Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Middleton met in Falkirk, bonded over their mutual love for Drag City recording artists such as Smog and Will Oldham, and began a collaboration in 1995. The band is completed by violinist Jenny Reeve and cellist Stacey Sievewright. Arab Strap's marked characteristics include frank and forthright lyrics delivered in a Scottish brogue.
Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton confirmed the rumours about the end of Arab Strap on 8th September 2006. They celebrated their Ten Years of Tears with a tour through the UK and the rest of Europe. After UK/Europe, they made a short secret tour in Japan as the last of Arab Strap. In 2016, however, they have reunited a decade after their breakup and will be touring throughout the year 2017.
Driving
Arab Strap Lyrics
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Talked with your ex and we agreed thoughts of your sister helped us wank.
I'm sure you know that I have fancied her since she began high school.
But park here now and I will promise, I will let your engine cool.
I have matured, I've come of age, my visions clear.
But there's still some things that I don't want to hear.
And I know that it was probably just those E's.
But be a bit more thoughtful next time, please.
There's no 'but', I am just a slut.
The lyrics of Arab Strap's "Driving in 2-3" are primarily about the singer's personal struggles with lust, jealousy, and self-confidence. The first line "I was awake, I overheard your speech, my ego dried and sank" suggests that the singer has just overheard a conversation, possibly with a romantic partner, that has left them feeling diminished in some way. The next line, "Talked with your ex and we agreed thoughts of your sister helped us wank," reveals that the conversation was likely about sexual experiences or fantasies involving someone close to the singer's partner.
The lyrics then reveal that the singer has long been attracted to their partner's sister, which is a source of shame for him. The line "I'm sure you know that I have fancied her since she began high school" suggests that this is an attraction that the singer has been struggling with for a long time. The line "But park here now and I will promise, I will let your engine cool" is an offer to engage in sexual activity with the partner, but it is uncertain whether this is an attempt to smooth over tensions caused by the earlier conversation or a genuine offer of intimacy.
The chorus, "While I'm alive, well I just drive. Each time I've scored, I just got bored. There's no 'but', I am just a slut," expresses the singer's general sense of sexual promiscuity. The lines "I have matured, I've come of age, my visions clear" suggest that the singer is attempting to rationalize his behavior and assert a newfound sense of self-control. However, the final line "But be a bit more thoughtful next time, please" indicates that the singer is aware that his impulses can lead him into difficult situations.
Overall, the lyrics of "Driving in 2-3" are a frank exploration of sexuality, desire, and shame. The singer is grappling with their own sexual impulses and trying to come to terms with the impact those impulses have on their relationships with others.
Line by Line Meaning
I was awake, I overheard your speech, my ego dried and sank.
I was conscious, and heard what you said which made me feel ashamed.
Talked with your ex and we agreed thoughts of your sister helped us wank.
I spoke with your ex-girlfriend and we both mutually masturbated to thoughts of your sister.
I'm sure you know that I have fancied her since she began high school.
You must be aware that I have been attracted to your sister since she started high school.
But park here now and I will promise, I will let your engine cool.
Please stop the car here, and I assure you, I'll calm down and be in control.
I have matured, I've come of age, my visions clear.
I've matured and grown more responsible, and now have a clear understanding of things.
But there's still some things that I don't want to hear.
There are certain things I still cannot tolerate hearing.
And I know that it was probably just those E's.
I realize that it was most likely just the ecstasy we were taking.
But be a bit more thoughtful next time, please.
However, try to be more considerate next time.
While I'm alive, well I just drive.
As for me, I simply drive, as long as I'm still alive and well.
Each time I've scored, I just got bored.
Every time I've had sex, I just got bored afterward.
There's no 'but', I am just a slut.
There's nothing else to it, really. I'm just a promiscuous person.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Aidan Moffat, Malcolm Middleton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind