About the Song
"Drive" is a song by American rock band the Cars from their fifth studio album, Heartbeat City (1984). It was released on July 23, 1984, as the album's third single. Written by Ric Ocasek, the track was sung by bassist Benjamin Orr and produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange with the band. Upon its release, "Drive" became the Cars' highest-charting single in most territories. In the United States, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart. It reached number five in the United Kingdom, number four in West Germany, number six in Canada and number three in Ireland.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
"Drive" can be interpreted as an exploration of emotional vulnerability and longing. For many listeners, the song evokes feelings of introspection and connection, reflecting on the complexities of relationships. The yearning expressed in the lyrics may resonate with those who have experienced the bittersweet nature of love and the desire for understanding. The music's melancholic yet captivating melody amplifies these themes, creating a poignant backdrop for the message. Ultimately, the track invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences, allowing for a personal interpretation that can vary widely.
Did You Know?
- The Cars were an American rock band formed in Boston in 1976.
- Emerging from the new wave scene in the late 1970s, they consisted of Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums).
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: Complete Greatest Hits
- Genre: Rock
- iTunes release date: February 1, 1984
- Track runtime: 3:54
- Listed artist: The Cars
Video Snapshot
- Video title: The Cars – Drive (Official Music Video)
- YouTube channel: RHINO
- Video published: January 22, 2013
- Video runtime: 4 minutes, 1 second
- YouTube views when drafted: 276,851,314
- YouTube likes when drafted: 1,384,395
- YouTube comments when drafted: 53,839
Quick Facts
- Artist: CARS
- Song: DRIVE
- Album/collection: Complete Greatest Hits
- Genre: Rock
- Reference page: Drive (The Cars song)



