About the song
Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger” is a timeless classic that invites listeners on a captivating journey through the open road of life. Featured on his iconic album “Lust for Life,” released in 1977, this track showcases Pop’s versatility as a songwriter and performer.
Crafted by Pop himself along with guitarist Ricky Gardiner, “The Passenger” is characterized by its infectious groove and introspective lyrics. With its driving rhythm and catchy guitar riff, the song captures the exhilarating sensation of freedom and exploration.
Upon its release, “The Passenger” received critical acclaim and achieved moderate success on music charts around the world. While it may not have reached the top of the charts, the song has since become a staple of Pop’s live performances and has earned a dedicated following among fans of alternative rock.
Over the years, “The Passenger” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic of rock music. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of wanderlust and self-discovery continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
As listeners embark on a sonic journey through the infectious melodies and thought-provoking lyrics of “The Passenger,” they are reminded of the endless possibilities that await on the open road. With its undeniable charm and infectious energy, this iconic track stands as a testament to Iggy Pop’s enduring legacy as a pioneer of punk rock and a masterful storyteller.
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Lyrics
I am a passenger
And I ride, and I ride
I ride through the city’s backsides
I see the stars come out of the sky
Yeah, they’re bright in a hollow sky
You know it looks so good tonight
I am the passenger
I stay under glass
I look through my window so bright
I see the stars come out tonight
I see the bright and hollow sky
Over the city’s ripped back sky
And everything looks good tonight
Singin’ la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la, la la
Get into the car
We’ll be the passenger
We’ll ride through the city tonight
See the city’s ripped backsides
We’ll see the bright and hollow sky
We’ll see the stars that shine so bright
Oh, stars made for us tonight
Oh, the passenger
How, how he rides
Oh, the passenger
He rides and he rides
He looks through his window
What does he see?
He sees the silent hollow sky
He sees the stars come out tonight
He sees the city’s ripped backsides
He sees the winding ocean drive
And everything was made for you and me
All of it was made for you and me
‘Cause it just belongs to you and me
So let’s take a ride and see what’s mine
Singin’ la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la, la la
Oh, the passenger
He rides and he rides
He sees things from under glass
He looks through his window’s eye
He sees the things that he knows are his
He sees the bright and hollow sky
He sees the city asleep at night
He sees the stars are out tonight
And all of it is yours and mine
And all of it is yours and mine
So let’s ride and ride and ride and ride
Singin’ la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la, la la
Singin’ la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la, la la