Written for Thursday Inspiration #317 –
“You May Be Right”. Here’s my response.
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
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
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Seems almost like a premonition of things to come for Paulina when Ric died.
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That’s quite an image, Lois. Such a great video. Thanks for your thoughts.
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A beautiful song. Over here it is forever associated with the video the BBC made for Live Aid that uses it as the music supporting the awful images of famine:
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This video didn’t come through, Clive. I found another one which I was reluctant to post but did because of the message by Colin Dean. Maybe you can open it.
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I think we are all a bit crazy in our own way … well, I’m feeling lazy and crazy today, Nancy …
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Cool song, dear Ivor! Look like an enormous crowd of people. Thanks!
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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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I feel the same way about this song, Jim, and I’ve been wanting to write about it for a while. Today’s TI was the perfect vehicle. Thanks for a great inspiration.
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