Drifting
Pat Briscoe Lyrics


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I left my favorite cassette in the escape car
I'll never hear those songs again
It made me think of all the many things I've sacrificed
Oh, Mama, where do I begin?

When I broke bad
I never knew 'bout all this trouble I would have
You should not romanticize this outlaw life
When the scars have been shown and the tales have been told
I'm telling you - something's missing
Don't make no excuse to sing the blues
Calculating the cost and the things that you lost
You'll realize - love's gone missing
Don't go drifting

I'm losing count when recalling all that I regret
How many missteps are enough?




Who of the few I call friends will be by my side
When, without recourse, life gets tough?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pat Briscoe's song "Drifting" describe the regrets and sacrifices of an outlaw who has gotten himself into trouble. The first two lines hint at the outlaw's need to escape quickly and recklessly, leaving behind something that he cherished dearly. The loss of his favorite cassette triggers feelings of nostalgia and remorse, as he reflects on the many things he has had to give up in pursuit of his outlaw lifestyle. He turns to his mother, perhaps seeking guidance or comfort, but is overwhelmed by the scope of his troubles.


The second verse speaks directly to the listener, cautioning against the romanticization of an outlaw life. The scars and tales that come with such a life are not to be glorified, but rather recognized as the true cost of such choices. The repeated line "something's missing" suggests a sense of emptiness or unfulfillment, despite whatever thrills and excitement the outlaw may have experienced. The chorus urges the listener not to follow in the same path of drifting aimlessly, but instead to hold onto what matters most and avoid the pain of regret.


Overall, the lyrics paint a poignant picture of the toll that a life of rebellion and danger can take on a person. They warn against the allure of an outlaw lifestyle and encourage listeners to make the difficult choices that lead to a more fulfilling and worthwhile existence.


Line by Line Meaning

I left my favorite cassette in the escape car
I left behind a sentimental item that reminds me of the life I had before I became involved in trouble with the law.


I'll never hear those songs again
I will never be able to relive the happier times associated with that cassette and the music it contained.


It made me think of all the many things I've sacrificed
Losing the cassette made me reflect on all of the things I have given up or lost as a result of my actions.


Oh, Mama, where do I begin?
I am overwhelmed with guilt and regret, and want to know where to even start in addressing my mistakes.


When I broke bad
When I started engaging in illegal activities and straying from a law-abiding life.


I never knew 'bout all this trouble I would have
I was not prepared for the difficulties and consequences that would come with my choices.


You should not romanticize this outlaw life
It is important to recognize the negative consequences and not idealize living outside the law.


When the scars have been shown and the tales have been told
Once the pain and harm caused by one's actions have been made clear.


I'm telling you - something's missing
There is a feeling of emptiness or loss that comes with the lifestyle I have been living.


Don't make no excuse to sing the blues
Don't try to justify or excuse the negative consequences of one's actions.


Calculating the cost and the things that you lost
Reflecting on the toll that illegal activities have taken, including the things that have been lost or sacrificed.


You'll realize - love's gone missing
The absence of love or positive emotions in one's life is a common result of living outside the law.


Don't go drifting
Don't continue to move aimlessly through life without direction or purpose.


I'm losing count when recalling all that I regret
I am overwhelmed by the number of mistakes and missteps I have made and the resulting regrets.


How many missteps are enough?
I am questioning how many mistakes or wrong choices it will take before I make a real change.


Who of the few I call friends will be by my side
I am unsure of who will still support me and stand by me as I try to make amends for my actions.


When, without recourse, life gets tough?
In times of hardship or distress when I do not have any options, who will remain loyal to me?




Contributed by Bentley V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@Lawlsomedude

The intro will always remind me of a fate no heister deserves:

Getting kicked for no reason.

@needformead2947

When overkill nerf your favorite gun

@thomashall5464

i mean, i only kick when some dickhead purposely runs into the lasers multiple times on go bank stealth, or something along those lines

@bigslappy823

Or getting kicked right before the mission ends when you've been there from the start.

@gabrielllewellyn7140

When someone joins at the end of a heist and the right thing to do is kick him

@Elan186

@@bigslappy823 thats the worst especcially when the heist is 3 days long

6 More Replies...

@TheScuzzelbut

It's been a wild ride.
Thanks PAYDAY.

@nicholasskific4795

This song has new meaning to me because of the end

@gustavpp3214

Payday 3 coming soon

@persondeadtoshame

Starbreeze is in a bad state rn. Best of luck to Bo.

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