“Automatic Stop” is a slow-paced tale about two people’s different perspectives over their mutual relationship. It serves as the third track of The Strokes' second record, Room on Fire.

The song has some bisexual undertones, based on the fact that The Strokes were known for being somewhat intimate with each other early in their career. About this, Julian said in this interview:

In our band, it’s like a test of your manhood. Like, ‘C'mon, don’t be a pussy, gimme some tongue!’

The same article describes their relationship this way:

The Strokes — all between twenty-one and twenty-three years old — display a loyalty fiercer than that of most lovers. Aside from the visible affection conveyed in hugs, sloppy kisses and semi-ironic high-fives, there is an intangible camaraderie that can make everyone else feel like they’re missing the punch line of an unspoken joke.

The lyrics may probably pertain to Julian’s conflicting sexuality (That’s just a phase/It’s got to pass"), not necessarily with his band members but with men in general. This can be assumed by Julian’s claim in the second verse—“She wanted him, he wanted me.”