"Stolen Car (The Road's On Fire) - Pt. I" is a song by Jimmy Barnes that depicts a troubled and chaotic life. The lyrics use the metaphor of a stolen car to represent the protagonist's life, which is out of control and lacking direction. The stolen car symbolizes a sense of recklessness and disregard for the consequences of one's actions. The lyrics describe a feeling of being lost and disconnected from oneself, having lost one's soul along the way. The thunderhead and motor howling represent the inner turmoil and agitation the protagonist is experiencing. The road on fire signifies the intensity and danger that surrounds the protagonist's life. Despite the chaos, the protagonist continues to roll down this fiery road, seemingly unbothered by the consequences. The repeated line "I'm asleep at the wheel" implies a lack of awareness or a passive acceptance of the circumstances. There is a sense of urgency and tension throughout the song, with references to hot rubber, a live grenade, and taking a wrong turn. The protagonist is driven by a desire to claim what's rightfully theirs without concern for others. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist has been pushing themselves too hard, resulting in a life that is spiraling out of control. The song also touches on themes of time and the future. The references to white lines, going too fast, and the past and future emphasize the fleeting nature of life and the inability to fully grasp or understand what lies ahead. Overall, "Stolen Car (The Road's On Fire) - Pt. I" portrays a life filled with chaos, recklessness, and an unwillingness to conform to societal norms. The protagonist seems to find solace in the chaos, even though it may be destructive.
