The song "The Song Is Still Slipping Away" by Shooter Jennings tells the story of an aspiring musician who is on the road, living the high life with nothing to show for it except for a love that is slipping away. The narrator finds himself in the back of a bus with a bag, a bottle, and an old guitar, traveling from one city to another. The lyrics suggest that the narrator's idols or heroes have turned out to be disappointing. They are described as "assholes," implying that they have let him down in some way. The pursuit of success and fame has led the narrator to chase a light in the tunnel, only to discover that it is a train—an unexpected obstacle or setback. Despite the singer's voice being in key and the guitars being in tune, the song itself is "slipping away." This can be interpreted as the narrator struggling to find inspiration or struggling to create music that resonates with others. The lights of the city symbolize the stage where performers showcase their talents, but even in that spotlight, two hearts are breaking. The lyrics introduce the concept of "wild horses" being cursed with their freedom in mind. This can be seen as a metaphor for artists who desire artistic freedom but face the consequences of that desire. The hunger burning inside could refer to the passion and longing for success, recognition, or the ability to create impactful music. Overall, the song explores the challenging and often disillusioning journey of a musician, highlighting the struggle to maintain love and relationships, the disappointment in idols, and the constant battle to preserve creativity in an industry that can be unforgiving.
