The band initially existed as a trio consisting of Halstead, Goswell, and McCutcheon (hence the "3" in their name). After Slowdive were dropped by Creation Records, the trio decided to change musical direction to a country rock or folk music style, and were signed by 4AD. Rowe (formerly of Chapterhouse) and Forrester joined shortly after the release of their first album.
Both Halstead (the main songwriter for the band) and Goswell have released solo albums, also for 4AD. McCutcheon founded and is currently playing with his band called The Loose Salute who are signed to Heavenly Records.
The band went on hiatus in 2008, but returned to playing live gigs in 2011, including a handful of concerts supporting Band of Horses.
With Slowdive returning to live performances in 2014, Mojave 3 has been put on indefinite hiatus.
When You're Drifting
Mojave 3 Lyrics
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When suddenly all of the time rolled away?
You were drifting along
Having some fun when you noticed the clock
Suddenly everything fell out of place
Burned all your bridges 'cause you grew up too late
The people you love are just so far away
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
Ten years on the road
And you still can't make it back home
You were caught out on your own
Still waiting for the whistle to blow
Suddenly everything fell out of place
Burned all your bridges 'cause you grew up too late
The people you love are just so far away
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
Suddenly everything fell out of place
Burned all your bridges 'cause you grew up too late
People you love are just so far away
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
When you're drifting
The lyrics of "When You're Drifting" by Mojave 3 delve into the idea of feeling lost and disconnected from one's life and loved ones. The singer is reminiscing about a time when they were just enjoying life, but suddenly, they noticed the clock and realized that time had passed them by. They feel like they've burned all their bridges and grown up too late, causing them to be far away from the people they love. The second stanza explores the idea of being on a journey, like being on the road for ten years and still not being able to make it back home. The singer feels alone, waiting for something to change, for the whistle to blow, and give them direction. The chorus emphasizes the idea of drifting, feeling like you are aimlessly floating without purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
When was the day
Do you remember the precise moment when all of your time seems to have been lost?
When suddenly all of the time rolled away?
There was a sudden shift in time where it all disappeared right before your eyes?
You were drifting along
You were going with the flow without intention, just living moment to moment?
Having some fun when you noticed the clock
Did you realize time was slipping away while you were having fun?
Suddenly everything fell out of place
All things that were once familiar, have now become strange & distant?
Burned all your bridges 'cause you grew up too late
You've burned all your chances, realizing the maturity you needed came after the opportunity had passed?
The people you love are just so far away
The people that were once closest to you, feel now like strangers who are far away?
Ten years on the road
You've been traveling a long time to find your place?
And you still can't make it back home
Despite all the time that has passed, you still can't find your way back?
You were caught out on your own
You are stranded without any direction or guidance?
Still waiting for the whistle to blow
You are waiting to be saved, to be guided to safety?
When you're drifting
In moments of mindless wandering?
Suddenly everything fell out of place
Once again, everything shifts, and nothing feels right?
Burned all your bridges 'cause you grew up too late
The opportunity you missed is now haunting you, and you've destroyed any chance of returning?
People you love are just so far away
The people you love have become distant strangers?
When you're drifting
In moments of uncertainty and lostness?
When you're drifting
In moments of disconnection from purpose?
When you're drifting
In moments of confusion and aimlessness?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL HALSTEAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind