With guitar in hand, Craig can turn any setting into an intimate affair, infusing his music and lyrics with an uncompromising humanism rarely seen in today's production-heavy climate.
Craig makes it a point to keep the relationship with his fans personal, inviting and accepting any opportunity to make his audience as much a part of the performance as he is. Don't be surprised if one day you find yourself enjoying one of Craig's renowned shows in the comfort of your own living room.
In 2012, Cardiff was nominated for a Juno Award for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo, and for a Canadian Folk Music Award as Contemporary Singer of the Year.
For more information, tour dates, and music, please visit the official Craig Cardiff site.
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Craig Cardiff's Bandcamp page
Maybe You Should Drive
Craig Cardiff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been wrapping my head around your idea of the truth.
The truth brought out in fear, the truth put on display,
The truth borne from people leaving, going away.
Maybe you should drive.
Shut your eyes closed, read between the lines.
Everyone who stood by you
Are the same ones who just left.
Your cavalry's gone, gone.
Don't hold your breath dear.
Bets laid so low I thought you'd never clue in.
Be careful who you keep as friends these days.
Don't beat yourself up black and blue.
There was nothing to say
This was coming, no rehearsal we could've sat through.
I love you so much it breaks my heart,
I love you beyond words.
You got cold when you started buying the news.
You got cold, you got scared.
In "Maybe You Should Drive" by Craig Cardiff, the singer tries to understand and come to terms with the truth brought about by fear, exposed by those who have walked away from a situation. The singer mentions Don McLean and Lenny Bruce, two famous artists known for their songwriting and satire, respectively, to describe the change and the difference in attitude and approach. Furthermore, the singer advises the person that it might be beneficial for them to "drive," a metaphorical reference to clearing their minds and leaving their current situation. In the second stanza, the singer reminds the person that the ones who were once their supporters have now left, and no one is coming to their rescue. The person, therefore, should not hold their breath and hope for somebody to save them.
The lyrics convey the message that one must be mindful of the company they keep and the danger of placing their trust in the wrong people. The singer reminds the person not to beat themselves up and that the events occurred in a way that was beyond their control. The person got scared and withdrew from their surroundings because of the negative news. The singer declares their feelings of love for the person but acknowledges that they are hurting because of the situation they are in.
Line by Line Meaning
Sounded less like don mclean and more like lenny bruce.
Your idea of the truth is more provocative and controversial than what is typically accepted.
I've been wrapping my head around your idea of the truth.
I've been trying to understand and come to terms with the truth you've presented to me.
The truth brought out in fear, the truth put on display,
The truth has been spoken out loud due to fear and is visible for all to see.
The truth borne from people leaving, going away.
The truth has surfaced as a result of people departing from your life.
Maybe you should drive.
Perhaps you should take control of your life and take action.
Shut your eyes closed, read between the lines.
Take a moment to focus on what's not being said and look for the hidden truth.
Everyone who stood by you
Those who supported you in the past
Are the same ones who just left.
Have now abandoned you.
Your cavalry's gone, gone.
The people who would have come to your aid are no longer there.
Don't hold your breath dear.
Don't expect things to change anytime soon.
Bets laid so low I thought you'd never clue in.
You've placed your trust in the wrong people and are now paying the price.
Be careful who you keep as friends these days.
Make sure to choose your friends wisely and look for those who will stand by you.
Don't beat yourself up black and blue.
Don't blame yourself excessively for what has happened.
There was nothing to say
There was no way to prevent what happened.
This was coming, no rehearsal we could've sat through.
This was inevitable, and there was nothing we could have done to prepare for it.
I love you so much it breaks my heart,
I care about you deeply even though this situation is painful for both of us.
I love you beyond words.
My feelings for you are indescribable.
You got cold when you started buying the news.
You became cold and distant when you began to believe the rumors and gossip.
You got cold, you got scared.
Fear has caused you to distance yourself from others.
Contributed by Eva T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.