Careless
Drive Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Careful that you don't use up your ninth one,
We all were careless once.
It can't be too much fun, just going round once,
It all can slip away.
One banana peel away.

You left this big ole void, sure miss your sweet voice.
Now we're left holding on.
We all were careless once.




We all were careless once.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the Drive-By Truckers song "Careless" are a reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The opening line "Careful that you don't use up your ninth one" is a reference to the old superstition that everyone only has nine lives. The lyrics go on to suggest that we all make mistakes and have moments of carelessness, but it's important to recognize that life is a precious gift that can be taken away at any time. The line "It can't be too much fun, just going round once" speaks to the idea that life is short and should be lived to the fullest.


The image of slipping on a banana peel is a classic comedic trope, but it takes on a darker meaning in this song. The line "One banana peel away" suggests that we are all just one misstep away from tragedy. The song is also a tribute to someone who has died ("You left this big ole void, sure miss your sweet voice") and the lyrics serve as a reminder to cherish the memories of those who are no longer with us.


Line by Line Meaning

Careful that you don't use up your ninth one,
Be cautious and mindful of your actions because you only have a limited number of chances in life to make things right and achieve your goals.


We all were careless once.
No one is perfect and we have all made mistakes in the past due to our lack of caution or attention to detail.


It can't be too much fun, just going round once,
Living life without any thought or care may seem enjoyable in the moment, but it is ultimately unsatisfying and unfulfilling because life is short and we only get one chance to make the most of it.


It all can slip away.
Everything we hold dear in life can be taken away from us in an instant, so we must cherish and appreciate what we have while we can.


One banana peel away.
A seemingly small mistake or misstep can have devastating consequences, just like slipping on a banana peel can lead to a serious injury.


You left this big ole void, sure miss your sweet voice.
The death of a loved one leaves a hole in our lives that can never be filled, and we will always miss the sound of their voice and the memories we shared.


Now we're left holding on.
In the wake of a loss or tragedy, all we can do is hold on to the memories and try to move forward with strength and resilience.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRANDON HOOD, MAGGIE CHAPMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Billy Porter

Overtaking on the inside is not classed as careless driving.

Mark Andrew Gemus

If there was a continuous pattern-weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds is dangerous. It’s a marked departure from what a prudent driver would do.

Nineteen Sixteen

Overtaking on the left is not classed as careless driving. It's illegal to drive carelessly, undertaking is not.

More Versions