Keep The Car Running

Arcade Fire's song 'Keep The Car Running' delves into themes of anxiety, escape, and the unknown. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a recurring dream where the protagonist finds themselves in a familiar yet different city, pursued by men who aim to take them away. This sense of being hunted or pursued creates a palpable tension throughout the song, reflecting a deep-seated fear that the protagonist has carried since childhood. The line 'There's a fear I keep so deep, knew its name since before I could speak' suggests that this anxiety is almost innate, a part of their very being.

The chorus, 'Keep the car running,' serves as a metaphor for the constant need to be ready to flee at a moment's notice. This urgency is further emphasized by the repeated references to insurmountable obstacles, such as a river too deep to swim across and a mountain too high to climb. These barriers symbolize the overwhelming challenges and fears that the protagonist faces, making the idea of escape both a physical and psychological necessity.

The song also touches on themes of mortality and the afterlife, as seen in the lines 'The same place animals go when they die' and 'The same city where I go when I sleep.' These references suggest a place of finality and rest, contrasting sharply with the relentless need to keep moving in the waking world. The juxtaposition of these ideas adds a layer of existential dread, questioning what lies beyond the immediate fears and whether true escape is ever possible. Arcade Fire's evocative lyrics and haunting melodies make 'Keep The Car Running' a compelling exploration of the human psyche's darker corners.