Check Engine Light
Alex Wilson
Description
A haunting dark pop ballad exploring the complexities of self-destructive tendencies and the unwavering support of a loved one. Through the metaphor of a malfunctioning car and its persistent 'check engine light,' the song delves into themes of emotional vulnerability, denial, and the struggle to accept help. Blending intimate vocals with noir synths and glitchy production, 'Check Engine Light' creates an atmosphere of both fragility and resilience.
Lyrics
[Intro — seatbelt-chime motif pitched to F#, reversed engine-rev riser, turn-signal clicks as 16th hats] [Verse 1 — close-mic vocal; sparse noir synths; blinker hats] Neon hum across the empty lanes, Midnight writes its warnings on the glass. Running too hot while I claim I’m fine, Every little rattle says “not gonna last.” Silence stretches like a yellow light, I press the gas to outrun the sign— But the panel glows with a simple fact: What I won’t admit still flashes back. [Pre-Chorus — rising bass walk; stereo pad widens] (Just) pull over, let the idle slow. Warnings don’t blink for show. I keep rolling like I’m bulletproof tonight— But I hear it clicking, clicking— [Chorus — halftime; kick on 1 & 3, bass floods] You’re my check engine light, Coming on when I’m not alright. I keep saying I’ll be fine by morning, But you read the codes behind my warning. If I’m speeding through the signs, You’re the red that cuts the night. I don’t stop until I see it bright— You’re my check engine light. [Post-Chorus — glitch tag; key-fob chirp as snare ghost; stereo whispers] Click—click—hold— (Pull over. Breathe. Don’t fight.) [Verse 2 — add rubber-band sub; muted guitar pulses] Short highs, long lows, static in the wire, Promises idling on an endless loop. I mean the words until the moment tires, Then I drift off course like a shopping-cart wheel. Some things hide beneath a steady tone, Fault lines hum until they finally show. Truth isn’t loud, it’s a single light— Clear as red against a sleepless night. [Pre-Chorus — short; telephone slapback on final line] Hands off pride, let the engine rest; It isn’t weak to run a test. I laugh it off like the joke’s on me— But you hear the misfire underneath. [Chorus — halftime; detuned saw pad breathes under lead] You’re my check engine light, Coming on when I’m not alright. I keep promising a tune-up later, Running on a prayer and a radiator. If I ghost the truth at yellow lights, You’re the red that saves my life— I don’t stop until I see it bright— You’re my check engine light. [Bridge — insert one bar of 5/4; OBD scan beeps; band-passed vox; chime motif returns] (error code… misfire… lean mix… hold) Open hood, open heart, let the smoke lift slow— (Stay) breathe in… out… don’t go. [Drop — instrumental; sub + blinker hats; door-slam downbeat back in] [Final Chorus — build to full-time backbeat at bar 5; octave double on “light”] You’re my check engine light, Coming on when I’m not alright. If I say I’m fine, you know I’m lying— You flash once more and I start trying. Pull me over, keep me in the lines, Guide my hands and keep the drive. I don’t stop until I see it bright— You’re my check engine light. [Outro — minimalist; single chime one-shot → turn-signal click → silence]