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Drive: Thursday Inspiration

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Written for Thursday Inspiration #317 –
“You May Be Right”. Here’s my response.

© 80s TV

For this week’s Thursday Inspiration, Jim Adams asks us to respond to the challenge by using the prompt word ‘drive’, referring to the song “You May Be Right”, by Billy Joel or any other song by him, or a song that embraces personal recklessness, madness, and chaotic behavior, essentially admitting to being crazy while justifying it to a more reserved partner, or whatever we think fits.

When music fans think of The Cars, that seminal new wave band formed in Boston in 1976, they might think of videos with Ric Ocasek’s eyebrow arching over his sunglasses or their albums full of up-tempo tracks. Yet, those who were around for the magical musical year of 1984 probably remember quite a different side to the band, the one they displayed on their heartbreaker of a hit, “Drive.” Unlike “You Might Think” and “Magic” …. their turbo-charged hits from 1984 …. “Drive” was a ballad. And while those other two songs were sung by Ocasek, who wrote all The Cars material, he gave “Drive” over to bassist Benjamin Orr to sing. Orr, who sang on previous Cars hits like “Just What I Needed” was the wise choice. “Drive” demanded tenderness and emotional connection to the words; the lonely ache in Orr’s voice haunted and captivated listeners.

The lyrics are a series of questions asked to an unnamed young woman who, we believe, is an alcoholic or suffering from a mental health issue. The woman is played beautifully by Ocasek’s wife, Paulina Porizkova, model and author. Subtle shadings in Orr’s delivery vary the narrator’s demeanor with each question. At times he shows the sympathy of a friend, one who’s genuinely concerned for the woman’s well-being. At others he seems more like a jilted suitor, frustrated with her inability to see the figurative cliff she’s fast approaching. After repeatedly asking “Who’s gonna drive you home tonight”, he just seems resigned to the sad fact that the common answer to all of his questions about who will save her is a resounding “no one”.

This is “Drive” by the Cars

Thursday Inspiration #317 You May Be Right

Many thanks to Jim Adams for this week’s inspiration. Thanks to you all for stopping by for a look and a listen.

That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2025

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26 thoughts on “Drive: Thursday Inspiration”

      1. That’s a shame. It was David Bowie introducing the video, which was played in full. Not region-restricted but it did require a click through to YouTube as age-restricted. Sorry you didn’t see it. The Colin Dean one was very interesting, thank you. I remember that follow-up visit.

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  10. I always loved this song, but I never thought about the lyrics, and I love it even more now that you explained what is going on in this song, Nancy. The relatable, poignant lyrics about care, addiction, and the, often, futile attempt to save someone from themselves is a perfect match for the prompt, great choice.

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