its pumped alot of vain, as in shooting up, talking about fogertys viciouse addiction to heroin.. no not really, its tane, as in octane, as in pumping gas, working at a gas station. The crappy jobs he worked, a busboy or dishwasher in memphis, and working at a gas station in new orleans. (the guy in the song) before he saw the good side of the city when he hitched a ride on the river boat queen.