Automatic Stop

The song 'Automatic Stop' by The Strokes delves into the complexities of relationships and the emotions that come with unrequited love or the end of a romantic connection. The lyrics suggest a scenario where the protagonist is caught in a love triangle, experiencing the pain of wanting someone who desires another. The repeated line 'So many fish there in the sea' implies the common saying about there being plenty of other potential partners out there, yet the protagonist is fixated on one particular person.

The chorus, 'I'm not gonna give it a break, I'm not your friend, I never was,' indicates a sense of finality and frustration. It's as if the speaker is coming to terms with the fact that their feelings are not reciprocated and that they need to move on. This is emphasized by the metaphor of being a 'train moving too fast,' suggesting that the protagonist's emotions were intense and perhaps overwhelming, leading to a situation that was unsustainable.

The Strokes are known for their garage rock and post-punk revival sound, and their lyrics often explore themes of modern angst and disillusionment. 'Automatic Stop' is no exception, as it captures the emotional turmoil of realizing a relationship is not what one thought it was. The song's title itself could be interpreted as the moment when one realizes they need to stop pursuing a fruitless endeavor and look at things from a different perspective, as indicated by the line 'then I got a different view.'