“Astrovan” is a song that takes listeners on a whimsical journey, blending spirituality with everyday struggles. It’s about finding comfort in the belief that something greater, symbolized by Jesus driving an Astrovan, is guiding us. The song touches on themes of hope, addiction, and the pursuit of dreams, even in the face of uncertainty and parental worry. It’s a reassurance to the songwriter’s mother and to all of us that despite life’s unpredictability and the rocky path of an artist, things will work out. The reference to Jesus in an Astrovan and angels in fishnets adds a quirky, surreal touch, suggesting that divinity and guidance can be found in the most ordinary and unexpected places.
Ever wondered what it would be like if Jesus drove an Astrovan? Or why angels might chill out in fishnets? “Astrovan” is a quirky, profound journey into the human spirit. Keep reading to find out how this song connects the celestial with the mundane and what it all really means.
“Astrovan” Lyrics Meaning
“Astrovan” starts off with angels in fishnets smoking on rooftops, juxtaposed with the moon’s glow. This opening sets a tone of surrealism, blending the heavenly with the earthly in a striking and relatable way. The angels, typically pure and holy, are depicted in a more humanized, rebellious light, suggesting that even celestial beings have their complexities.
Then enters Jesus in an Astrovan, an image that’s both humorous and profound. It’s a modern twist on religious iconography, suggesting that spiritual guidance can come in the most unassuming forms – even a beat-up van. This could symbolize the idea that help and guidance are always around, even if they don’t appear in the ways we expect.
The chorus, “Life ain’t ever what it seems, these dreams are more than paper things,” speaks to the heart of the song. It’s about pursuing dreams and acknowledging that reality often diverges from our expectations. The song conveys that dreams hold deep value, even when they lead us down unconventional paths.
The line “I’ll be poor along the way” reflects the struggle and sacrifice often involved in following one’s dreams, particularly in creative fields. It’s a nod to the financial instability that artists often face, but also a declaration of commitment to their passion, despite the costs.
The mention of a “holy ghost writhing on the floor from an overdose” is a stark image, possibly alluding to the pitfalls of addiction, a common challenge in the music industry. This line, coupled with “every addict has illusions,” suggests a theme of grappling with the darker sides of chasing dreams and the fine line between ambition and self-destruction.
The song concludes with a hopeful, albeit ambiguous note. The narrator imagines making it to heaven, symbolized by getting one’s name on Jesus’s guest list. This could be a metaphor for achieving one’s dreams or finding peace. The lines “Maybe you’re famous in heaven, Maybe there is no heaven, Maybe we’re all along together now” reflect a sense of existential contemplation, questioning the afterlife and the meaning of success.
The Story Behind “Astrovan”
Facing the realities of adulthood, financial pressures, and the daunting path of a music career, the band members were in a state of flux, both personally and professionally. The song serves as a conversation between the songwriter and his mother. It’s a reassurance to her – and perhaps to himself – that despite the uncertainties and the likelihood of financial struggle, his pursuit of music is worthwhile. The reference to Jesus in an Astrovan symbolizes faith in a higher plan, even in the face of life’s unpredictabilities.
The blend of religious imagery with everyday struggles reveals a deeper commentary on finding spirituality and guidance in the mundane. It suggests that the divine or the extraordinary doesn’t always appear in grand, obvious forms – sometimes, it’s in the simple, unremarkable aspects of life.
The song’s creation during a tumultuous time in the band’s journey adds a layer of authenticity to its message. It’s not just about the pursuit of dreams; it’s a reflection of the real-life challenges the band faced and their resilience in overcoming them. The surreal imagery and the fusion of the spiritual with the everyday make “Astrovan” a unique anthem for dreamers navigating the complexities of life and art.