Grandpa's Advice
Adie Grey Lyrics
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Old songs on the radio; the smell of his cigar
Everybody'd honk at him, because he'd drive so slow
He'd just laugh and tell me, "Kid, here's something you should know"
They're all jerks,
When you're out here on your own
Just assume that everybody else is half-asleep or stoned
Not a one knows how to drive
So you gotta pay attention to make it home alive
I'll give you my philosophy, I guarantee it works
Repeat it after me, kid,
They're all jerks.
He said, "They'll let any fool with money buy himself a car
And you can get a license here, however dumb you are
Oh they all turn into hotrods when they slide behind the wheel
When you get old enough to drive, remember here's the deal: "
They're all jerks,
When you're out here on your own
Just assume that everybody else is half-asleep or stoned
They're all jerks,
Not a one knows how to drive
So you gotta pay attention to make it home alive
I'll give you my philosophy, I guarantee it works
Repeat it after me, kid,
They're all jerks.
Twenty-five years later, I've got children of my own
And I do all the driving between school and job and home
Sometimes on the weekends we head out for the beach
Now with the kids strapped in the backseat now it's my turn to teach
So everytime I'm cut off by some wise-guy in a truck
Or some hero in a sportscar whose gotta push his luck
I don't get scared or angry, I just sing this little song
It always cheers me up to hear my children sing along
They're all jerks
When you're out here on your own
Just assume that everybody else is drunk or on the phone
They're all jerks,
And not a one knows how to drive
So you gotta pay attention to make it home alive
I'll give you my philosophy, I guarantee it works
Repeat it after me, kids,
They're all jerks
(They're all jerks)
I said Repeat it after me, kids,
They're all jerks
(They're all a bunch of jerks)
The song "Grandpa's Advice" by Adie Gray is a nostalgic tune about a grandfather passing down his philosophy about driving to his grandson. The song starts with the singer reminiscing about her childhood memories of driving with her grandfather in his car. He would always drive so slow that other drivers on the road would honk at him, but he never got angry, he would just laugh and pass on his wisdom.
The grandfather's advice is simple: assume that everyone else on the road is a bad driver. He believes that you have to pay attention and stay alert to make it home safely. He tells his grandson that people who drive on the road act like jerks and that it is up to him to stay in control of his car and drive safely. The song ends with the singer now grown up and passing on the same advice to her own children. She, in turn, sings the song to her own children: "They're all jerks/And not a one knows how to drive/So you gotta pay attention to make it home alive."
This song may seem comical when you first hear it, but it is a cautionary tale about being safe on the road. The lyrics may sound like a joke when taken out of context, but the message behind them is serious. It is important to pay attention while driving and never assume that others on the road know how to drive. By being cautious and aware, you can prevent accidents and keep yourself and others on the road safe.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember Sunday drivin' in my Grandpa's car
I recall going for a drive with my Grandpa on Sundays in his car
Old songs on the radio; the smell of his cigar
The radio played old songs and there was a smell of cigar in the car
Everybody'd honk at him, because he'd drive so slow
Other drivers would honk at Grandpa because he drove slowly
He'd just laugh and tell me, "Kid, here's something you should know"
Grandpa would laugh and teach me something wise
They're all jerks,
Other drivers are not good and difficult to deal with
When you're out here on your own
When you are driving alone
Just assume that everybody else is half-asleep or stoned
Assume that other drivers are not focused or impaired
Not a one knows how to drive
No one else knows how to drive
So you gotta pay attention to make it home alive
Be alert and attentive to get home safely
I'll give you my philosophy, I guarantee it works
Grandpa is sharing his philosophy and assures it is effective
Repeat it after me, kid,
Grandpa wants me to repeat his words
They'll let any fool with money buy himself a car
Anyone with money can buy a car, even if they are not competent drivers
And you can get a license here, however dumb you are
It is possible to get a driving license even if you are not smart
Oh they all turn into hotrods when they slide behind the wheel
People become reckless when they start driving
When you get old enough to drive, remember here's the deal:
When you start driving, keep these things in mind
Twenty-five years later, I've got children of my own
After twenty-five years, I have my own children now
And I do all the driving between school and job and home
I drive my children to school, work, and home
Sometimes on the weekends we head out for the beach
Sometimes we go to the beach on weekends
Now with the kids strapped in the backseat now it's my turn to teach
With my kids sitting in the backseat, it's my turn to teach them
So everytime I'm cut off by some wise-guy in a truck
Whenever someone in a truck cuts me off
Or some hero in a sportscar whose gotta push his luck
Or someone who drives a sports car and is a daredevil
I don't get scared or angry, I just sing this little song
I don't get afraid or angry; I sing this little song
It always cheers me up to hear my children sing along
Hearing my children sing along always makes me feel better
And not a one knows how to drive
No one knows how to drive
Repeat it after me, kids,
Grandpa wants my children to repeat his words
(They're all jerks)
This is the refrain or chorus of the song
"I said Repeat it after me, kids,
Grandpa is repeating his request to my children
(They're all a bunch of jerks)
The refrain or chorus of the song is repeated at the end of the song
Writer(s): DAVE MACKENZIE, ADIE GREY
Contributed by Jacob T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.