hit the end-it's just her window ledge"

As they try to find there way to were they believe they belong (unknowing where that is) she starts to get down after going far believing that they will never find it and never escape the -parade- of people in this world, consumed by greed and generally bad people made ugly by -ugly- personality's and hearts. But he promised they would find somewhere. In the end she finally gave up and killed herself believing death would be less painful than looking for answers and never finding any the rest of her life (or so she believed it would be and was)

"Well this place is old
It feels just like a beat up truck
I turn the engine, but the engine doesn't turn
Well it smells of cheap wine & cigarettes
This place is always such a mess
Sometimes I think I'd like to watch it burn
I'm so alone, and I feel just like somebody else
Man, I ain't changed, but I know I ain't the same
But somewhere here in between the city walls of dyin' dreams
I think her death it must be killin' me"

He generally sees life dull, unimportant, and depressing. Cheap wine and cigarettes is indicating the drunks and cigarette smokers in the world and is a metaphor symbolizing how disgusted he is with the state the world is in and he feels trapped within it. He generally believes that the death of the girl is making him realize how much he hates the world and wants out, and how she was quite possibly the only thing he has worth living for (not necessarily saying they were romantically involved, just generally very close -best friends- so close that no other relationship/friendship seemed to matter and simply wasnt as deep and meaningful as the one they had shared.

Again, not saying this is the real meaning...but when i heard this song i could relate it to a relationship me and another share and it seemed to make sense...
Sherrad from South Bend, InIt's deep.....huh? Great song!
Donna from Belleville, IlI like this song because it reminds me of a struggle my husband and i went thru before we married. he had lost his job and failed in a business venture. we literally had one headlight quite a few times.
Ted from Boston, MaAs soon as I heard this song, I did think it was about death also, but the last stanza made me think about my place of employment, and how tired i get trying to get people to do the job,the way that I think my company wants me to do it, and then, don't like how I go about doing it.
Justin from Georgetown, Ini love the upbeat bass line with a guitar that doesn't seem to me to be as prescent and almost has a gloomy or depressed sounds to it.
Mark from Worcester, MiZack, good post. IMO Jakob has his dad's talent for the old saying what you mean without really saying it style. I don't buy his take that the first vs says it all. There's to much here to focus on one vs. Anyway this is a timeless song IMO. It always sounds fresh and great. Just a great effort.
Zack from Winder, GaIts definetely meant to be universal. I probably thought he was singing about a specific person at one time or another, but the more i heard it , I felt like it was inspiring because the chorus says it all, try a little , something better , me and cinderella got it figured out. I.E.,when your world sucks and there are depressing things all around you, you can kepp rolling with the punches, even if you only have one headlight left, and maybe even a squeaky fan belt. You got to keep truckin'
Tony from Omaha, NeI think the song deals with a friend who's life was ruined by drugs. The reasons are because of: "She always had a pretty face So I wondered how she hung around this place", "Well it smells of cheap wine & cigarettes This place is always such a mess Sometimes I think I'd like to watch it burn". I think the song talks about how his friend was arrested by police and he visited her in prison and she was totally wasted or as he called it "dead". I am guessing that the title means the headlights of a police cruiser. Her purpose in life was ruined by drugs and or drinking.
Karl from Portland, OrI think this song is about a friend who died after a drunk driving accident. Thus "We can make it home, with one headlight" is kind of ironic. But it makes sense to me.
Jessamyn from San Marcos, TxI think this song describes the suicide of a friend.
Jay from Atlanta, Ga"Headlight?" That makes more sense, I thought he was saying "Head lice". ("The teacher sent me hooooooome, cause I got headlice")
Djrayne from St.marys, PaI may be totally off, but I just woke up and I think that may be the way the song should be taken...I think the song is all about his dad, Bob Dylan. He was always trying to put his ideas through the rain in the method of song with only one headlight, the only pull he had left in a world barren of opinion and individuality. I think in the song Jakob had awoken to the fact that although his father's affectiveness spanned a generation, it's just that; a generation, and he wishes it's continuation.
John from San Antonio, TxI love this song, it reminds me of my first car. I swear one of the headlights was always out. When I first heard it I thought of my 1976 Malibu Classic!!
Jim from Troy, NyGreat song....what happened to the Wallflowers? That whole album was good.
Doug from Macon, GaTo me the meaning of the song is soley what it means to you. Like a child a song takes on its own existance after its creation. Perhpas Dylan meant it to be about the death of ideas, but to me, it will always remind me of the death of someone very close to me. A couple days later I heard this song and it will always mean what it does.
Howard from St. Louis Park, MnI really liked this song. It showed that Jakob Dylan is an outstanding musician and songwriter like his father. This was one of the few death songs of the 90s.
Dave from Pittsburg, Pai can definatly see why hes got to get out of this place without ideologies, but not because someone killed themself that makes no sense.
Donald from Festus, MoThis song is unbelievable. Its my favorite song. Its writing is some of the best and it captures a certain gloomy mood. However, I dont believe it is about death. Jakob Dylan didnt say that it was death of a person but rather death of an idea. As he said, its heavy on the metaphors and symbolic meanings. So I can see how most think its about the death of someone. But the writer himself said it isnt. And the death of ideas makes more sense if you really look at the lyrics.
Jo-c from Lima, PeruThat's some cool organ on the verses.
Max from Toronto, CanadaIf Jakob Dylan himself said the song isn't about the death of a person, and he wrote the song, that's enough for me. It's about the death of ideas, like it says in the Song Meanings section.
Greg from Paris, MiJakob Dylan has said numerous times that it has nothing to do with death. That the death mentioned in the song is a metaphor for the death of other things.
Jolie from Bellwood, IlI did an assignment on this song a long time ago and we broke down this song and we came to the conclusion that this song is about death. It's about a guy talking about a girl going to the end. In one verse it says about the window ledge well that means she went to tried and kill herself but realized that she was at her window ledge and about to jump out and she didn't but by in the end of the song she does kill herself. Because he says that he goes to a funeral in the begin and throughout the song he's saying how she tried so many times and failed until the end and had sucess. And he's saying that there's somewhere better than this place and he's saying that he'll do anything to get out of this place.
Morgan from Fort Oglethorpe, GaMaybe it's not meant to be taken literally, after all, but to me it always seemed like someone dealing with depression after a good friend, or possibly lover, had commited suicide.

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