Mr. Write's Page

When the rock band The Cars released their debut album in 1976, they had me at “Good Times Roll,” the first tune on the album.

To me, The Cars are in a special category because I like pretty much all of their songs, not just the familiar hits.

I can count on one hand the bands that clicked with me like that. And, no, I won’t burden you with the list.

One of my favorites among The Cars’ tunes is “Drive.” It’s a melancholy song, a lament by someone in a relationship with an addict or an alcoholic, trying to snap the person out of it, and probably about to give up. It’s a moving and beautiful song.

A relatable situation, simple and effective lyrics, and a captivating melody. This is good stuff.

Drive

By The Cars, 1984
Written By Ric Ocasek

Who’s gonna tell you when
It’s too late?
Who’s gonna tell you things
Aren’t so great?

You can’t go on
Thinkin’ nothin’s wrong.
Who’s gonna drive you home tonight?

Who’s gonna pick you up
When you fall?
Who’s gonna hang it up
When you call?
Who’s gonna pay attention
To your dreams?
Who’s gonna plug their ears
When you scream?

You can’t go on
Thinkin’ nothin’s wrong.
Who’s gonna drive you home tonight?

Who’s gonna hold you down
When you shake?
Who’s gonna come around
When you break?

You can’t go on
Thinkin’ nothin’s wrong.
Who’s gonna drive you home tonight?

Oh, you know you can’t go on
Thinkin’ nothin’s wrong.
Who’s gonna drive you home tonight?