Satan Is My Motor - Cake

On the surface this song has pretty simple meaning. Just that we have a sinful nature and that while we have good intentions we still do things we shouldn't do. When I was listening to it the other day though, I caught on to some further insight that kind of surprised me. I always assumed that the song was an excuse for bad behavior, and that seems to be what was intended. But consider these points:

while "Satan is my motor",

1. "I've got seats that selflessly hold my friends" - I am willing to share.

2. "and a trunk that can carry the heaviest of loads." - I am willing to take on the burdens of others.

3. "I've got a mind that can steer me to your house" - I am in control of my own actions.

4. "and a heart that can bring you red flowers" - I have a desire to do good.

5." I've got brakes, I'm wide awake, I can stop this car at any time. At the very last second I can change directions, turn completely around if I feel so inclined." - Again, Satan may be my motor, motivator, or tempter, but I make the decisions.

I know I am reading a lot into this, but it is still interesting to look at it from a different angle.

I've got wheels of polished steel

I've got tires that grab the road

I've got seats that selflessly hold my friends

And a trunk that can carry the heaviest of loads

I've got a mind that can steer me to your house

And a heart that can bring you red flowers

My intentions are good and earnest and true

But under my hood is internal combustion pow'r

Satan is my motor

Hear my motor purr

Satan is my motor

Hear my motor purr

Satan is the only one who seems to understand

Satan is my motor

I've got brakes

I'm wide awake

I can stop this car at any time

At the very last second I can change directions

Turn completely around if I feel so inclined