Learn English – Meaning of “black on black” in Nickelback’s “Animals”

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The song "Animals" by Nickelback starts with the following lines:

I, I'm driving black on black

Just got my license back

I got this feeling in my veins

This train is coming off the track

I am confused about what "black on black" means in relation to driving. Several translations of the lyrics that I've seen (which are probably just copies of one single translation) interpret it as "very slowly", which seems to not fit the spirit of the song and its portrayal of the driver.

Urban Dictionary, however, defines "black on black" as:

  1. The epitome of style. Referring to any and all things that can be categorized by having black as the background color and, again, black as the accent color.

  2. Any black vehicle on black rims.

The second definition does sorta fit the song's style and driving black on black, but still doesn't feel right.

So, what does it actually mean?

Best Answer

Black on black adj:

1) (idiomatic) Something that is invisible or intentionally obfuscated, such as warnings or fine print.

2) A description of the colors of an automobile (e.g., all black rims, paint, and interior).

3) A reference to interactions between black people (e.g., "black-on-black crime").

Description n. 2 seems to fit the context. I think he is saying he is driving his car in the darkness, as lyrics say next:

I'm driving black on black

Just got my license back

I got this feeling in my veins

this train is coming off the track

I'll ask polite if the devil needs a ride

Because the angel on my right ain't hanging out with me tonight

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