Julian Casablancas is half American and half Danish and the son of John Casablancas and Jeanette Christiansen. His parents divorced when he was young. He attended kindergarten with future bandmate Nikolai Fraiture.
Early in his teens, Julian's father sent him to the Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland. This was where Julian first met Albert Hammond Jr. , one of few other American students on campus.
When Casablancas returned to New York, he continued his education at the Dwight School, where he met Fabrizio Moretti and Nick Valensi. Julian later dropped out because he felt like he "just wasn't learning anything" there.
During his hiatus from The Strokes, he released a solo album called "Phrazes for the Young" on the 9th of November in 2009.
To date, the Strokes have released Is This It, Room on Fire, First Impressions of Earth, Angles, Comedown Machine and The New Abnormal.
My Drive Thru
Julian Casablancas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you want me to,
I have one question.
Can I help you,
Now watch me, what I do
Now thank you for coming through my drive-thru
Oh!
When you're haunted by the demons that'll never let you rest.
Not shy in front of crowds, but shy in front of just one guest
Not dumb enough to win at their game
But not smart enough to dumb it down, and take it away
It's black & white like space at night,
If you wanna be like us you better work every night
Santogold:
One question, what's your impression?
No we don't walk like man, I have a presence
So make your move real slow my mind's a weapon
I said just move in slow no second guessing
I find your offers so adolescent
I may look young but your game is prepubescent
So watch my feet I'm known for my quick steppin
You wanna keep up gotta show me somethin'
Pharrell:
Oh
Julian:
Look at all the leaders hanging in the playground,
Always beating up the weaker ones
(Going off too you)
The answer to the question, and another mission,
Is a word that I have never...
(Going off to you)
You think happiness is watching tv all night long.
You dig the job of dealing over people in this song
Well I am here to change your world, I need credit when I'm done.
Santogold:
You wonder how do I aspire, caz the world is spinning 'round inside my palm.
Don't hate me if you know they got you wired.
You better show how search can be all over now.
Caz we all wanna dance, just wanna dance, dance.
We wanna dance, just wanna dance.(2x)
Julian:
It's summer
In the city
It's summer
In the city
I want so bad to dance with you, don't waste your time with one or two.
The time is right, the summer night, you fall in love at every light.
Santogold:
You wonder how do I aspire, caz the world is spining 'round outside my palm.
Don't hate me if you know they got you wired.
You better show how search can be all over now
Caz we all wanna dance, just wanna dance, dance.
We wanna dance, just wanna dance.(2x)
The song "My Drive Thru" by Julian Casablancas, Santogold, and Pharrell Williams can be interpreted as a metaphor for the barriers that people encounter when trying to achieve success in their aspirations. The lyrics also suggest that in the pursuit of our goals, we shouldn't be disheartened by the setbacks and obstacles we face along the way. The first verse depicts the desire to connect with someone in a romantic way, followed by the invitation to serve and help others. The line "Now thank you for coming through my drive-thru" can be understood as a representation of a service-oriented approach towards life, where one feels fulfilled by helping others, just like a server at a drive-thru.
The second verse, delivered by Julian Casablancas, contains the metaphor of demons that haunt and prevent one from resting. This can be interpreted as the fears and negative thoughts that people encounter when trying to achieve their aspirations. The verse also speaks of the challenge of not being able to win at someone else's game, nor to dumb down one's abilities to feel accepted. However, the singer emphasizes that it's essential to work hard if one wants to achieve success.
The chorus sung by Santogold emphasizes the desire to dance and have fun, despite the challenges faced in life. The lyrics suggest that even though the world may seem overwhelming, dancing can bring joy and hope. The song's ending implies that it's crucial to seize the moment and not let the opportunity to live and have fun pass.
Line by Line Meaning
I want you,
Expressing desire for someone's companionship or relationship
Do you want me to,
Questioning if the other person feels the same way
I have one question.
Asking for a clarification or confirmation
Can I help you,
Offering assistance or service
Now watch me, what I do
Demonstrating skills or abilities
Now thank you for coming through my drive-thru
Expressing gratitude for someone visiting or interacting
Oh!
Exclamation of excitement or surprise
When you're haunted by the demons that'll never let you rest.
Being tormented or troubled by personal issues
Not shy in front of crowds, but shy in front of just one guest
Being confident in public situations but anxious in one-on-one interactions
Not dumb enough to win at their game
Being intelligent enough to understand the situation
But not smart enough to dumb it down, and take it away
Being unsuccessful in finding an easy solution
It's black & white like space at night,
Referring to the clear contrast of colours
If you wanna be like us you better work every night
Encouragement to put in effort for success
One question, what's your impression?
Asking for the person's opinion
No we don't walk like man, I have a presence
Being confident and engaging
So make your move real slow my mind's a weapon
Warning to be cautious with dealing with the person's intellect
I find your offers so adolescent
Viewing someone's offers or propositions as immature
I may look young but your game is prepubescent
Commenting on someone's immaturity or lack of experience
So watch my feet I'm known for my quick steppin
Highlighting one's talent or skill
You wanna keep up gotta show me somethin'
Expecting someone to prove their worth or ability
Look at all the leaders hanging in the playground,
Observing those in power or authority
Always beating up the weaker ones
Noticing a pattern of bullying or mistreatment
(Going off too you)
Unknown, possibly a narrative interjection or emphasis
The answer to the question, and another mission,
Seeking a solution or objective
Is a word that I have never...
Expressing uncertainty or ignorance
(Going off to you)
You think happiness is watching tv all night long.
Disagreeing with someone's notion of contentment
You dig the job of dealing over people in this song
Disapproving of someone's intentions or behaviour
Well I am here to change your world, I need credit when I'm done.
Promising innovation or transformation
You wonder how do I aspire, caz the world is spinning 'round inside my palm.
Questioning how one can succeed or excel despite challenges
Don't hate me if you know they got you wired.
Advising not to be resentful towards others or systems
You better show how search can be all over now.
Encouragement to demonstrate outstanding skills or achievements
Caz we all wanna dance, just wanna dance, dance.
Expressing the desire to be carefree or happy
It's summer
Referring to the season of summer
In the city
Indicating a cityscape or urban setting
I want so bad to dance with you, don't waste your time with one or two.
Desiring to dance with someone special
The time is right, the summer night, you fall in love at every light.
Reflecting on the romanticism of summer nights and being in love
Contributed by Adalyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@christianhammond6665
8 years later, can’t believe this collab happened
@ichi_go
In 2023 this still bangs! Add it to your playlist and thank me later🤙🏻
@afraidto
now it’s 15 years
@ImperfectD
15 years ago I was dying to get this song on my ipod and am now revisiting this masterpiece in awe. My goodness! 🙏🏾 💚
@TheEpicImpaler
Way back when Pharrel Williams and Santigold were achieving worldwide success.
And Julian Casablancas was just starting his solo career...
@fernandocurillo1538
Raul Mejia now I’m just here for Jules
@gellman22
Fernando Curillo sup nigga
@neemo9885
@@fernandocurillo1538 now the strokes have finally released something after comedown machine
@dragonknightofamiraka3636
@@fernandocurillo1538
…… whiteness
@World-of-Karma
The 2 Daft Punkers of RAM 0:14