Smoke and Ashes: A Lament for Lost Industries | Houston, We Have A Problem | Pavement

Pavement's "Houston, We Have a Problem" is a song that has been open to interpretation since its release in 1994 on their album Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain. On the surface, the lyrics appear to be about the decline of American industry and the subsequent disillusionment of its workers. The opening lines, "The factory's burning down / And I'm not surprised," set the tone for a song that explores themes of decay and stagnation.

The title itself is a nod to the famous phrase "Houston, we have a problem" used by astronauts during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. This reference serves as a metaphor for the problems faced by America's working class in the early 1990s. The lyrics paint a picture of a country in disarray, where once-thriving industries are now struggling to stay afloat.

The song's narrative is told from the perspective of a factory worker who has lost his job and is struggling to make ends meet. The lines "I'm just trying to make a living / But it's hard when you're not getting any younger" speak to the desperation and frustration felt by many Americans during this period.

Throughout the song, Pavement's lead singer Stephen Malkmus delivers his signature deadpan delivery, adding to the sense of resignation and despair that permeates the lyrics. The music itself is a slow-burning, atmospheric affair, featuring a prominent guitar riff and a driving beat.

Ultimately, "Houston, We Have a Problem" is a song about the struggles faced by America's working class during a time of great change and upheaval. It is a powerful commentary on the state of the country and the people who call it home.