Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: psych-rock
Song Meaning of “Waiting For The Streetcar” by CAN
This song is emotive and nostalgic, spinning a tale of longing for past times and loves. The lyrics describe a person remembering a bittersweet, yet ultimately happy time. They are missing the past, but also living in the present, waiting for the streetcar to take them around.
The imagery of waiting for the streetcar captures a feeling of anticipation, as if waiting for a moment to come in life, that will take them away to some unknown destination. They feel it will remove them from their current state, both physically and emotionally, and bring a wave of optimism and joy.
The speaker is reminiscing about days gone by; days with former lovers, and a life lived on the street. They remember their youthful carefree spirit, but are now resigned to waiting for what will come their way. They are trapped by the knowledge that time moves on, but still hopeful for new experiences ahead.
The chorus is hopeful, as if the person begins to realise that even though they can’t go back in time, they will find a place in the present and have new adventures to explore. They are soothed by the recognition that life is a journey, and that the streetcar will keep them going.
The lyrics also hint at a message of overcoming hardship, and of learning what it means to be true to yourself.