8
e.p.d.f. Lyrics
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The fields divided one-by-one
And the train conductor says
"Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break
We've been on this shift too long"
And the train conductor says
"Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break
I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm
The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged
Bells are ringing through the town again
The children look up, all they hear is sky-blue, bells ringing
And the train conductor says
"Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break
We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away"
But it's still a ways away
But we're still a ways away
But it's still a ways away
Way to shield the hated heat
Way to put myself to sleep
Way to shield the hated heat
Way to put myself, my children to sleep
He piloted this song in a plane like that one
She is selling faith on the Go Tell crusade
Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent, hear the bells ring again
Field to weed is lookin' thin
And the train conductor says
"Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break
We've been on this shift too long"
And the train conductor says
"Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break
We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away"
But it's still a ways away
But we're still a ways away
But it's still a ways away
The song “Driver 8” by R.E.M. has a nostalgic and melancholic vibe to it, as it describes a journey through a changing landscape, observed from the perspective of a train conductor talking to the driver. The opening lines set the scene: “The walls are built up stone by stone / The fields divided one-by-one”. The sense of progress and development is palpable, but it also implies a loss of personal connection to the land and possibly a sense of alienation. The train conductor’s repeated refrain to “take a break” emphasizes the theme of fatigue and the need for a pause, both physically and emotionally.
The lyrics continue with images of nature and technology coexisting in a precarious balance, such as a treehouse “on the outskirts of the farm” and “floaters” on power lines. The ringing of bells can be interpreted as a call to action or as a religious reference, highlighting another way of finding meaning in a rapidly-changing world. The repeated lines “But it’s still a ways away / But we’re still a ways away” suggest that both the destination and the resolution to the conflicts raised in the song are still uncertain, leaving the listener with a sense of tension and anticipation.
Line by Line Meaning
The walls are built up stone by stone
Slowly and steadily, things are changing and developing around us
The fields divided one-by-one
As society is evolving, so are the ways in which we utilize land and divide properties
And the train conductor says 'Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break, We've been on this shift too long'
In the midst of all this progress, we must remember to take breaks and rest from our work
We can reach our destination but we're still a ways away
Although we may be making progress towards our goals, there is still a long journey ahead
I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm
In the midst of this changing society, we must remember to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of nature
The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged
As technology advances, we must also make accommodations to ensure safety and protection from harm
Bells are ringing through the town again, The children look up, all they hear is sky-blue, bells ringing
Amidst all of the chaos and progress around us, there are still moments of peace and beauty that we can appreciate
Way to shield the hated heat, Way to put myself to sleep, Way to shield the hated heat, Way to put myself, my children to sleep
Sometimes we must find ways to cope with the difficulties and hardships of life, and find comfort and solace for ourselves and our loved ones
He piloted this song in a plane like that one, She is selling faith on the Go Tell crusade, Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent, hear the bells ring again, Field to weed is lookin' thin
The world is always changing and evolving, and there are many different people and industries that contribute to this progress
But it's still a ways away, But we're still a ways away, But it's still a ways away
Despite all of these changes and advancements, there is still a long road ahead towards achieving our goals and dreams
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills, Michael Stipe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind