Drive South
Kelly Willis Lyrics
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I didn't say we wouldn't hurt anyone
That's how you learn, you just get burned
But, we don't have to feel like dirt anymore
Though love's not earned baby, it's our turn
We were always looking for true north
I left the motor running
Now, if you're feeling down and out
Chorus
Come on baby, drive south
With the one you love
Come on baby, drive south
With the one you love
I'm not talkin' 'bout retreatin', not this girl
Gonna take our stand, in this Chevy van
Windows open on the rest of the world
Holdin' hands on the way to Dixieland
We've been tryin' to turn our lives around
Since we were little kids
It's been wearin' us down
Don't turn away now, darlin'
Let's fire it up and wind it out
Chorus
I heard your mama callin', I think she was stallin'
Don't know who she was talkin' to baby, me and you
We could go down with a smile on
I ain't gonna pack my nylons,
Got to leave our legs showin'
It gets hot where we're goin'
We were always looking for true north
With our heads in the clouds, just a little off course
I left the motor running
Now, if you're feeling down and out
Chorus
The song "Drive South" by Kelly Willis is a cover of a John Hiatt song, and it tells the story of a couple who have been struggling to turn their lives around. The song emphasizes the idea of not giving up, even if life has been tough. The first verse explains that the couple has hurt people in the past, but they want to move on from those mistakes and start fresh. The chorus suggests that by driving south with the one you love, you can find a new beginning and leave your troubles behind.
The second verse emphasizes the idea of taking a stand and not retreating. The couple is determined to turn their lives around and head towards Dixieland, presumably towards a brighter future. The song's bridge includes a phone call from the singer's mother, but it is unclear what she is saying. The final verse emphasizes the idea of not packing unnecessary items, like nylons, and embracing the heat of the south.
Overall, the song offers a message of hope and perseverance, suggesting that it is possible to start again no matter how difficult things may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
I didn't say we wouldn't hurt anyone
Mistakes will be made and people will be hurt in the process of learning
That's how you learn, you just get burned
When you make a mistake or fail, you learn and grow from it.
But, we don't have to feel like dirt anymore
We don't have to hold onto the guilt and shame from past mistakes or misfortunes.
Though love's not earned baby, it's our turn
Everyone deserves love, regardless of any perceived worthiness or earning.
We were always looking for true north
We've been searching for direction and purpose.
With our heads in the clouds, just a little off course
We've been a bit lost or distracted from our true path.
I left the motor running
We're ready to take off or to make a big change.
Now, if you're feeling down and out
If you're feeling sad or hopeless...
Come on baby, drive south
...let's take a trip down south, away from our troubles.
With the one you love
Together with the person you love and support.
I'm not talkin' 'bout retreatin', not this girl
I'm not suggesting running away or giving up on our problems.
Gonna take our stand, in this Chevy van
We're taking control and standing strong, with our trusty Chevy van.
Windows open on the rest of the world
We're open to new experiences and possibilities.
Holdin' hands on the way to Dixieland
Together and hand in hand, we're heading to a place of joy and happiness.
We've been tryin' to turn our lives around
We've been working hard to change our lives for the better.
Since we were little kids
We've been striving for a better life since we were young.
It's been wearin' us down
The struggles have been taking a toll on us.
Don't turn away now, darlin'
We can't give up or turn away now.
Let's fire it up and wind it out
Let's rev up the engine and enjoy the ride.
I heard your mama callin', I think she was stallin'
Someone may be trying to hold us back or discourage us.
Don't know who she was talkin' to baby, me and you
We only answer to each other.
We could go down with a smile on
Even if we fail or face difficulties, we can still find joy and positivity.
I ain't gonna pack my nylons
We don't need to worry about superficial things or appearances.
Got to leave our legs showin'
We need to be open and vulnerable, showing our true selves.
It gets hot where we're goin'
Things are going to get intense or difficult, but we can handle it.
Chorus
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN HIATT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind