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Wilco — Passenger Side
Album: A.M.
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1124









Released: 1995
Length: 3:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Hey, wake up, your eyes weren't open wide
For the last couple of miles you've been swerving from side to side
You're gonna make me spill my beer
If you don't learn how to steer

Passenger side, passenger side
I don't like riding on the passenger side

Roll another number for the road
You're the only sober person I know
Won't you let me make you a deal
Just get behind the wheel

Passenger side, passenger side
I don't like riding on the passenger side

Should've been the driver
Could've been the one
I should've been your lover, but I hadn't seen...

Can you take me to the store, then the bank?
I've got five dollars we can put in the tank
I've got a court date coming this June
I'll be driving soon

Passenger side, passenger side
I don't like riding on the passenger side
I don't like riding on the passenger side
Comments (146)add comment
 kylieh wrote:

Kind of sounds like Cracker to me...



Also like later Replacements!
Posted 1 month ago by andrew2112    [ Reply ]
you never know what will happen driving them county roads in mississippi river bottoms

you could drive into the river, never to be seen again
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
This feels like a tribute song to the Replacements!
Posted 1 year ago by andrew2112    [ Reply ]
yes! one of my very fav wilco tunes! so great live!
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Nice Neil Young callout.
Posted 1 year ago by wifesboyfriend    [ Reply ]
make me spill my beer?

well...thats a Stag beer
brewed in their hometown of Belleville, IL
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:

I think that's called "buying the album"

No shit sherlock
Posted 1 year ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Oh, Rose.   The times we had. You got thrown out of the bars.. fighting, or just general craziness.  Always on the passenger side.  Our song on the digital J-box.  A patently ironic place to spin this one.   But a theme song of the times.    Love this album.  
Posted 1 year ago by sieversfam    [ Reply ]
There is something about not being in control while sitting shotgun. I struggle to relinquish that power and keep my mouth shut. 
Posted 1 year ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
 jp33442 wrote:

Love Wilco I want a Wilco only channel too


I think that's called "buying the album"
Posted 2 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
Oh haha I listened this time and now I know why he's on the passenger side!
Posted 2 years ago by igotitmade2k    [ Reply ]
this song could be about them driving down highway 159 out of Belleville, IL.

its a little swirvy. 
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 Hey_Porter wrote:
This is a song about someone without a license and five dollars in the bank.  Sad.
 
 Bat wrote:

It's about someone who has lost his license because of a DWI.  And yea, it is a rather sad situation, but somehow I don't think that's how you meant it when you said Sad.
 
The person you were responding to (Hey_Porter) rated this song a "10"; so perhaps their use of the word "sad" was actually sympathetic and not derogatory.
Posted 3 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
This song and album is what made me fall in love with Wilco! Thanks RP!
Posted 4 years ago by HonduranRed    [ Reply ]
Love Wilco I want a Wilco only channel too
Posted 4 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Ah. The Belleville, Illinois boys  singing about driving around  farm fields across river from STL. 


Watch out...there's a cop!
Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
I loooooooove this album.{#Bananajam}
Posted 5 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
Ahhhh. Wilco's best album. 


Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
The character in this song sounds a lot like the loser in Cracker's "Mr. Wrong."
Posted 6 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
Love the early Wilco.  Still a lot of Uncle Tupelo in there.
Posted 6 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 Hey_Porter wrote:
This is a song about someone without a license and five dollars in the bank.  Sad.

 
It's about someone who has lost his license because of a DWI.  And yea, it is a rather sad situation, but somehow I don't think that's how you meant it when you said Sad.
Posted 7 years ago by Bat    [ Reply ]
This is the song that got me into Wilco back in the day..great album. So glad they are still around!
Posted 7 years ago by HonduranRed    [ Reply ]
This is a song about someone without a license and five dollars in the bank.  Sad.
Posted 7 years ago by Hey_Porter    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


I hate it when that happens.  It's almost as bad as having a detachable penis.

 


Posted 10 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
A lot of people think this is a pretty funny song, and to be honest I used to think the same thing.  But now I've come full circle and find it to be a terribly sad and moving song.
Posted 12 years ago by Bat    [ Reply ]
 hippiechick wrote:
This song always makes me laugh my ass off.
 

I hate it when that happens.  It's almost as bad as having a detachable penis.
Posted 12 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Kind of sounds like Cracker to me...
Posted 12 years ago by kylieh    [ Reply ]
You're the only sober person I know...  {#Drunk}
Posted 12 years ago by dragonlady    [ Reply ]
aLWAYS MAKES ME LAUGH
Posted 12 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Fan of some Wilco...but unfortunately not this so much. 
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
actually it sounds like good Cracker
Posted 12 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
speaking of which Bill: how about a little B-double E - double R - U - N ?

Cynaera wrote:
I thought it was Todd Snider - it's got Snider's sense of humor and irony. Really love this song.... {#Bounce}


Posted 12 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]
Classic!

Posted 12 years ago by Baketown    [ Reply ]
This song always makes me laugh my ass off.
Posted 13 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 lerxst wrote:
Sounds like bad Cracker.  And that's not good.
 
That is a very accurate description.

Posted 13 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
A fun song. I always saw it as Tweedy's nod to Neil Young's "Roll Another Number". Neil and Jeff's crazy DUI antics... {#Naughty}
Posted 13 years ago by pauleywalnuts    [ Reply ]
 Lewis_Cooper wrote:

I photographed Wilco last year in their only show West of the Mississippi at the Aspen Jazz Festival, you can see photos here:

https://gonzoshots.com/archives/7492

Jeff Tweedy of Wilco

 
Good stuff in there!
Posted 13 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
 lerxst wrote:
Sounds like bad Cracker.  And that's not good.
 
{#Lol}
Posted 13 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]

I photographed Wilco last year in their only show West of the Mississippi at the Aspen Jazz Festival, you can see photos here:

https://gonzoshots.com/archives/7492

Jeff Tweedy of Wilco


Posted 13 years ago by Lewis_Cooper    [ Reply ]
Sounds like bad Cracker.  And that's not good.
Posted 13 years ago by lerxst    [ Reply ]
 Cruzan wrote:
but musically, it sounds like this to me.......

plod, plod, plod, plod, plod, plooooood, plod, plod, plod, ad nauseum.
 
Nah, that's a bit unfair - ad tedium more like. Wilco and out.

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
This is a great, fun song!  Love this.
Posted 14 years ago by pinnyrat    [ Reply ]
so good, so funny! 
"you're gonna make me spill my beer
if you don't learn how to steer" !
Posted 14 years ago by kelty    [ Reply ]
 Cruzan wrote:
but musically, it sounds like this to me.......

plod, plod, plod, plod, plod, plooooood, plod, plod, plod, ad nauseum.
 
...that's kind of the point to the song...
Posted 14 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of that other Wilco song.
Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
I thought it was Todd Snider - it's got Snider's sense of humor and irony.  Really love this song.... {#Bounce}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
I thought this was Cracker. Love the song. Would love it more if they would pick up the pace a notch.
Posted 14 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Yes!  More Wilco is better: bumper stickers should be issued!

They are on a great tour right now: a must see!

{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by jersey_birdman    [ Reply ]
This is a fun record.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
Gotta give an 8 to any song that has lyrics concerned with someone spilling their beer!

{#Tongue}
Posted 14 years ago by katearhar    [ Reply ]
The embodiment of "meh". 


Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
but musically, it sounds like this to me.......

plod, plod, plod, plod, plod, plooooood, plod, plod, plod, ad nauseum.

The melody was so uninteresting I never even listened to the lyrics. I will pay more attention next time.

To me the lryics are secondary. That's probably why I don't like Springstein much either.........
Posted 14 years ago by Cruzan    [ Reply ]
was he drunk when he sang this?
Posted 14 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
This song makes me laugh every time. Love Tweedy!
Posted 14 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 Businessgypsy wrote:
Exactly in the way that Hemingway wrote whiny, navel gazing novels about stupid hunters. I've always found this song a plaintive, insightful essay on failure despite best intentions and the surrender of sobriety in the face of common life angst. Not particularly funny, despite a lot of wit in the lyric. I would say wry. A better take on describing the problem of too little education, too little pay and too little motivation than Springsteen ever crafted, in my book. What happens when there's a desire to rise above, but not a will or a way.
 

well said...
Posted 14 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
rajulkabir wrote:
A whiny, repetitive song about the joys of drunk driving. Bestill my beating heart.
Exactly in the way that Hemingway wrote whiny, navel gazing novels about stupid hunters. I've always found this song a plaintive, insightful essay on failure despite best intentions and the surrender of sobriety in the face of common life angst. Not particularly funny, despite a lot of wit in the lyric. I would say wry. A better take on describing the problem of too little education, too little pay and too little motivation than Springsteen ever crafted, in my book. What happens when there's a desire to rise above, but not a will or a way.


Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
 gregmc15 wrote:

Robert Earl Keen
  Who also wrote one of the few holiday tunes I like 'Merry Christmas From the Family'. Priceless.

He also wrote 'Five Pound Bass'. Beez may know it...


Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 tom-kenna wrote:
Has anyone heard "You Keep Swerving in My Lane"? I don't remember the artist. This tune reminds me of that.
 
Robert Earl Keen
Posted 14 years ago by gregmc15    [ Reply ]
 skyguy wrote:
remember D.A.M.M.?
 
MMAD - Dyslexics Against Mad Mothers.

Posted 15 years ago by papaman    [ Reply ]
This song makes me laugh every time.
Posted 15 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Ah yes, one of my favorite early Wilco tunes...for a number of reasons.  Thanks for playing it Bill! {#Cool}
Posted 15 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
Geez, in one week I heard this both on A Prairie Home Companion, and over the Chipotle PA. {#Confused}

Anyways, I think it's about someone being forced into a divorce he doesn't want.

Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 Smoove_D wrote:

These lines make me think it's about more than drunk driving and looking for a sober ride:

Should've been the driver
Could've been the one
I should've been your lover

But I hadn't seen Sounds like regret over a failed relationship that he didn't get to control.
 

 
... or someone in the passenger side was killed in a DUI crash.
Posted 15 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:

Not just an American phenomenon, drunk driving and driving without a license are also rampant in Canada.

 
That's because all you McKenzie brothers drink beer for breakfast.
Posted 15 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
This deserves a *bump* I think

 Smoove_D wrote:

These lines make me think it's about more than drunk driving and looking for a sober ride:

Should've been the driver
Could've been the one
I should've been your lover
But I hadn't seen

Sounds like regret over a failed relationship that he didn't get to control.
 


Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Has anyone heard "You Keep Swerving in My Lane"? I don't remember the artist. This tune reminds me of that.
Posted 15 years ago by tom-kenna    [ Reply ]
This band (like Sun Volt) I just don't get............
It seems like people are digging the lyrics but musically..........
There is not much here. I gave it a 2

Posted 15 years ago by Cruzan    [ Reply ]
remember D.A.M.M.?
Posted 15 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
This song gives me a laugh every time. Love Jeff and my hometown boys!!!
Posted 15 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 HeyMickey wrote:
Apparently you didn't listen well enough.  Believe it or not, this "Trailer Trash" song (as some have suggested) is a rather poignant essay on the mentality of many people in this country who have lost their license due to drunk driving.  As one other listener said "For very personal reasons, this song makes me cry and smile at the same time."
 
Not just an American phenomenon, drunk driving and driving without a license are also rampant in Canada.

Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of some of my friends from the High School days... I *had* my license!
Posted 15 years ago by Valley_Boy    [ Reply ]
I've always loved this song. Not sure why. I guess it's just because it is great, simple, straight-up americana.
Posted 15 years ago by ladron    [ Reply ]
 zipper wrote:
This song always makes me laugh and think of The Beez, so I'm instantly cheered up.
 

{#Lol}
Posted 15 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
 HeyMickey wrote:

Apparently you didn't listen well enough.  Believe it or not, this "Trailer Trash" song (as some have suggested) is a rather poignant essay on the mentality of many people in this country who have lost their license due to drunk driving.  As one other listener said "For very personal reasons, this song makes me cry and smile at the same time."
 

...it think it's metaphorical of a much broader condition than simply driving in a car; that's its genius...

Posted 15 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
Stick to English, carajo.

 Shimmer wrote:
El stupido.
 


Posted 15 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
glad to be introduced to more wilco...like them more and more.
kind of remind me of pavement. no bad thing.
Posted 15 years ago by arsenault    [ Reply ]
 rajulkabir wrote:
A whiny, repetitive song about the joys of drunk driving. Bestill my beating heart.
 
Apparently you didn't listen well enough.  Believe it or not, this "Trailer Trash" song (as some have suggested) is a rather poignant essay on the mentality of many people in this country who have lost their license due to drunk driving.  As one other listener said "For very personal reasons, this song makes me cry and smile at the same time."


Posted 15 years ago by HeyMickey    [ Reply ]
El stupido.
Posted 15 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
It's 12:30 am Sunday morning, at the library writing final papers and pouting that I'm not out partying with my friends on a Saturday night... But RP and Wilco have kept my pity-party away!  "You're gonna make me spill my beer, if you don't learn how to steer..."  Makes me giggle every time Music
Posted 15 years ago by isaacsonar    [ Reply ]
This song always makes me laugh and think of The Beez, so I'm instantly cheered up.


Posted 15 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
i know wilco is good, but this song is just not for me.  {#Naughty}
Posted 16 years ago by jameyp    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Apparently the world has run out of good music, because we're stuck with this.  {#Puke}
  
  {#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}{#Iamwithstupid}

dude you complain about EVERYTHING.  you have NOTHING positive to add, ever.  LIGHTEN up.

Posted 16 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
{#Motor}
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
LOVE this tune. 10
Posted 16 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
cc_rider wrote:
Sounds like there's am interesting story there...


Nothing too exciting - as per usual, it's to do with a boy.  And a Wilco concert.

Posted 16 years ago by vivakitty    [ Reply ]
 Shesdifferent wrote:
What happened to RP's great song blending ability? From Dusty Springfield to Wilco?
 

I think it fits - we need something to cool us down after that!
Posted 16 years ago by pmnixa    [ Reply ]
 vivakitty wrote:
For very personal reasons, this song makes me cry and smile at the same time.
  Sounds like there's am interesting story there...

(from one Elton John fan to another)


Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
And now this trailer-trash crap is playing AGAIN.  {#Puke}
  Yeppers! And this trailer trash is diggin' it!

Naw, it ain't Shakespeare, and it sure ain't Pavarotti, but it's real life.


Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
For very personal reasons, this song makes me cry and smile at the same time.
Posted 16 years ago by vivakitty    [ Reply ]
Apparently the world has run out of good music, because we're stuck with this.  {#Puke}
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
And now this trailer-trash crap is playing AGAIN.  {#Puke}
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Guaranteed to make me laugh everytime.
Posted 16 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
What happened to RP's great song blending ability? From Dusty Springfield to Wilco?

More importantly, what happened to RP's great songs??  Why are we listening to this crap??

Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
What happened to RP's great song blending ability? From Dusty Springfield to Wilco?
Posted 16 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
I did not have a car for a while way back when.............it was a drag on the passenger side.

Posted 16 years ago by cutterjudd    [ Reply ]
pannaramma wrote:
I've been in that car.
Probably while I was driving! "You buy and I'll fly!"
Posted 16 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
2:18 pm - Dusty Springfield - The Look of Love 2:21 pm - Wilco - Passenger Side From the sublime to the rediculous
Posted 16 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
I think it's funny. It's a would'a, could'a, should'a song. rockasaurus wrote:
This is hands down one of the dumbest songs I have ever heard.
Posted 16 years ago by frednic    [ Reply ]
you must not have been listening to music long very then. rockasaurus wrote:
This is hands down one of the dumbest songs I have ever heard.
Posted 16 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
This is hands down one of the dumbest songs I have ever heard.
Posted 16 years ago by rockasaurus    [ Reply ]
I've been in that car.
Posted 16 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
sooooooo bad.
Posted 16 years ago by milchschnitte    [ Reply ]
I had a buddy back in high school that probably helped write this song.
Posted 16 years ago by music_man    [ Reply ]
Soooo funny!! This should be my husband's theme song!!! hahahaha!! Great song!
Posted 17 years ago by jredd2    [ Reply ]
Tell me over and over again my friend.You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction.
Posted 17 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
This song always gives me a big laugh!!!
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
ziggytrix wrote:
yeah, I thought it was Cracker before I looked
and again I come to the site to see what Cracker album this is from...
Posted 17 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
A whiny, repetitive song about the joys of drunk driving. Bestill my beating heart.
Posted 17 years ago by rajulkabir    [ Reply ]
First Wilco I ever heard, and still love it and the band. Plus this song hits a nerve since my crappy eyesight keeps me from driving. I spend my life in the shotgun seat. :)
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Smoove_D wrote:
Sounds like regret over a failed relationship that he didn't get to control.
Nice. Thanks for helping me see the deeper meanings. I like art where there's a code to crack.
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
fpduffer wrote:
ummmm, isn't this song about drunk driving?
These lines make me think it's about more than drunk driving and looking for a sober ride: Should've been the driver Could've been the one I should've been your lover But I hadn't seen Sounds like regret over a failed relationship that he didn't get to control.
Posted 17 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
it's about the passenger being drunk, hence the title. thanks, mr. obvious. fpduffer wrote:
ummmm, isn't this song about drunk driving?
Posted 17 years ago by greg6494    [ Reply ]
"You're gonna make me spill my beer, if you don't learn how to steer"... if I had a quarter for every time I said that!
Posted 17 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
BGGA wrote:
This is my college aged son's theme song! LOL
ummmm, isn't this song about drunk driving?
Posted 17 years ago by fpduffer    [ Reply ]
etwilson wrote:
Greatest lyric ever!: You're gonna make me spill my beer, If you don't learn how to steer
Yes! That, and "I don't want to sit across the table from you wishing I could run" (Cake)
Posted 17 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
This is my college aged son's theme song! LOL
Posted 18 years ago by BGGA    [ Reply ]
Would be great to follow this with Happy Birthday to Me by Cracker...
Posted 18 years ago by Greenman    [ Reply ]
ziggytrix wrote:
yeah, I thought it was Cracker before I looked
Thought it was Rhett Miller. Confusing.
Posted 18 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Middleton wrote:
Great CD. I must admit that this is the Wilco I fell for. I'm all for bands growing & expanding, but I prefer the Americana roots music to the more esoteric stoner jams they're doing lately.
Agreed. I love both "AM" and "Being There." But their music stopped speaking to me around the time of Summer Teeth.
Posted 18 years ago by queenjill    [ Reply ]
littleblueriver7 wrote:
Hm. Not the Wilco I'm familiar with but I like it. :)
yeah, I thought it was Cracker before I looked
Posted 18 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]