"Crosstown Traffic" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience is a song released in 1968 and written by Jimi Hendrix himself. The song's lyrics depict a story of frustration and impatience while dealing with a difficult and obstructive romantic partner. The narrator describes how his partner jumps in front of his car, seemingly on purpose, when he's driving at a high speed. Despite the danger and potential pain, she reassures him that it's alright and asks to be taken for a drive. This introduction sets up the metaphor for their relationship. The chorus of the song compares the partner to "crosstown traffic," symbolizing the challenges and obstacles she poses in their journey together. The narrator finds it incredibly difficult to communicate and connect with her. She slows him down, making it harder for him to reach his destination, both literally and metaphorically. The song's lyrics indicate that the partner may have a tendency to play with the narrator's feelings and emotions. The line "I can see you had your fun" suggests that she enjoys the power she holds over him. However, the narrator's signals have turned from green to red, indicating his growing frustration and loss of interest. The lyrics also hint at how the partner's behavior is not unique to the narrator. He mentions that he's not "the only soul who's accused of hit and run," implying that she has a history of toying with others. The song concludes with the narrator expressing his desire to move on and find better things on the other side of town. This signifies his realization that the relationship is holding him back, preventing him from reaching his goals and finding true happiness. Overall, "Crosstown Traffic" serves as a metaphorical representation of a troubled relationship, characterized by the partner's manipulative and obstructive behavior. It captures the narrator's frustration, impatience, and desire to break free from the obstacles that their connection imposes.
