Heather and Ciara met at BIMM Institute and formed the band Creek in 2013 with guitarist Ben Bateman and bassist Ryan Marsden. Their song “Lust” gained local popularity and received radio airplay, leading to a number of local gigs. In 2014, band changed its name to Pale Waves and Hugo and Charlie joined soon after, in 2015. Heather has said that the band name comes from the title of a painting owned by her grandmother.
They were signed to record label Dirty Hit in 2016 and their first two singles, 2017's "There's a Honey" and "Television Romance", were produced by Matthew Healy of labelmates The 1975. Their first EP, All the Things I Never Said, was released in February 2018. In September 2018, they released their debut album My Mind Makes Noises.
Early in 2019, the band shared plans to release an EP that year, but decided later to focus on their second album. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020—as well as the decision to approach the new album with a different stylistic direction inspired by the music of the 1990s and 2000s—delayed the production and release of new music until late 2020.
The band’s second album, Who Am I?, was released on February 12, 2021, preceded by the single "Change”, which was released on November 10, 2020. It debuted at #3 on the UK Albums Chart.
Unwanted, Pale Waves' third album, was released on August 12, 2022. The album represents yet another stylistic leap for the band, this time adding pop punk influences to their evolving sound.
drive
Pale Waves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I still feel the same, maybe?
This ain't about you
This is about me
I can't help the way I am
No one seems to understand (understand, understand)
I'm not alright but really it's fine
Talking to myself with nobody else
And that's the way that I like it
The way that I like it
Is it all in my head, what they said?
I'm not feeling too good
I'm feeling misunderstood
Is it all in my head, what they said?
I'm not feeling too good
I would cry if I could
I drive fast so I can feel something
I ruin my own life just for nothing
I fall in and out of love with everything
I really don't know what I'm doing
Is it all in my head, what they said?
I'm not feeling too good
I'm feeling misunderstood
Is it all in my head, what they said?
I'm not feeling too good
I would cry if I could
I drive fast so I can feel something
I drive fast so I can feel something
Is it all in my head, what they said?
I'm not feeling too good
I'm feeling misunderstood
But is it all in my head, what they said?
I'm not feeling too good
I would cry if I could
I drive fast so I can feel something
I drive fast so I can feel something
I drive fast so I can feel something
(I'm not feeling too good, I'm feeling misunderstood)
I drive fast so I can feel something
(I'm not feeling too good, I would cry if I could)
I drive fast so I can feel something
I drive fast so I can feel something
I drive fast so I can feel something
I drive fast so I can feel something
The lyrics to "Drive" by Pale Waves reveal the struggles of being misunderstood and feeling alienated. The singer admits to feeling lost and confused, unable to comprehend their own emotions, and struggling to communicate their feelings to others. Although the idea of driving fast might seem dangerous and reckless, it symbolizes the need to feel something, anything. By driving quickly, the singer experiences a sense of adrenaline and excitement that they might not feel otherwise.
The repeated line "Is it all in my head, what they said?" highlights the singer's insecurities about their interactions with others. They wonder if people are judging them, and if the negative thoughts they have are warranted. The chorus is a cry for help, a plea for someone to understand them, and recognize their pain.
The bridge of the song is particularly poignant, with the lyrics "I ruin my own life just for nothing", showcasing the feelings of worthlessness and despair the singer is experiencing. It's clear that they feel lost and alone, and while they might not know what they're doing, they're desperate to feel something, even if it means driving too fast or making impulsive decisions.
Overall, "Drive" is a powerful and emotional song, highlighting the struggles of young people who feel misunderstood and alone. The music is haunting and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the mood of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm 23
I am currently 23 years old
I still feel the same, maybe?
Despite my age, I still feel unsure and uncertain about myself and my life
This ain't about you
This song is not directed towards anyone else but myself
This is about me
The lyrics of this song are all about my own personal thoughts and experiences
I can't help the way I am
I cannot change the way I think and feel about myself and my life
No one seems to understand (understand, understand)
It feels like no one else can relate to or comprehend the struggles that I am going through
I'm not alright but really it's fine
Despite feeling troubled and unsettled, I am trying to convince myself that everything is okay
I like to be alone most of the time
I prefer spending time by myself, rather than being around others
Talking to myself with nobody else
I find myself having conversations or internal dialogues with myself, without any input or interaction from others
And that's the way that I like it
I am content with being alone and having these internal dialogues
Is it all in my head, what they said?
I am questioning whether the negative things that others have said to me are simply figments of my own imagination
I'm not feeling too good
I am feeling unhappy and unfulfilled
I'm feeling misunderstood
I feel like others do not understand me or my struggles
I would cry if I could
I wish that I could release my emotions and cry, but I feel unable to do so
I drive fast so I can feel something
I engage in risky behavior, such as driving fast, in order to feel some sort of intense emotions or sensations
I ruin my own life just for nothing
I engage in self-destructive behavior that can negatively impact my own life, without any apparent reason or purpose behind it
I fall in and out of love with everything
I experience extreme and often fleeting emotions, whether it be love or any other feeling
I really don't know what I'm doing
I feel lost and uncertain about my life and what direction I am going in
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ciara Louise Doran, Heather Patricia Baron-Gracie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind