The Enduring Legacy of “Drive” by The Cars

The Story Of… ‘Drive‘ by The Cars

Who Wrote ‘Drive‘?

The iconic 1984 ballad ‘Drive‘ by The Cars was written by the band‘s primary singer-songwriter, Ric Ocasek. However, the song’s vocals were performed by the band‘s bassist, Benjamin Orr. Orr, who had also previously sung on The Cars’ first hit ‘Just What I Needed,’ delivered a haunting and emotional rendition of ‘Drive.’ Tragically, Orr passed away in 2000 after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. In honor of Orr, ‘Drive‘ was played at his memorial service during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The Story Behind ‘Drive‘

‘Drive‘ stands out among The Cars’ energetic and ironic songs with its melancholic tone. The lyrics, written from the perspective of a person observing someone else’s downward spiral, evoke sympathy and despair. Lines such as “who’s gonna pick you up when you fall?”, “who’s gonna pay attention to your dreams?” and the iconic chorus, “who’s gonna drive you home?” capture the narrator’s resignation that no one will be there to provide support.

Whether the narrator is an old friend or a past lover, the lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and yearning. The poignant lyrics, coupled with Benjamin Orr’s ghostly vocal recording, created a haunting and emotional experience for listeners. ‘Drive‘ became a worldwide hit and deeply resonated with music lovers around the globe.

The Idea Behind the Music Video

The music video for ‘Drive‘ was created during the height of MTV’s popularity when music videos played a crucial role in the promotion of songs. Despite Ric Ocasek’s initial reluctance to include automotive imagery in the video, ‘Drive‘ featured a concept that involved both car-related scenes and emotional storytelling.

The video, directed by actor Timothy Hutton, alternates between Benjamin Orr singing in a dusty bar and scenes depicting the central character’s breakdown in a haunted bedroom. The video’s concept, which was in line with the song’s sentiment, resonated with both the band management and Ocasek. Hutton and Ocasek developed a close friendship during the process, and later on, Hutton cast Ocasek in his 1987 film, ‘Made in Heaven.’ Furthermore, the model in the music video, Paulina Porizkova, went on to marry Ric Ocasek.

‘Drive‘ Performance and Impact

Upon its release as the third single from The Cars’ album ‘Heartbeat City’ in 1985, ‘Drive‘ became the band‘s highest-charting single. It reached number three on the US Billboard charts and number five in the UK charts, while also achieving top-ten positions in various other countries.

The song’s impact grew significantly after it was featured during the montage clips at Live Aid in 1985, which highlighted the Ethiopian famine and the purpose of the benefit concert. The Cars performed ‘Drive‘ at the Philadelphia leg of the historic event. However, it was David Bowie’s introduction of the emotionally charged montage at Wembley Stadium that gave the song a whole new meaning for the UK audience.

In response to the montage’s powerful portrayal, the song re-entered the UK charts at an even higher position than its original release, peaking at number four. When The Cars re-released ‘Drive,’ proceeds from the song’s sales raised nearly £160,000 for the Band Aid Trust, further cementing the emotional impact and legacy of the song.

‘Drive‘ Ban in the UK

In 1996, following the tragic death of Princess Diana, several radio stations in the UK, including XFM, decided to ban songs with driving-related themes out of respect for the general public’s sensitivities. ‘Drive‘ was banned from being played, alongside other songs such as Radiohead’s ‘Airbag’ and anything by the Crash Test Dummies. The station feared that playing such songs could offend or upset listeners during a period of collective mourning.

Cover Versions of ‘Drive‘

Over the years, numerous artists from different genres have covered ‘Drive‘ by The Cars. Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley, put a reggae spin on the song, while metal band Deftones and Irish pop band The Script also tried their hand at covering the ballad. Another notable cover version is by country star Tim McGraw, who gave his own acoustic rendition of ‘Drive‘ in 2019.

The fact that artists from diverse musical backgrounds have chosen to cover ‘Drive‘ is a testament to the song’s enduring power and appeal. It stands as a testament to The Cars’ legacy and the emotional depth of the ballad.

Editorial: The Enduring Impact of ‘Drive‘

The Cars’ ‘Drive‘ remains an enduring classic that continues to resonate with listeners more than three decades after its release. Its emotional depth and thought-provoking lyrics have solidified its place in the pantheon of the 1980s‘ greatest ballads.

The song’s poignant themes of yearning, helplessness, and the longing for connection strike a chord with listeners, even today. The powerful combination of Benjamin Orr’s haunting vocals and Ric Ocasek’s heartfelt songwriting make ‘Drive‘ an immortal piece of music.

Furthermore, the enduring impact of ‘Drive‘ extends beyond the music itself. The song’s use during the Live Aid benefit concert introduced it to a global audience, elevating its meaning and generating support for charitable causes. The fact that the song was re-released with proceeds benefiting the Band Aid Trust highlights its ability to inspire action and make a positive difference in the world.

‘Drive‘ also serves as a reminder of the timeless power of music videos. The artistic vision behind the video, combined with the performances of the band members and the director’s storytelling, created a visual narrative that amplifies the emotional depth of the song. The connection between music and visuals showcased in the ‘Drive‘ video continues to influence and shape the music industry today.

In conclusion, ‘Drive‘ by The Cars is more than just a hit song from the 1980s. It is a timeless ballad that captures the universal experience of longing and the search for connection. The emotional impact of the song, as well as its lasting legacy, solidify its place as one of the most significant contributions to the music landscape of the era.