Satan Is My Motor
by Cake

Album: Prolonging The Magic (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about impure motivations. You do all these good things and make yourself seem so attractive, but when you look under the hood, you're really just serving yourself. The lyrics are a confession of guilt. For most of the song the singer focuses on a sexually-motivated relationship, since it's so easy to relate to. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Eric - Champaign, IL

Comments: 3

  • J from Syracuse, NyThe song is about the human condition, using a car as a metaphor. We all have these nice shiny parts, we are caring, we aim to please, we act with the best intentions, we perform like a well oiled machine, we have feelings of love, we have all these good qualities, all these gret things that seem to be what makes up our being ... but underneath it all, what really powers us and our actions? We are driven by greed, lust, envy. We are a shiny new car, but "satan" is our motor. It is all the bad, dark stuff just below the surface that keeps us going. Hear my motor purr...
  • Andrew from Stl, MoAside from theflawedleadershipofsomeonewithtoomuchpower (for them to handle, in seeming ways)...this song makes me think of the 3rd rock from the sun, and its unique and diverse characteristics--and perhaps some age-old views (of aspects) of it versus newer views of it.
  • Raymond from Sydney , AustraliaThis song is about the evils of worshiping power -- which is symbolized as internal combustion power: the common motor. That is, the song is about the folly of worshiping power as opposed to worshiping precision -- our only other choice. Find me. I like 'going the distance' too.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tom Waits Lyrics Quiz

Tom Waits Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Pool balls, magpies and thorns without roses - how well do you know your Tom Waits lyrics?

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."