Drive
The Gaslight Anthem (USA) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Side roads boarded up, decisions decided on
But in my nights there are restless hours
When three A-M comes down and nothing else comes up
And the only thing we know
Is it's getting dark and we'd better go
And the only thing we see
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
And in my heart I'm the weary kind
I'm much tired to cry
Though it's sad enough for tears
It's been try, fail, try for years
And when the next year comes along
I don't know if I'll be home
I don't know if we'll survive
And the only thing we know
Is it's getting dark and we'd better go
And the only thing we see
Are the despairs of the day
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
And we're much too young of men
To carry such heavy heads
And tonight for the first time
It felt good to be alive
Yeah, we're much too young of men
To carry such heavy heads
And tonight for the first time
It felt good to be alive again, my friend
Only thing we know
It's getting dark and we'd better go
And the only thing we see
Are the despairs of the day
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
The Gaslight Anthem’s “Drive” is a song about feeling stuck and restless, and the desire to escape. In the opening lines, the singer describes feeling as though they are already gone, with their mind made up about what they are going to do. Despite this sense of certainty, they still have moments of doubt and insecurity in the middle of the night. The chorus provides a sense of urgency and a need to leave, but the lyrics also reflect a concern for the safety of those around them, telling others to go to sleep if they are too tired.
The second verse incorporates a sense of weariness that comes with ongoing struggle, but it also includes a glimmer of hopefulness. The lyrics suggest the possibility of both leaving and surviving whatever challenges exist ahead. The verse also continues to reflect a sense of caution and responsibility, with the repeated reminder for others to go to sleep if necessary.
The final verse speaks to the idea of youth and carrying burdens that feel too heavy. It explores the idea that even in the midst of struggle, there can be moments of joy and connection. Overall, the song portrays a longing for escape and new beginnings, while still acknowledging the challenges and responsibilities that come with being alive.
Line by Line Meaning
In my head I am already gone
I have mentally left this place and made my decisions.
Side roads boarded up, decisions decided on
I have made my choices clear and have no alternate options.
But in my nights there are restless hours
Despite my mental clarity, I still have moments of uncertainty and doubt.
When three A-M comes down and nothing else comes up
In times of quiet reflection, I find myself with no new answers or ideas.
And the only thing we know
We have a sense of urgency to leave this place before it gets dark.
Is it's getting dark and we'd better go
We are conscious of the time and need to leave soon.
And the only thing we see
Our focus is on the negative experiences we have had today.
Are the despairs of the day
Our attention is on the hardships and difficulties we have faced today.
And if you're too tired
If you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed,
Go to sleep my brothers, I
It may be best for you to rest and take a break.
And if you're too tired
If you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed,
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
I will be your driver if need be, and it is not worth risking your safety to stay awake.
And in my heart I'm the weary kind
Despite appearing strong on the surface, I am feeling worn down and tired internally.
I'm much tired to cry
I do not have the energy or emotional capacity to cry anymore.
Though it's sad enough for tears
The situation is upsetting enough to warrant tears, but I cannot bring myself to cry.
It's been try, fail, try for years
I have been struggling with the same challenges for years with little success.
And when the next year comes along
Looking to the future,
I don't know if I'll be home
I am unsure if I will have made progress and be where I want to be.
I don't know if we'll survive
I am not certain if I will overcome the obstacles I am facing.
And we're much too young of men
We feel young and inexperienced in the face of these challenges.
To carry such heavy heads
The burden of our struggles is weighing heavily on us.
And tonight for the first time
However, in this moment,
It felt good to be alive
We are filled with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for being alive despite our struggles.
And tonight for the first time
In this moment,
It felt good to be alive again, my friend
We feel revitalized and rejuvenated in the presence of our friends.
And if you're too tired
If you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed,
Go to sleep my brothers, I
Rest and take care of yourself.
And if you're too tired
If you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed,
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
I will take care of your safety as your driver.
And if you're too tired
If you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed,
Go to sleep my brothers, I
Take a break and rest.
And if you're too tired
If you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed,
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
It is not worth risking your safety to stay awake, I can take on the responsibility.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN FALLON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
shackledwithfreedom
In my head I am already gone
Side roads boarded up, decisions decided on
But in my nights there are restless hours
When 3 AM comes down and nothing else comes up
And the only thing we know
Is it's getting dark and we'd better go
And the only thing we see
Are the despairs of the day
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
And in my heart I'm the weary kind
I'm much tired to cry
Though it's sad enough for tears
It's been try, fail, try for years
And when the next year comes along
I don't know if I'll be home
I don't know if we'll survive
And the only thing we know
Is it's getting dark and we'd better go
And the only thing we see
Are the despairs of the day
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
And we're much too young of men
To carry such heavy heads
And tonight for the first time
It felt good to be alive
Yeah, we're much too young of men
To carry such heavy heads
And tonight for the first time
It felt good to be alive again, my friend
Only thing we know
It's getting dark and we'd better go
And the only thing we see
Are the despairs of the day
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I
And if you're too tired
Go to sleep my brothers, I'm all right to drive
gaia 3465
gaslight anthem, I love you. in all my 27 years, you're the only band I can genuinely call mine...we all find bands and musicians like that and you're mine. thanks for making a difference in my life.
Richard Keyser
Easily some of the best music made in the past 20 years
EdTalks
I just had the opportunity to meet Brian by chance in the airport and I almost cried. Your comment hit the nail on the head and I thanked him for changing my life.
C.W. Richardson 3
There mine too, don't be greedy
oscar balderas
totally agree
sda casl
I was listening to Brian in an interview for the iTunes session and he said the one thing they all keep with them is the faith to the early fans of the band, and before they release ANYTHING they make sure they're not screwing over the early fans, and that they remain true to their roots. So I don't think you'll have that problem, they're all ridiculously awesome people.
Ashley Loupé
I remember listening to this song in high school. Great band, one of the few still out there.
Micha Flores
lol this was like 7 years ago.... most of the bands will last at least that :p
<3 tga
Rafael Botello
this has to be one of the most amazing songs i have heard this year.
FURN Gonzalez
I was there too foo... 🖕 How u been?. Los bukis reunion tour with gaslight anthem.. whaaaa. Jk. But imagine??