Car Seat Headrest - "Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales" 

"you share the same fate as the people you hate" is so fucking real

I love how Will sings "killer whales" while providing us killer wails.

“There’s no comfort in responsibility” that hit me like a sledgehammer

there's all these people talking about depressing ways they heard this song, i just heard someone micspamming this on a tf2 minecraft server.

Car seat headrest is for those people who don't always have a sense of home whether that be the physical place or the people around them, but they just make do with what they have until it feels right.

Three years ago, when I was extremely depressed, I would sing this in the car on my way home from a shitty fast food job at 3 AM. It was a really bad time and it kept me sane. I'm not a huge CSH fan but, thanks Will, you kept me sane

I first heard this song when I was taking a shít five minutes ago. Memories.

I love how everyone thinks differently about the same song. I suffer from anxiety and I blame myself for so many things. Sometimes it gets so intense that I can’t sleep. When I lie down on the floor in the dark, I listen to this song. There isn’t any empty words in this song. I feel like I have no control over my life, I try to change things but eventually I come back to the darkness just to admit that I’m a drunk driver. Today I was listening to this song again. When he said “it doesn’t have to be like this” I felt something in my chest. It was like deciding you’re not sleepy anymore and you can finally get out of the bed, be alive like other people. I’ve listened to this song so many times and this is the first time I felt something like this. I’m writing this while hoping that there will be a time where I listen to this song and feel alive. Deep down I also hope that someone else will read this comment and know that they are not alone. We will learn how to live, my friend

I hate it when people say modern music sucks when there are artists like this out there.

Just realized this is going to be "classic rock" when my kid is a teenager.

I've never even heard of Car Seat Headrest before why am I suddenly in tears

I remember putting this on while dealing with my unmedicated, undiagnosed mood disorder. I constantly felt like life was just going to be a constant state of being depressed and losing everything I had accomplished in a matter of weeks. The line "It doesn't have to be like this" has a place in my heart, it helped me realise it really didn't have to be like that.

This is the song that plays in a comedy when the protagonist realizes he was a dick and starts to change his ways

I remember living in this abusive household where my aunt just yelled at me daily. And my cousin or some meth addict from the neighborhood came and stole from me. No one would do anything to fix it and my trailer was a trash heap because my grandma and sister were hoarders. And it was filled with roaches and rats. The toilets didn't work toward the end. The only thing that made me happy was leaving. So eventually I graduated HS and did it permanently. In a 6 month span after graduation I bought a car on my own, started college, and moved into an apartment. But during those times, sometimes when I look back, I recall finding this song. On most nights after discovering I'd just sit there numb listening to this song. I'd imagine it would get better. "It's too late to articulate it That empty feeling You share the same fate as the people you hate You build yourself up against others' feelings And it left you feeling empty as a car coasting downhill I have become such a negative person It was all just an act It was all so easily stripped away But if we learn how to live like this Maybe we can learn how to start again"

CSH is really killing it, keep it up with the Talking Heads style writing. lyrics like "notes in your handwriting" are fucking killer.

Coming to terms with my alcoholism, this is a tough track to ignore.

the only reason i want a driver's license is to listen to this while driving alone at night

I think this song may had gotten some inspiration from the 1977 film "Orca". In it, a sea captain accidentally kills a pregnant killer whale, while her mate looks on. The captain felt remorse for the incident, because he had been in a similar situation as the male killer whale: "I'd look him right in the eye. I'd tell him that the killing of his wife and child - - was a terrible accident. That I didn't mean it. I'd tell him I was sorry, and hoped he'd forgive me. I understand what that whale feels. The same thing happened to me. My wife was pregnant and drove to the hospital. A drunken driver hit her. He killed her and my baby. "

told my friend this was my favorite song, she said “well you’ve only listened to it every day for the past 3 years”

"Killer whales" followed by some killer wails...

I don't know why but his voice makes me feel safe

Carseat Headrest has taught me one thing, no matter how insanely bad you are feeling there is always one song on a random playlist that will speak to your situation true it's beautiful. People, if everything goes to crap please at least try to listen to a craptonne of music if you can. It's so worth finding that one song that speaks to you for your own personal reasons haha

this is the future of dad rock

i love at the end of the video when it switches back and forth between the road and the ocean.

Reminds me of a more melancholic version of The Strokes

epic rap battles of history drunk drivers vs killer whales begin

I lost my ten year old tarantula to an act of negligence by an ex. She moved states with me five times, I raised her from a spiderling. She was the only thing I've ever loved, my baby girl and my road dog. I'm not sure I'll ever be the same without her. I miss you, bethyboo my babypoo. RIP Beth'tilac.

This old rocker had to re-string the Strat after hearing this album. Inspiring. Will is an amazing talent. So much potential. This song is a classic.

I can't stop repeat in my car and sing out loud. The end is absolutely epic. They looks like a mix of Modest Mouse, Strokes and Pavement. The future best indie rock band. Already my favorite.

instant classic

These kids are so good it gives an old hippie hope.

What a lovely song about a serious situation. It provides reason, rationalization, and the subsequent distraction most people go through in a situation like this.

this song is keeping me alive while i wait to get transferred from the er to the nearest psych ward. im 17 and this is the third time, but only this time have i bawled my eyes out like i am now. please, if you're concerned about a friend tell them you love them today.

"It comes and goes in plateaus" Love it. 3/17/20

now this is the kinda hipster garbage i love. A++

they performed this at pitchfork today and it was HOLY! people were even throwing inflatable killer whales around lol

Last weekend I had my final play with my drama class before we all move to college and sway onto adult life, going our separate directions. We sat in the dressing room, talking absolute shit about life with this playing in the background dressed like greek gods for the play. What a moment that was.

this is so beautiful i cry

I'm glad their getting more attention, love this band

One of the best examples of emo/indie/bedroom rock. He hit it perfectly with this song. It pleads for me to listen and empathize. That's the core of what makes "emo" or whatever style you call this, the way it makes you listen.

Indie rock lives

When I listen to this, I turn into that lonely 13 year old who doesn't know if she's going to make it past high school. The first chorus ends, and I'm back into the 18 year old who is afraid that there's no future for her. It doesn't have to be like this. I can and have made it through, and I will do it again. And you will too, I just know it.

the best, last two minutes of a song, ever.

For me this song is about moving through life recklessly with negativity and resentment. Then realizing things can be different, forgiving yourself for everything and doing it differently.

I really like the song but I'm crunching numbers over here to discover the correlation between drunk drivers and large oceanic mammals. My efforts have yielded insubstantial results...

my interpretation of this song isn't literally drunk driving, moreso that we are all "drunk drivers" of ourselves and lives, using substances to cope with the monotony of the daily grind we all find ourselves in. "trying to get home" to me is just trying to get through this life. and when he says "killer whales" its always after repeating "it doesn't have to be like this". Killer whales are one of the most intelligent animals on our planet, and we really don't know the depth of their knowledge. they've been known to play with seals etc, they hunt in organised packs, have their own communities and languages with different dialects between pods, and are intelligent enough to recognize humans from other aquatic animals. Idk to me hes screaming look how free the whales are, living and loving and enjoying the earth as its meant to be enjoyed, and it doesn't have to be the urbanized rat race we humans call "life" rn. anyway, i'm prob wrong and nihilistic but shouts to CSH for a banger either way

anyone else here after watching Adam Driver dance to this song? its beautiful music none the less!

Takes me back to the days where i was in a really dark place almost to the point where i thought suicide was my only option, "I'm only trying to get home" , "it doesn't have to be like this" makes me tear up even if the song may not fully fit, but even so this one song held my back through it all (': - - - It's 2022 and i feel things beginning to feel dark again but im not going to let it take me.. I'll take this just as like from the whole beginning

This song hurts me so much , a girl i loved and cared about a lot used to sing her heart out to this song , it really reminds me of her and the time we spent together it meant a lot to me , i miss you Ophelia and it kills me knowing we’ll never be together again

my brother used to play this song all the time when I was a little kid. he was still in high school and my mom and I used to pick him up from school. he graduated college and now im here to re live the good times from back then. great song :)

My dad suffers from alcoholism and so did his father and his father’s father. I’m scared to even try a drop of it because if I do, my fate from them is inevitable. There is some sort of optimism to this song that feels sad. I’m going to try to be my best, I hope you all do as well! I hope you all find happiness, no matter how mean, shitty, and awful you’ve been. We all deserve another chance.

This is such a masterpiece. Really helped me jam through my feelings. I've been desperately trying to stop the self destructive, reckless behavior of someone I love. It feels like he's just dragging those he loves down with him because he can't love himself. I'm trying to be the voice in his head. Trying to get him to realize it doesn't have to be likes this. Love yourselves. And love this band while you're at it. Cause they're fuckin rad.

absolute anthem for when youre borderline and ruining your relationship and you can feel it happening

I remember when I was almost 18, my parents got into a huge fight in the car, it go so bad we almost got into an accident. The lyric “it doesn’t have to be like this” always gets to me because of that.

I can't believe Teens of Denial it's already out, I've been waiting this for so long... GOD I CAN'T BREATHE

i have found that everybody just likes this song without exception. i even sang it at KTV in China and everybody was singing along to chorus, it is just universally catchy

This never fails to make me feel nostalgic. Can't believe it's more than 6 years since this was released. Seems like yesterday. I wanna go back.

I was 100% relating to this song when it came out. I was stuck in a stressful job, feeling quite lonely and had been so busy I hadn't even had time to properly process breaking up with my girlfriend at the time. It was a time that I was taking the gamble and sneaking in that extra drink before going home after hanging out friends, knowing I'd still be a little bit tipsy but preferring that to taking the lonely drive home while completely sober. Hearing this song made realise how miserable I was feeling, and helped me make some steps towards changing things for the better.

Sounds like a modern slowed down version of The Kinks. And I mean that in the most flattering of ways. Maybe it's just the vocals

This song is so simple, but it is an earworm. My wife is hating me randomly belt out, "Drunk drivers, drunk drivers, it doesn't have to be like this x3, killer whales, killer wha-aaaaaales!" Its also amorphous, whenever I try to put meaning to the words I change my mind on the meaning

It really isn't too late. I feel such a strange a calmness when listening to this.

*actual lyrics that fit with the song*...KILLER WHALES

Found some tracks then albums on RU-vid, but hard to get a physical copy. Then Teens of Style came out Sept last year. Looking forward to this next release!

it's impossible to stop listening to this song, I think

I know that this song could've been a typical "woe is me I'm in my 20s and I don't wanna grow up" song but it's so much deeper than that. This song is applicable to anyone especially ppl going thru a lot of crap that life can throw at you. At least for me, this song is helping me get thru my dad being in the hospital and being in an abusive relationship with my mom.

I am currently suffering “the big sad” right now and while watching Watcher with ryan and shane and jon ranking fastfoods. Somewhere in the video, shane mentioned this artist Car Seat Headrest. I searched this up and just listened to this song(now). I realized that it fits right into what I feel right now. “We’re all just trying”.

Lyrics: In the backseat of my heart Our love tells me I'm a mess I couldn't get the car to start I left my keys somewhere in the mess It comes and goes in plateaus One month later, I'm a fucking pro My parents would be proud Or fall asleep on the floor Forget what happened in the morning There are notes in your handwriting But you can't make it out We are not a proud race It's not a race at all We're just trying I'm only trying to get home Drunk drivers, drunk drivers This is not a good thing I don't mean to rationalize Or try and explain it away It's not okay Drunk drivers, drunk drivers It's too late to articulate it That empty feeling You share the same fate as the people you hate You build yourself up against others' feelings And it left you feeling empty as a car coasting downhill I have become such a negative person It was all just an act It was all so easily stripped away But if we learn how to live like this Maybe we can learn how to start again Like a child who's never done wrong Who hasn't taken that first step We are not a proud race It's not a race at all We're just trying I'm only trying to get home Drunk drivers, drunk drivers Put it out of your mind And perish the thought There's no comfort in responsibility Drunk drivers, drunk drivers It doesn't have to be like this It doesn't have to be like this It doesn't have to be like this Killer whales, killer whales It doesn't have to be like this It doesn't have to be like this It doesn't have to be like this Killer whales, killer whales Here's that voice in your head Giving you shit again But you know he loves you And he doesn't mean to cause you pain Please listen to him It's not too late Turn off the engine Get out of the car And start to walk Drunk drivers Drunk drivers Drunk drivers Drunk drivers It doesn't have to be like this It doesn't have to be like this It doesn't have to be like this Killer whales, killer whales It doesn't have to be like this It doesn't have to be like this It doesn't have to be like this Killer whales, killer whales Ahhh Whales, ah Whales, ah yeah yeah Whales, oh oh oh oh oh

I can feel my beard growing when I sing to this

I cant believe how great this album is. Man talk about being stuck with genius will you are blessed brother

Other posters have noted the similarity between Car Seat Headrest and bands such as Weezer,Pavement,GBV and The Ramones among others;to which I might add that I hear a hint of Sonic Youth and,surprisingly,The KInks,especially with the vocals.

This whole album is great, planning on seeing them on the 21st if I can convince my 15 year old daughter to go....

this song is a journey AMAZING

I remember when this video just about first came out because I saw it probably in late May or early June of that year sitting on the front steps of my porch with my crush and now boyfriend of 4 years. I had always had a crush on him since we were in kindergarten together, which we are both now about to be seniors in college. He has been my first and only boyfriend, the one to show me the first of many things and one of those things being Car Seat Headrest. I liked this song as soon as he showed it to me that night, I loved the typography of the video and the winding never-ending road because I was always waiting and curious for something that never came. I can remember loving the chorus but never understanding the lyrics until looking it up much later. I remember how confused I was at the time because I couldn't figure out if he liked me or didn't like me. We were a couple that had a very slow burn at the beginning. Hanging out more and more, and texting and talking all the time but we never called them dates or our "boyfriend" or "Girlfriend" until after the fact. I was always questioning myself and him but I was also so excited and so astonished at what was happening. (I was convinced at the beginning, like the first month or 2 it wasn't going to last because it was just too good to be true lol) This band and this song has become our song which is pretty funny considering the subject matter is the least bit romantic, but that is perfect for us because we love the angst and the sadness and the all-around alternative style CSH is as a band. We got to see them live and for free (woo!) during their tour for Twin Fantasy 2018 in Chicago. The naked Giants were amazing, the crowd was so interesting and funny to observe since half the people there were die-hard fans and the other half were randos who had no idea what was going on lol. Every song was a blast, played amazing, and performed wonderfully, but when they got to Drunk Drivers that was it. He and I held each other and sang together, and danced together. and when the chorus hit, I couldn't help but cry because I was just so happy, we are so happy. CSH is such a funny band for me because it has held me at my worst moments of hormonal imbalanced induced depression, starting a long-distance relationship in the wake of starting a college career, Almost loosing said relationship, like many of you, dealing with shitty jobs with shitty people wishing I could be spending the time I'm not in school with him rather than at work. While they have also been there for me at some of the most memorable moments too. Young summer love, beautiful car rides, even the goodbye off to the first year of college was christened by this song and that was such a raw and powerful moment of real love and sadness and fear, but also support for one another taking big milestone steps in our lives. This song and this band has in my mind so defined this very bizarre, beautiful, and young adult life of mine and I truly want to thank Will for being a part of my life in this way.

I fucking love this video. I don't know how someone can pull meaning just from using two bits of stock video footage and lyrics to a song, but somehow they did it (for me at least)

I'm not a hippie, but i've been plenty drunk.. This is an amazing tune.. Toledo is a genius. This band gives me hope.

Genuinely the most emotionally touching song I've ever heard

I was just searching on google about headrests for cars and got this, not complaining tho

ME AND MY GANG STRUGGLING THROUGH DEPRESSION WITH THIS ONE WE ARE ALL GOING TO MAKE IT OUT OF DEPRESSION ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

this song calmed me from a weed brownie panic attack in the backseat of a reckless driving stoners subaru

Not only is this an amazing song, it's a beautiful representation of what lyric videos should strive to do - supplement the song. It's not enough to just put the words on screen, there needs to be more to it. This video shows just how much more powerful a song can be when accompanied by visuals, no matter how simple.

I love the double entendre- "I'm just trying to get home"

My friends and I turn this on in the car almost every time we're together, get our harmonies together, and have a jam. It's extremely fun, but I can already sense the nostalgia it's going to cause when I'm in college in a few months. I love my s a d f r e n s. I'll never forget all of these memories with you guys. I already miss you listening to this song and you're three classrooms down from me.

This is what weezer could hav become if pinkerton was well received

3:03 that little bit of lead guitar sends shivers down my spine

I don't listen to this band as much as I used to because I'm in a better place mentally now, but I still love this band and this song.

Rock n' roll is safe. At least for another year. Thankx Car Seat Headrest

I didn't realize Beck had a baby with James Mercer.

I love you cshr

thank you bbc6 music and Car Seat Headrest. another song that hits you in the stomach

This song played right before I got my first DUI 7 years ago.

BREAKING NEWS Drunk Driving rates drop to 0%

So good. Looking forward for the new album.

Heard this song on the NPR podcast the best of car talk and googled the lyrics, downloaded all their music a day later and listen to it all the time. Matador has great artist always! ✌🏻👍🏼

It comes and goes in Plateaus... Pure genious

I love this song so much, can't wait for the album to be out!

such an amazing voice. gives me chills

Really like it, pumped for the album!

Great tune...My 'old school' ears are hearing harmonies that Ray Davies would probably be proud of.

I had a lucid dream where I was invited to this insanely exclusive dreamworld and I hit up the hotel bar in this beautiful amazing dream city. The bartender looked more like I did than how I appeared in the dream. I asked for my my classic brandy and coke and he he was such a dick. He essentially told me that I’m just going to waste my opportunity here by boozing my way through the experience the same way I do in the real world. That was the voice inside me I’m learning how to listen.

This was the first CSH song I ever heard and it’s still amazing to this day. I love Indie like this and it definitely helps that it sounds like early weezer and he sings like a more rough Julian Casablancas