Drive
R.E.M. Lyrics
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Tie another one to the racks, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
What if I ride, what if you walk?
What if you rock around the clock?
Tick-tock, tick-tock
What if you tried to get off, baby?
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Maybe you rocked around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie
Ollie, Ollie in come free, baby
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Smack, crack, shack-a-lack
Tie another one to your backs, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
Maybe you did, maybe you walk
Maybe you rock around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Hey kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
Baby
Baby
The lyrics to R.E.M.'s song "Drive" seem to be about freedom and independence. The opening lines, "Smack, crack, bushwhacked/Tie another one to the racks, baby" are open to interpretation, but could refer to addiction or feeling trapped. The chorus, "Hey kids, rock and roll/Nobody tells you where to go, baby" suggests breaking free from societal expectations and living life on your own terms. The verses continue this theme with lines like "What if you did, what if you walk?/What if you tried to get off, baby?" and "Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby."
The bridge, "Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie/Ollie, Ollie in come free, baby," is a reference to a children's game of hide-and-seek where the "seeker" calls out "Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free" to signal that the game is over and everyone should come out of hiding. This line may suggest finding liberation and leaving behind the troubles of the past.
Overall, the lyrics of "Drive" seem to encourage the listener to take control of their own life and not let anyone else dictate their path or choices.
Line by Line Meaning
Smack, crack, bushwhacked
You are caught up in a destructive cycle.
Tie another one to the racks, baby
Adding to the cycle and becoming a part of it.
Hey kids, rock and roll
You are free to find your own way in life.
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
You have the freedom to make your own choices.
What if I ride, what if you walk?
What if we have different goals in life?
What if you rock around the clock?
What if you are always busy but not really making progress?
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Time is ticking away.
What if you did, what if you walk?
What if you tried a different approach?
What if you tried to get off, baby?
What if you tried to break free from the destructive cycle?
Hey, kids, where are you?
Where are you in your journey through life?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
You are free to choose your own path.
Hey kids, shake a leg
Get moving and take action in your life.
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Maybe you need to get out of your own head and take action.
Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Maybe you've tried a different approach.
Maybe you rocked around the clock
Maybe you've been busy but not really making progress.
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe we have different goals and paths in life.
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Maybe I need to take action and make changes to leave the destructive cycle behind.
Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie
A call to come out and be seen for who you are.
Ollie, Ollie in come free, baby
A call to break free and be yourself.
Baby
An affectionate term used throughout the song.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Stipe, William Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IProvideLyrics1924
[Verse 1]
Smack, crack, bushwhacked
Tie another one to the racks, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
[Chorus]
What if I ride, what if you walk?
What if you rock around the clock?
Tick-tock, tick-tock
What if you did, what if you walk?
What if you tried to get off, baby?
[Verse 2]
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
[Chorus]
Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Maybe you rocked around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
[Bridge]
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie
Ollie, Ollie in come free, baby
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
[Verse 3]
Smack, crack, shack-a-lack
Tie another one to your backs, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
[Chorus]
Maybe you did, maybe you walk
Maybe you rock around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
[Outro]
Hey kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
Baby
Baby
@Michele1ELL
My boyfriend , my soul mate, passed away 6 months ago unbelievably suddenly. It’s insane that someone can walk out the door one morning, and you’ll never see them again. He loved this song. He had eclectic music taste and played R.E.M. a lot. He loved this song. My favorite memories are of him and I sitting and listening to music and talking. I don’t myself connecting with many people to be honest. He and I could talk about anything for hours, even after 13 years together. This is the first time I’ve listened to this song since it happened.
@_hrlt
😭 He had great taste. 🤗
@ek-eq1ox
I'm sorry. Listen to everything he loved. You will find him there.
Wishing you peace.
@mariekepc
I am sorry for your loss....
@patricia37011
I just got a sad mssg from my girlfriend who's husband passed away few days ago and he was a motorcyclist. I send him a few mtnhs ago Drive of R.E.M and I am goning to play it again and again.for Robin and my girlfriend.Just realize that he doesnot even know that England won!! I am Dutcch so I go for UK now rest of EK. Strength for you and your loss Mich
@_hrlt
@@patricia37011 😭
@michaelrelich2444
When this album came out, I was backpacking in the Sierras with a CD player and only brought a couple CDs. I played this song, gazing into the stars while drinking single malt scotch. It was a religious experience and left an indelible mark on my psyche. It’s absolutely my favorite album
@brandonlee9238
Right on, agreed 👍 our younger generation could only hope for.. epic experience unmatched by anything these days.
@SamurajZg
I hope that you are great today ❤
@lw97nilslinuswhitewaterweb23
@@brandonlee9238 King James Bible is best