Early in his career Setzer was a member of the NYC band Bloodless Pharaohs, and later fronted the popular rockabilly revival band, Stray Cats. The Stray Cats particularly caught America's attention with the 1982 album Built for Speed, which included the two Top Ten hits, "Rock This Town" (#9) and "Stray Cat Strut" (#3), as well as with the follow-up 1983 album Rant 'N Rave, which included the two successful singles "(She's) Sexy + 17" (#5), and "I Won't Stand In Your Way" (#35).
In the mid 1990s, Setzer led a comeback of sorts for swing music and big band music, when he formed Brian Setzer Orchestra. The band has released at least 5 albums to date and one live DVD. This group had one hit, "Jump, Jive, and Wail" around the same time swing revival acts like the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' "Zoot Suit Riot" had been received favorably in mainstream America.
Brian Setzer also recorded some solo albums during Stray Cats' break in the 1980s along with some in the 1990s. In 2001 he released an album titled Ignition with his band '68 Comeback Special. A new solo album titled Rockabilly Riot Vol. 1: A Tribute To Sun Records was released on July 26, 2005, in the United States.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Setzer
Drive Like Lightning
The Brian Setzer Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On a little joy ride
She'll be ghost-white pale
Sittin' by my side
Shakin' like a leaf
And it ain't no wonder
Drive like lightning
Crash like thunder
I'm gonna race with the devil
Speedin' down the track
And if he beats me to the line
I ain't a-comin' back
You ain't worth nothin'
When your six feet under
Drive like lightning
Crash like thunder
Drive like lightning
Crash like thunder
Ain't worth nothin'
When your six feet under
All wrapped up
In hot chrome and steel
Drag my body
Behind the wheel
Got a pair of dice swingin'
In my Detroit casket
I got a rabbit foot hangin'
From my black leather jacket
We won't get out alive
So it ain't no wonder
Drive like lightning
Crash like thunder
Baby please try to understand
I'm just a little speck of dust
Blowin' in the sand
We won't get out alive
So why should we wonder
Drive like lightning
Crash like thunder
The Brian Setzer Orchestra's song "Drive Like Lightning" tells a story of the reckless behavior of two lovers who are on a joy ride filled with adrenaline and danger. The song suggests that they are living life on the edge as they drive at high speed with no regard for the consequences. The lyrics portray the female passenger as being terrified, shaking like a leaf, while the male driver is determined to win the race with the devil. The chorus is a warning of the dire consequences that could ensue due to this reckless behavior: "Drive like lightning, crash like thunder. Ain't worth nothin when you're six feet under."
The song's message is that life is short and uncertain, and so we should enjoy it to the fullest without any fear or hesitation. It also warns that taking unnecessary risks can have disastrous results. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for the past, as the song refers to classic rock 'n' roll imagery such as hot chrome and steel, rabbit foots, and swinging dice.
Overall, "Drive Like Lightning" is a song that celebrates the thrill of living life on the edge, while also warning of the consequences that come with taking unnecessary risks.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna take my baby
I am going to take my girlfriend
On a little joy ride
On a small trip to have some fun
She'll be ghost-white pale
She will be scared and pale
Sittin' by my side
Sitting next to me
Shakin' like a leaf
Trembling with fear
And it ain't no wonder
It's not surprising
Drive like lightning
Drive very fast
Crash like thunder
Crash hard and loud
I'm gonna race with the devil
I am going to have a dangerous race
Speedin' down the track
Driving very fast on the road
And if he beats me to the line
If the devil wins the race
I ain't a-comin' back
I am not planning to return
You ain't worth nothin'
You are not valuable
When your six feet under
When you are dead
Drive like lightning
Drive very fast
Crash like thunder
Crash hard and loud
Drive like lightning
Drive very fast
Crash like thunder
Crash hard and loud
Ain't worth nothin'
Not valuable
When your six feet under
When you are dead
All wrapped up
Covered up completely
In hot chrome and steel
In a fast car made of metal and chrome
Drag my body
Carry me
Behind the wheel
Next to the driver's seat
Got a pair of dice swingin'
Have some dice hanging
In my Detroit casket
In my coffin from Detroit
I got a rabbit foot hangin'
I have a rabbit foot hanging
From my black leather jacket
Hanging from my black jacket made of leather
We won't get out alive
We will die someday
So it ain't no wonder
It's not surprising
Drive like lightning
Drive very fast
Crash like thunder
Crash hard and loud
Baby please try to understand
Please try to understand, love
I'm just a little speck of dust
I am insignificant
Blowin' in the sand
Moving with the wind
So why should we wonder
So why should we be surprised
Drive like lightning
Drive very fast
Crash like thunder
Crash hard and loud
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN SETZER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@danieldowning4583
Most under rated artist. Truly a great artist.
@NefariousDreary
Daniel Downing No kidding, he's a beast! He plays awesome!
@melgrant7404
So much experience and talent
Brians hot❤❤
@cornstar1253
I don't think he's underrated, lots of guitarists recognize his talent
@melgrant7404
@@cornstar1253 agree
@deborahcrossley525
Best Guitarist of all time . Superb singer and front man.
@TheMarkOCaster
I completely agree
@sven7023
Absolutely right
@mikeoneill7360
Should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame…..
@danerichter2289
Brian Setzer,very underrated guitarist!!!