Like all great tales we start with humble beginnings: in this case a grey, run-down lane in the backstreets of Aberdeen nicknamed 'Murder Alley', thanks to a notorious history. It was here that Driveblind had found a small basement rehearsal space which they could barely afford. Despite it's less than desirable location, it was prime real estate for a band that had previously been restricted to jamming in lead singer Terry's cramped apartment. Now they had a space where they could set up the drums, guitars and organ and still have enough room for a vocal PA, a small bar and a number of ashtrays... The resulting sessions often went on all night as, under the gaze of their musical heroes (The Who, The Beatles, The Band to name a few) who adorned the rehearsal room walls, Driveblind evolved. They worked hard on pushing the songs into a new place which combined the soulful melodies and harmonies of their acoustic origins with the rocking, unrestrained sound of a band that likes to play loud. The empty beer cans piled up, the ashtrays overflowed, the neighbours complained.. Initially, Driveblind emerged only occasionally from their self imposed songwriting exile to play live. However, their “less is more” approach on the hometown circuit created a buzz among the local scenesters and Driveblind quickly rose to become the city’s biggest draw. Never ones to be content with local notoriety, Driveblind headed south and were soon packing out venues in cities such as Glasgow and London.
The fall of 2002 saw a memorable performance at Glasgow's “Gig on the Green” with 30,000 people in attendance. The idea of performing in the USA was unheard of for an unsigned Aberdonian band and Driveblind were determined to prove it could be done. And so it was that in March 2003, a five day, four gig whirlwind trip saw Driveblind descend upon a wintry New York City before hitting a new live peak at the Viper Room in Los Angeles. In fact, it was a live recording of that show which not only woke up the industry to Driveblind, but changed the lives of all concerned. Returning to the basement in Aberdeen with memories of igniting a snowy Greenwich Village and a sweaty Saturday night on the Sunset Strip, Driveblind were unaware of a growing industry buzz stateside. The 'Viper Room tape' was doing the rounds...
This led to Driveblind taking a call from A&M Records president Ron Fair in May of 2003. Hearing the potential of the band, Ron acted immediately, offering a deal sight unseen! The band had a month in which to give up their day jobs, say goodbye to friends and family, and move to the US to become a full time rock and roll band. After playing an historic farewell show in their home town, the six lads left to set up camp in Hollywood.
The following year and a half saw Driveblind writing and gigging (and partying..) extensively around California. With a catalogue of over forty songs, Driveblind began work with producer Mike Hedges (The Cure, Travis, Dido, and U2.) in London. These sessions set the tone for the record and the band returned to the now familiar sunshine, bars and women of LA to complete their debut release. When not locked away in the studio, Driveblind were busy making a dent on the US live circuit, as word of their ferocious and passionate live show spread. By the end of 2005, they had sold out several residencies at the Viper Room and numerous other LA clubs, as well as wowing a diverse range of audiences with bands such as Wolfmother, Collective Soul, Johnny Marr and the Healers, Hot Hot Heat, The Bravery, The Like, Sam Roberts Band, Matisyahu, The Thrills, The Zutons and The Charlatans. The band also completed their first coast-to-coast US tour (with Nikka Costa) playing before sell-out crowds in New York, Washington D.C, Detroit, Chicago and San Francisco. Driveblind's eponymously titled debut album is due to be released in summer 2006 on Interscope/A&M/Geffen Records..
All I Want
Driveblind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love letters on the phone wore thin
I covered up with a gypsy's grin
For you
Cold women with an aftertaste
Shotgun weddings at a discount rate
Law claims what the heart won't pay
It isn't a mystery
Look at the history
All I want
Is a love like you
Ahh ahh
All I want Is a fine time so I can get it
All I want
Is a love like you
Ahh ahh
All I want
Is to find time for getting away with it
Keep buying what the TV sells
Call God on your brand new cell
Buy pills 'til you feel unwell
They do
Cold words cause I can't come home
Long distance on a mobile phone
Is this living cause I just don't know
Do you?
All I want
Is a love like you
Ahh ahh
All I want Is a fine time so I can get it
All I want
Is a love like you
Ahh ahh
All I want
Is to find time for getting away with it
This is the the way it's supposed to be
I just want to escape from the world I see
All I want
Is a love like you
Ahh ahh
All I want Is a fine time so I can get it
All I want
Is a love like you
Ahh ahh
All I want
Is to find time for getting away with it
For getting away with it
For getting away with it
For getting away with it
For getting away with it
The lyrics of Driveblind's song "All I Want" are about feeling disillusioned with society's expectations and searching for something more meaningful. The first verse talks about struggling to make a connection with someone and feeling like love is becoming more scarce. The singer covers up his dissatisfaction with life with a "gypsy's grin," perhaps implying that he's trying to keep a carefree attitude despite his inner turmoil. The second verse talks about buying into the superficiality of the world, from shotgun weddings to pills, and feeling like he's lost touch with what really matters. The chorus repeats the phrase "All I want" and contrasts the desire for a meaningful relationship with the desire for a carefree, wild lifestyle. The singer seems to be torn between wanting to escape from the world he sees and wanting to find someone to make it all worthwhile.
In interpreting these lyrics, it's clear that the singer is grappling with deep questions about what really makes life worth living. He seems to be questioning the superficiality of modern life and searching for something more meaningful. At the same time, he's struggling with his own conflicting desires: the desire for true love and companionship and the desire for a wild, carefree lifestyle. The repetition of the phrase "All I want" throughout the song underscores the singer's search for something that he can't quite define.
Line by Line Meaning
I struggled 'til the place sunk in
I had a hard time getting used to where I was
Love letters on the phone wore thin
Talking on the phone wasn't enough - I needed more from our relationship
I covered up with a gypsy's grin
I hid my struggles with a smile
Cold women with an aftertaste
The women I was with before left me feeling empty
Shotgun weddings at a discount rate
Quick marriages made out of desperation aren't worth it
Law claims what the heart won't pay
Legal contracts can't force someone to love you
It isn't a mystery
It's obvious
Look at the history
Past events tell the story
All I want
Is a love like you
Ahh ahh
All I want Is a fine time so I can get it
I want a fulfilling relationship with you, but I also want to have fun
Keep buying what the TV sells
Society is easily influenced by advertising
Call God on your brand new cell
People often turn to religion in times of uncertainty
Buy pills 'til you feel unwell
They do
People rely on medication to feel better, but it doesn't always work
Cold words cause I can't come home
Lack of emotional connection makes me feel like I don't have a home to return to
Long distance on a mobile phone
The distance between us is a constant barrier
Is this living cause I just don't know
Do you?
I'm questioning what it means to truly be alive and wondering if you feel the same
This is the the way it's supposed to be
Life isn't always perfect
I just want to escape from the world I see
I want to get away from reality
For getting away with it
Escaping the mundane, everyday life
Contributed by Ruby B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.