John Cale's song "Reading My Mind" tells the story of the singer's exhilarating experience of driving his car, specifically a Cobra, with a special someone by his side. The lyrics convey a sense of cautious optimism and carefulness as he enjoys the thrill of driving. The singer explains how he saved enough money to buy the Cobra, which is on sale downtown. As he test-drives the car, he feels a connection with the person next to him, who seems to understand his thoughts and desires. The line "Four on the floor hugs the road" refers to the four-speed manual transmission in the car, emphasizing its powerful performance and the singer's excitement. While driving, the singer encounters blonde women passing by the Fontani di Trevi, a famous fountain in Rome, Italy. This imagery suggests a glamorous and vibrant atmosphere. The singer jokingly wishes he had a dollar for every blonde he sees, adding a lighthearted element to the story. The sun beats down on the chrome and leather interior of the car, creating a striking visual contrast. This imagery highlights the luxurious and sleek nature of the vehicle. The line "good driving tonight" signifies that the driving experience is going smoothly and positively. In the chorus, the singer expresses how the person next to him, referred to as "she," can read his mind while they're driving together. This implies a deep connection and understanding between them. However, the line "couldn't even see the signs" suggests that their focus on each other may be leading to a lack of attention to the road and potential hazards. The repeated lines "Distracting my motor" acknowledge that the person's presence and connection are so captivating that they even distract the singer from noticing warning signs on the road. Overall, "Reading My Mind" is about the excitement of driving a fast car with someone who understands and shares in the exhilaration. However, it also hints at the potential dangers of being too caught up in the moment and losing sight of external factors.
