Drive
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Smack, crack, bushwhacked
Tie another one to the racks, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby

What if I ride, what if you walk?
What if you rock around the clock?
Tick-tock, tick-tock

What if you did, what if you walk?
What if you tried to get off, baby?
Oh-oh

Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Oh-oh
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Oh-oh

Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Maybe you rocked around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Oh-oh

Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie
Ollie, Ollie in come free, baby
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby

Smack, crack, shack-a-lack
Tie another one to your backs, baby
Oh-oh
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby

Maybe you did, maybe you walk
Maybe you rock around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby

Hey kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby

Go, baby
Baby

Overall Meaning

The R.E.M. song "Drive" is a somewhat challenging song to interpret with absolutely clear meaning. Depending on one's point of view, it can be about the creative process, substance abuse or even reflecting on deeper existential questions of life. One can take "Drive" to be about feeling stuck in life, wanting to drive away from everything yet not knowing where to go, feeling lost and directionless.

The opening lines "Smack, crack, bushwhacked/ Tie another one to the racks, baby" could mean a drug reference. However, it could also refer to feeling trapped and needing to be released from the shackles that bind one’s life. Stuck in routine patterns with no foreseeable escape one needs to consistently find new excitement and energy to ‘tie on the racks.’ The lines "Hey kids, rock and roll/ Nobody tells you where to go, baby" could be explaining that Rock n Roll is an escape route that provides a creative outlet that can take one anywhere they want to go, and nobody will interfere with one's journey.

The next verse builds on this theme, with the lines "What if I ride, what if you walk?/ What if you rock around the clock?/ Tick-tock, tick-tock/ What if you did, what if you walk?/ What if you tried to get off, baby?/ Oh-oh." Continuing with the central theme of reflection, it talks about indecision and endless options, including turning around and walking away from life as opposed to going for a ride to find something new and different.

Line by Line Meaning

Smack, crack, bushwhacked
The chaos of life can leave you feeling beaten down and lost.

Tie another one to the racks, baby
There will always be new challenges and responsibilities added to your load.

Hey kids, rock and roll
The world is full of possibilities and adventure, don't be afraid to explore it.

Nobody tells you where to go, baby
You have the power to make your own choices and decisions, follow your own path.

What if I ride, what if you walk?
Life is full of different experiences and perspectives, don't be afraid to try new things and see the world from a different point of view.

What if you rock around the clock?
Life can be exciting and full of energy, enjoy it to the fullest.

Tick-tock, tick-tock
Time passes quickly, so make the most of every moment.

What if you did, what if you walk?
Sometimes it's good to slow down and take things at your own pace, don't feel rushed to keep up with others.

What if you tried to get off, baby?
Life can be overwhelming, but don't give up hope for finding a way out of difficult situations.

Hey, kids, where are you?
It's important to stay connected with others and build a sense of community around you.

Nobody tells you what to do, baby
You have the freedom to make your own choices and live your life on your own terms.

Hey kids, shake a leg
Don't be afraid to take risks and put yourself out there, sometimes it's the only way to grow.

Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Being different or unusual is okay, embrace your unique qualities and strengths.

Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Life is full of different paths and experiences, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success.

Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
We all have our own pace and approach to doing things, and that's okay.

Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Sometimes it takes a big change, like starting over or taking a new direction, to find happiness and fulfillment.

Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Ollie
An expression of playfulness and childlike fun, reminiscent of games of hide-and-seek.

Ollie, Ollie in come free, baby
It's good to let go of obligations and responsibilities from time to time, and just enjoy some free time.

Go, baby
Continue to live life to the fullest and pursue your dreams and passions.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Stipe, William Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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