Heavy Fuel

Dire Straits' song 'Heavy Fuel' delves into the hedonistic lifestyle of a man who thrives on excess and indulgence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who embraces vices such as alcohol, nicotine, and fast food to cope with life's challenges. The opening lines describe the aftermath of a heavy night of drinking, highlighting the protagonist's reliance on unhealthy habits to feel 'right.' This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the idea of 'heavy fuel' symbolizes the extreme measures one takes to maintain a sense of coolness and control.

The chorus, 'If you wanna run cool, you got to run on heavy, heavy fuel,' serves as a mantra for the protagonist's lifestyle. It suggests that to live life on the edge and maintain a certain image, one must indulge in these destructive behaviors. The song's verses further explore this theme by listing the protagonist's vices and desires, such as lust, violence, sex, and money. These elements are portrayed as essential components of his identity, making his life 'make perfect sense' to him.

The song also touches on the consequences of such a lifestyle. The protagonist acknowledges the toll it takes on his health, with lines like 'I don't care if my liver is hanging by a thread' and 'Don't care if my doctor says I ought to be dead.' Despite these warnings, he remains unapologetic and committed to his way of life. The imagery of writing a suicide note on a hundred-dollar bill underscores the reckless abandon with which he lives, valuing material wealth and thrill over his well-being. 'Heavy Fuel' ultimately serves as a critique of a culture that glorifies excess and self-destruction in the pursuit of an idealized, 'cool' persona.