At the Drive-In was an American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, for… Read Full Bio ↴At the Drive-In was an American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 1994. The band most recently consisted of Cedric Bixler-Zavala (vocals), Omar Rodríguez-López (guitar, vocals), Paul Hinojos (bass), Tony Hajjar (drums) and Keeley Davis (guitar, vocals). After several early line-up changes, the band solidified into a five-piece, consisting of Bixler-Zavala, Rodríguez-López, Jim Ward, Hinojos and Hajjar. At the Drive-In released three studio albums and five EPs before breaking up in 2001. Their third and final album before their split, 2000's Relationship of Command, received a number of accolades and is cited as a landmark recording. Following the breakup, Bixler-Zavala and Rodríguez-López formed the Mars Volta while Ward, Hinojos, and Hajjar formed Sparta. At the Drive-In reunited in January 2012 and played the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, as well as the 2012 Lollapalooza Festival. In 2016, the band reunited for a second time, with guitarist and occasional lead vocalist Jim Ward no longer participating. He was replaced by Sparta's Keeley Davis. The band released their fourth studio album, in•ter a•li•a, in 2017. At the Drive In headlined the Neon Desert Music Festival in 2018 in El Paso, Texas. The band announced an indefinite hiatus in November 2018.

In-Instigate the Role
At the Drive-In Lyrics

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Strip off the shell
Give me the honor
Walk into the middle of the road
Give me the honor
How does it feel
Give me the honor
How does it look down there
Rolling

Rolling
Rolling
Rolling

we've got your instigation
You're subject instigation
We've got your instigation
You're subject instigation

Under the spotlight
Appearing under the spotlight
I'll never run under the spotlight
Killing under your daylight
I won't under

Walking the line
Attribute the honor
Cash power one back drop silhouette
Attribute the honor
How does it feel to look in the mirror
Attribute the honor
Through the winds through the wind and then it goes
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling

We've got your instigation
You're subject instigation
We've got your instigation
You're subject instigation

Under the spotlight
Appearing under your spotlight
I'll never run under the daylight
Killing under the moonlight
I won't under

We'll instigate
Instigation under the spotlight
We'll instigation appear under
We'll insti-, we'll insti-, we'll insti-,
We'll instigate
We'll instigate till the opening
We'll instigate your sin
Yeah!

White power, white backdrop silhouette
White power, white backdrop silhouette

White power, white backdrop silhouette
White power, white backdrop silhouette

Overall Meaning

At the Drive-In's song In-Instigate the Role features a powerful and aggressive vocal delivery over driving and dynamic instrumentation. The lyrics seem to be challenging the listener to strip away any exterior facade and look inward to find their true self. The repetition of "give me the honor" and "attribute the honor" suggests a need for authenticity and honesty. The line "how does it feel to look in the mirror" is particularly poignant as it asks the listener to confront their own reflection and potentially confront any insecurities or flaws they may see.

The second half of the song features the repeated refrain of "we've got your instigation, you're subject instigation" which suggests a manipulation or influence over the listener. The use of the word "instigate" further implies a call to action or rebellion against outside control. The lines "under the spotlight, appearing under the spotlight" and "killing under your daylight, I won't under" suggest a desire to break free from societal norms and expectations.

Overall, the lyrics of In-Instigate the Role are a powerful call to action for the listener to embrace their true self and challenge societal norms and expectations. The aggressive instrumentation and delivery further amplify this message and make for a truly impactful song.

Line by Line Meaning

Strip off the shell
Remove the outer layers or facade

Give me the honor
Grant me the privilege or recognition

Walk into the middle of the road
Enter a position of risk or confrontation

How does it feel
Inquire about the sensation or experience

How does it look down there
Ask about the view or perception from below

Rolling
Continuously moving forward

we've got your instigation
We have the means to provoke or encourage action

You're subject instigation
You are susceptible to or target of instigation

Under the spotlight
In the public eye or center stage

Appearing under the spotlight
Making an appearance in the public eye

I'll never run under the spotlight
I will not flee or hide from public attention