Understanding in a Car Crash

Thursday

About Understanding in a Car Crash

"Understanding in a Car Crash" is a song by American post-hardcore band Thursday. It was the band's debut single and the lead single from their second album, Full Collapse, in late 2001. "Understanding" was chosen for release as a single and shot by Victory Records during the band's tour with Saves the Day without Thursday's consent. The music video gained rotation on MTV2 and MMUSA upon its release in early 2002. The simple presentation features concert footage of the song's performance with shots cascading on top of one another. "Understanding" has remained perhaps the band's most well known song and a concert staple. It is usually performed together with "The Other Side of the Crash/Over and Out (Of Control)," a song from the 2006 album, A City by the Light Divided, that tells the other side of the same story. 


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Splintered piece of glass falls in the seat of gets caught
These broken windows, open locks, reminders of the youth we lost
In trying so hard to look away from you
we followed white lines to the sunset
I crash my car everyday the same way

Time to let this pass
(the time it takes, the time it takes to let go)
Time runs through our veins
(it starts and stops and starts and stops again)
We don't stand a chance in this threadbare time
(the time it takes, the time it takes to let go)
Time to let this pass
(the time it takes, the time it takes to let go)

Staring at the setting sun
No reason to come back again
The twilight world in blue and white
The needle and the damage done

I don't want to feel this way forever
A dead letter marked return to sender

The broken watch you gave me turns into a compass
It's hands still point to the same time 12:03, our last goodbye

So push the seats back a little further
I can see the headlights coming
So push the seats back a little further
Roll the windows down and take a breath
I can see the headlights coming
They paint the world in red and broken glass

Time to let this pass
(the time it takes, the time it takes to let go)
Time runs through our veins.
(it starts and stops and starts and stops again)
We don't stand a chance in this threadbare time
(the time it takes, the time it takes to let go)
Time to let this pass
(the time it takes, the time it takes to let go)

Staring at the setting sun
No reason to come back again
The twilight world in blue and white
The needle and the damage done

I don't want to feel this way forever
A dead letter marked return to sender

The spinning hubcaps set the tempo for the music of a broken window
the cameras on and the cameras click
we open up the lens and can't stop

Staring at the setting sun
No reason to come back again
The twilight world in blue and white
The needle and the damage done

I don't want to feel this way forever
the lights are on and the cameras click
we open up the lens to broken glass

Staring at the setting sun
No reason to come back again
The twilight world in blue and white
The needle and the damage done

i don't want to feel this way for every
a dead letter marked return to sender

(I'll never understand
Understanding in a car crash)

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Thursday

Thursday is an American rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey. Formed in 1997, the group has released six full-length albums, their most recent being No Devolución, which was released in April 2011 on Epitaph Records. Every year, Thursday has held a performance on or within days of New Year's Eve, as a tradition for local New Jersey fans. more »

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Written by: Geoffrey Rickly, Robert III Keeley, Steven Pedulla, Thomas Rule, Timothy Payne

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


24 facts about this song

Album Origin
"Understanding in a Car Crash" is a song by the American post-hardcore band Thursday, appearing on their second studio album, "Full Collapse," which was released in 2001.
Composition
The song was composed by the members of Thursday, including Geoff Rickly, Tom Keeley, Steve Pedulla, Tim Payne, Tucker Rule, and Andrew Everding.
Genre
This song falls under the "post-hardcore" genre and is characteristic of the band's emotive and energetic style.
Popular Performances
"Understanding in a Car Crash" was one of the songs performed live by the band during their appearance on the Warped Tour in 2002, further increasing its popularity.
Music Video
The song has a music video, directed by Marc Klasfeld, that primarily features footage of the band performing live interspersed with narrative scenes.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity within the post-hardcore scene, the song did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it helped "Full Collapse" reach No. 178 on the Billboard 200 Chart.
Critical Response
The song received favorable reviews from critics for its fusion of melody and aggression, its emotionally charged lyrics, and Geoff Rickly's passionate vocal performance.
Inspiration
The central theme of "Understanding in a Car Crash" involves the emotional trauma involved in losing loved ones, and is said to be inspired by Geoff Rickly’s real-life experiences.
Fan Favorite
"Understanding in a Car Crash" is considered one of Thursday's signature songs and remains a fan favorite during live performances.
Notable Covers
Numerous bands have covered "Understanding in a Car Crash," including a notable rendition by the Canadian post-hardcore band Silverstein.
Legacy
Two decades since its release, “Understanding in a Car Crash” continues to be influential in the post-hardcore genre, demonstrating Thursday’s impact on the music scene.
Origins
"Understanding in a Car Crash" is a song by the American rock band Thursday.
Album
It is the opening track from their second studio album, "Full Collapse,” which was released in 2001.
Genre
Known for their post-hardcore music style, "Understanding in a Car Crash" is often considered one of Thursday's signature songs in this genre.
Popularity
The song is one of Thursday's most popular and well-known tracks. It has been played numerous times at their live performances and is often a fan favorite.
Chart Performance
"Understanding in a Car Crash" is frequently credited as the song that thrust the band into mainstream popularity. The song even made it to the U.S. Alternative Airplay (Billboard) peaking at #31.
Music Video
A music video for this song was also released and received significant airplay on MTV2 upon release.
Themes
The song, like many from the band, explores deep emotional themes. "Understanding in a Car Crash" specifically talks about the sudden and tragic loss of life in a car accident.
Critical Reception
Critics have often lauded the song for its emotional depth and impressive musicality, especially praising the band's use of varied dynamics and Geoff Rickly's passionate vocal performance.
Cultural Impact
This song is seen as a notable contributor to the rise of emo and post-hardcore music in the early 2000s.
Re-release
To commemorate the album's 10-year anniversary, the band re-released "Full Collapse," including a live version of "Understanding in a Car Crash."
Lyrics
The lyrics are interpreted as dealing with the aftermath of a tragic accident and how it affects the people involved. The song captures the essence of struggle, love, loss, and forgiveness.
Musical Style
The song is noted for its layered guitar segments, aggressive drumming, and intense vocals, showcasing the band's distinct post-hardcore sound.
Legacy
The song continues to be popular and relevant today, often appearing on playlists related to the genre and being played at concerts whenever the band performs.

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