ROAD SONGS, PART III

Tonight: the biggest modern-rock hit of the 90s, Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song.” The lyrics may mention trains, but the song has the unmistakable, desultory feel of leaving a truck stop on an unbearably hot August day.

This was as 70s-decadent as STP ever got. Beneath their alterna-bluster, they’re a phenomenally talented band, more prone to jazz chords than power chords. They’ve always been a favorite band of mine, and even though I’m lukewarm to this song, I felt I had to include it. The lyrics are typically cryptic, and you can examine them for yourself if you . . .

waiting on a Sunday afternoon
for what I read between the lines,
your lies.
feelin’ like a hand in rusted shame
so do you laugh or does it cry?
reply?

leavin’ on a southern train
only yesterday you lied
promises of what I seemed to be
only watched the time go by,
all of these things I said to you.