Boxcar

Jawbreaker's song 'Boxcar' is a raw and defiant anthem that challenges the rigid definitions of punk culture and celebrates individuality. The opening lines, 'You're not punk, and I'm telling everyone. Save your breath, I never was one,' immediately set the tone for the song. The narrator rejects the label of 'punk,' suggesting that the term has become meaningless or overly commercialized. This sentiment is reinforced with the line, 'You don't know what I'm all about. Like killing cops and reading Kerouac,' which juxtaposes violent rebellion with intellectual pursuits, highlighting the complexity of the narrator's identity.

The song also delves into themes of betrayal and disillusionment with former friends who have become enemies. 'My enemies are all too familiar. They're the ones who used to call me friend,' speaks to the pain of being judged and ostracized by those who once accepted you. This sense of alienation is further emphasized by the narrator's declaration of independence: 'I'm coloring outside your guidelines. I was passing out when you were passing out your rules.' The imagery of 'coloring outside the lines' symbolizes a refusal to conform to societal expectations and norms.

The character of Boxcar, introduced in the latter part of the song, embodies this spirit of nonconformity. With her ever-changing hair color and disdain for the 'scene,' Boxcar represents a kindred spirit who shares the narrator's rejection of labels and superficial judgments. The line, 'I like her mind. She hates the scene,' underscores the value of genuine connection over fitting into a predefined subculture. Ultimately, 'Boxcar' is a celebration of personal freedom and the courage to define oneself on one's own terms, even if it means standing alone.