R.E.M. — Drive
Album: Automatic for the PeopleAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3187
Length: 4:24
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Smack, crack, bushwhacked
Tie another one to your racks, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
What if I ride, what if you walk?
What if you rock around the clock?
Tick-tock, tick-tock
What if you did, what if you walk?
What if you tried to get off, baby?
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Maybe you rocked around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Ollie, ollie, ollie ollie ollie
Ollie ollie in come free, baby
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Smack, crack, shack-a-lack
Tie another one to your backs, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
Maybe you did, maybe you walk
Maybe you rock around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Hey kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby, baby, baby
Tie another one to your racks, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
What if I ride, what if you walk?
What if you rock around the clock?
Tick-tock, tick-tock
What if you did, what if you walk?
What if you tried to get off, baby?
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Maybe you rocked around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby
Ollie, ollie, ollie ollie ollie
Ollie ollie in come free, baby
Hey, kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Smack, crack, shack-a-lack
Tie another one to your backs, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby
Maybe you did, maybe you walk
Maybe you rock around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby
Hey kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby
Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby, baby, baby
Comments (169)add comment
our childhood at the end 90's was insane. so natural relationships, no mobile phone. missing it
Great opener to an exquisite album.
2 => 1.
Sucks.
Skip.
Sucks.
Skip.
R.E.M. is hit or miss for me. This tune is a HIT. GREAT TUNE! Thanx RP! 
MM_Prague wrote:
30 and counting. Ouch!
Timeless and easy to freshen up.
30 and counting. Ouch!
Timeless and easy to freshen up.
treatment_bound wrote:
30 and counting. Ouch!
Now 25 years old...HELP!
30 and counting. Ouch!
These guys went from being the Best Band in America (I caught them on the tour for their first album, and the Document one) to doing truly horrendous stuff like this. Bring back Bill Berry!
Those are some pathetic lyrics.
Those are some pathetic lyrics.
Damn I can’t believe I never rated this.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, 8 on the o’clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock, 8 on the o’clock
Listening closely... guitar tone is exquisite, bass is sublime, and haunting lyrics.
A hint of accordion and the strings adds the sparkles to the cake.
A hint of accordion and the strings adds the sparkles to the cake.
my kids introduced me to Song Exploder, a very interesting podcast, with REM talking about 'Try Not to Breath' from this album. It was well worth the listen.
treatment_bound wrote:
Don't worry, you'll die eventually.
Now 25 years old...HELP!
Don't worry, you'll die eventually.
Never understood what the hell he was singing about here but love the song. Classic early 90’s
. Solid 2 for boring.What a way to open an album
Good Tune!
californiatwin wrote:
Maybe you're crazy in the head
Drive - me insane - this crap sucks!
Maybe you're crazy in the head
treatment_bound wrote:
almost 30... dear god
Now 25 years old...HELP!
almost 30... dear god
RP is rocking my Grados!
Skydog wrote:
Not offensive, but having witnessed the evolution of the band, especially the early years, I must reply "au contraire mon fere"!
OK, I just don't like REM, they seem phony to me.
Like they are just posing and pulling the wool over our eyes.
I apologize to all if this comment is found to be offensive.
Not offensive, but having witnessed the evolution of the band, especially the early years, I must reply "au contraire mon fere"!
Mike Mills is the best musician in REM and his bass playing on this one is but one example.
When this was released, I kept waiting for the climax of the song. It was so frustrating there was none (in my adolescent brain a musical climax could only exist of musicians going berserk, doing damage to their vocal chords, leaving behind a trail of smashed musical instruments).
Fortunately this song grew on me (as did my brain, hopefully 🙂). Even got to see them perform live just before the band broke up... Good times. Keep 'em coming RP!
Fortunately this song grew on me (as did my brain, hopefully 🙂). Even got to see them perform live just before the band broke up... Good times. Keep 'em coming RP!
DoctorHooey wrote:
Yeah and somehow that's the appeal !
That, and the sonic atmosphere
I've grown to like this song over the years but it feels oddly non-directional. Doesn't really go anywhere, just around and around. Especially given how expert REM were at writing hooks, this tune lacks one IMO. The sounds are great, the structure has no lift. Maybe it's on purpose? It's just flat.
Yeah and somehow that's the appeal !
That, and the sonic atmosphere
I've grown to like this song over the years but it feels oddly non-directional. Doesn't really go anywhere, just around and around. Especially given how expert REM were at writing hooks, this tune lacks one IMO. The sounds are great, the structure has no lift. Maybe it's on purpose? It's just flat.
I keep waiting for a Dave Gilmour guitar solo . . .
When that guitar kicks in.... Just get Raoul to chuck the radio in the bathtub with me ;-)
distinctive sound from the lads from Athens, GA
francesco_insyde wrote:
I opt for a nine...
+1 to join you at the 9....I recently went through the "listen to this album a few times in a row" phase to remind myself how freaking great this album was in my Sophomore year of high school even with this NOT being my 'cup-o'tea' at the time; it's a GREAT record and Long Live RP!!
I opt for a nine...
+1 to join you at the 9....I recently went through the "listen to this album a few times in a row" phase to remind myself how freaking great this album was in my Sophomore year of high school even with this NOT being my 'cup-o'tea' at the time; it's a GREAT record and Long Live RP!!
user4176 wrote:
Are you sure it's not more of a 7.498822175? Or even a 7.50178276219?
I opt for a nine...
Are you sure it's not more of a 7.498822175? Or even a 7.50178276219?
I opt for a nine...
frandoms wrote:
Are you sure it's not more of a 7.498822175? Or even a 7.50178276219?
7——>7.5
Are you sure it's not more of a 7.498822175? Or even a 7.50178276219?
Skydog wrote:
No need to apologise Skydog - it's an opinion, just like others.
Personally am ambivalent toward this group - neither here nor there for me.
OK, I just don't like REM, they seem phony to me.
Like they are just posing and pulling the wool over our eyes.
I apologize to all if this comment is found to be offensive.
Like they are just posing and pulling the wool over our eyes.
I apologize to all if this comment is found to be offensive.
No need to apologise Skydog - it's an opinion, just like others.
Personally am ambivalent toward this group - neither here nor there for me.
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
I agree with TJ. This was their defining album for me. But I'm kind of weird like that. I think Animals is Floyd's best.
Nope you are right. Animals is Floyd's best.
I agree with TJ. This was their defining album for me. But I'm kind of weird like that. I think Animals is Floyd's best.
Nope you are right. Animals is Floyd's best.
Now 25 years old...HELP!
Evokes beautiful memories. Aahhh the 90s...my youth.
TJOpootertoot wrote:
I agree with TJ. This was their defining album for me. But I'm kind of weird like that. I think Animals is Floyd's best.
Two or three great songs? This is one of the definitive albums of the 1990s and probably REM's best.
This is a good song but it's part of a great album.
This is a good song but it's part of a great album.
I agree with TJ. This was their defining album for me. But I'm kind of weird like that. I think Animals is Floyd's best.
lowelltr wrote:
Really? I think this and Nightswimming are among their best! Love this one, so evocative.
Love REM...except this song - its easily their worst one. How about dropping this and adding Nightswimming instead? 
Really? I think this and Nightswimming are among their best! Love this one, so evocative.
TJOpootertoot wrote:
Two or three great songs? This is one of the definitive albums of the 1990s and probably REM's best.
This is a good song but it's part of a great album.
Their best? No. Good? Mostly. Everything that came before was better, though.
Two or three great songs? This is one of the definitive albums of the 1990s and probably REM's best.
This is a good song but it's part of a great album.
Their best? No. Good? Mostly. Everything that came before was better, though.
Mere Drive....l.
lowelltr wrote:
Nightswimming is in the library and also one of their best efforts especially impressive considering most of their stuff post Out of Time is dreck.
Love REM...except this song - its easily their worst one. How about dropping this and adding Nightswimming instead?
Nightswimming is in the library and also one of their best efforts especially impressive considering most of their stuff post Out of Time is dreck.
Tick...tock...tick..tock..
Fabulous song from a landmark album! Couldn't get enough of it when it came out and it sure sounds good now...POWERFUL STUFF
Love REM...except this song - its easily their worst one. How about dropping this and adding Nightswimming instead?
OK, I just don't like REM, they seem phony to me.
Like they are just posing and pulling the wool over our eyes.
I apologize to all if this comment is found to be offensive.
Like they are just posing and pulling the wool over our eyes.
I apologize to all if this comment is found to be offensive.
7——>7.5
teleskialaska wrote:
He certainly is. He also did the string arrangements for songs on this album.
No disrespect but John Paul Jones is one of the musical geniuses of Led Zeppelin.
He certainly is. He also did the string arrangements for songs on this album.
11! 
richlister wrote:
I live in an alien space craft now... everybody in my alien space craft loves this song, and this whole album...
hope life is grand for you right now, richlister...
But they think you're a twat.
I live in an alien space craft now... everybody in my alien space craft loves this song, and this whole album...
hope life is grand for you right now, richlister...
"Outstanding song from an "Outstanding album. Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my church loves this song... and this whole album...
But they think you're a twat.
Everybody in my church loves this song... and this whole album...
But they think you're a twat.
Lovely tune.....as always a lot of beautiful images and messages...I used to listen R.E.M. Big time....
eismann88 wrote:
For my money, the best album of the entire album era. But that's just me ;)
from the best rem album ever 
For my money, the best album of the entire album era. But that's just me ;)
Great REM song..I have not heard this one in a long time.
No disrespect but John Paul Jones is one of the musical geniuses of Led Zeppelin.
Everybody in my church loves this song... and this whole album...
John Paul Jones strings are outstanding here...
no words to say...
Very nice!!
A tolerable R.E.M. song.
from the best rem album ever
One of my fav R.E.M. songs. It always amazes me how they continually can spew out great songs.
I've never been a big REM fan, but love the guitar in this song
Couldn't have said it better myself!
romeotuma wrote:
This song is good for the ears...
romeotuma wrote:
This song is good for the ears...
TJOpootertoot wrote:
My vote for their best would go to Out of Time, but there's no doubt that this is an incredible album.
Two or three great songs? This is one of the definitive albums of the 1990s and probably REM's best.
My vote for their best would go to Out of Time, but there's no doubt that this is an incredible album.
Not OK, computer
gandalfbmg wrote:
Definitely one of the very best albums of the 90's, and maybe a toss-up between this Automatic and Life's Rich Pageant for the best of their career, this one to me maybe wins by a hair...
I know I've posted this before, but one of my all time favorite album of any genre. Love it.
Definitely one of the very best albums of the 90's, and maybe a toss-up between this Automatic and Life's Rich Pageant for the best of their career, this one to me maybe wins by a hair...
I know I've posted this before, but one of my all time favorite album of any genre. Love it.
TJOpootertoot wrote:
Two or three great songs? This is one of the definitive albums of the 1990s and probably REM's best.
This is a good song but it's part of a great album.
Definitely one of the very best albums of the 90's, and maybe a toss-up between this Automatic and Life's Rich Pageant for the best of their career, this one to me maybe wins by a hair...
Two or three great songs? This is one of the definitive albums of the 1990s and probably REM's best.
This is a good song but it's part of a great album.
Definitely one of the very best albums of the 90's, and maybe a toss-up between this Automatic and Life's Rich Pageant for the best of their career, this one to me maybe wins by a hair...
Makes me want to go to Weaver D's for lunch.
Monster wrote:
Me too, what you said!
I once drove to Athens to see the Restaurant with the "Automatic for the People" sign out front... I love Athens...and I love R.E.M
Me too, what you said!
Shimmer wrote:
Two or three great songs? This is one of the definitive albums of the 1990s and probably REM's best.
This is a good song but it's part of a great album.
One of the better "R.E.M. Lite" tunes, which isn't really saying much. This album does have two or three great songs on it, though.
Two or three great songs? This is one of the definitive albums of the 1990s and probably REM's best.
This is a good song but it's part of a great album.
R.E.M did a fantastic set on Austin City Limits which aired Oct. 4th 2008. I had R.E.M spinning around
in my head for several days. Great artists, perhaps a tad on the somber side.
Monster wrote:
I once drove to Athens to see the Restaurant with the "Automatic for the People" sign out front... I love Athens...and I love R.E.M
Pretty fond of this place myself. Wasn't much of a R.E.M. fan in their prime, but they have grown on me with time. I remember listening to the University of Georgia college station (WUOG) do an interview with the band (1980) about their club shows in NYC and some recording sessions to come. Maybe it was '81? Such a long time ago!
One of the better "R.E.M. Lite" tunes, which isn't really saying much. This album does have two or three great songs on it, though.
after a pretty good Cure show in San Jose last night, I was hoping to catch REM in Berkely this weekend...who knows, still might happen. They are afterall, one of the all-time greats.
This is awesome CD!
i'm one of those people that feel they got less interesting when they left IRS
this is an okay song but the first 3-4 albums are really great - not trite at all
musikalia wrote:
What a well-put and valid point! I have learned to put my negative opinions in a more respectful way here on RP, and it seems kind of silly to me that sometimes people feel like only positive praise should be expressed here. It also makes no sense to me that sometimes people get personally offended that someone else on the planet disagrees with their musical taste or doesn't hear what they hear or appreciate the song they love. How boring would life be if everyone had the same opinions!?true, with the exception that REM is great, and people that don't like them are dumb.
What a well-put and valid point! I have learned to put my negative opinions in a more respectful way here on RP, and it seems kind of silly to me that sometimes people feel like only positive praise should be expressed here. It also makes no sense to me that sometimes people get personally offended that someone else on the planet disagrees with their musical taste or doesn't hear what they hear or appreciate the song they love. How boring would life be if everyone had the same opinions!?Drive - me insane - this crap sucks!
macadavy wrote:
For pushkinjim & superfido: I wish you wretches would quit retching here (or at least learn to spell).
REM rocks!
The extra "w' stands for Warner Brothers, a period when they sucked more, or sucked less , depending on your view.
To me they just suck on whatever label, whenever and wherever. Woowoo!
WWWWwwwwwWWWWWW
pushkinjim wrote:
I wretch after one time hearing them. Please - no more REM!
For pushkinjim & superfido: I wish you wretches would quit retching here (or at least learn to spell).
REM rocks!
Always good to hear a R.E.M. song. One of the pioneer bands of the alternative rock era. Interesting music transition period. Well done.
sugarbaby wrote:
from their best album..
Definitely. Probably one of my 2-3 all time favorite albums as well.
thewiseking wrote:
trite.
I have yet to hear an REM song that doesn't merit this description.
Monster wrote:
I once drove to Athens to see the Restaurant with the "Automatic for the People" sign out front... I love Athens...and I love R.E.M
Cool! I think the place is called "Weaver D's", right?
How was the food?
P.S.-where is Shittown located in KY?
thewiseking wrote:
not one of their better efforts.
trite.
I once drove to Athens to see the Restaurant with the "Automatic for the People" sign out front... I love Athens...and I love R.E.M
not one of their better efforts.
trite.
This is great, 8 
superfido wrote:
The thing is is that they are so damn whiney and they sound the same all the time. boo hoo. wretch after a million times hearing them.
I wretch after one time hearing them. Please - no more REM!
shakitten wrote: What a well-put and valid point! I have learned to put my negative opinions in a more respectful way here on RP, and it seems kind of silly to me that sometimes people feel like only positive praise should be expressed here. It also makes no sense to me that sometimes people get personally offended that someone else on the planet disagrees with their musical taste or doesn't hear what they hear or appreciate the song they love. How boring would life be if everyone had the same opinions!?
I wouldn't say that voicing an opinion is the same as sticking knives in others backs...there is a line between expressing yourself and tearing down others. If I called you a derogatory name because you liked REM, then I am disrespecting you. But if I merely say that I dislike any REM after the Green Album, that's my opinion and hurts no one else.
Respecting others is important, and respecting yourself is also valuable. You can do both and create some interesting dialogue.
What a well-put and valid point! I have learned to put my negative opinions in a more respectful way here on RP, and it seems kind of silly to me that sometimes people feel like only positive praise should be expressed here. It also makes no sense to me that sometimes people get personally offended that someone else on the planet disagrees with their musical taste or doesn't hear what they hear or appreciate the song they love. How boring would life be if everyone had the same opinions!?
Barman wrote:
But did you ever take a minute to consider the tension between the music, the stupid rock'n'roll lyrics and the way Stipe sings them, as in a kind of funeral or wake?
Well, try now. 
Precisely. Thank you. Stipe presents quite the ominous (and relavent) commentary on this one. Great track, phenomenal album.
The IRS vs WB years dialogue is wearying and completely played out, BTW. We get it already; you think REM's music became soulless or undistinguished or complacent or whatever. Sorry, but ample listening to the latter stuff reveals some really fine music. The band has had a dynamic career, a most interesting arc, IMO.
taterflatpicker wrote:
Ok..an 8 only because they played the Drumstick back in '83 before they were kewl. Damn, I had hair back then and a pocket full o' lewds!
erm, wouldn't that be "a pocket full of 'ludes"?
Or did you have a pocket full of lecherous people?!
Bill, nooooo! I'm trying to wake up!
"Ahh, so nice and mellow... I could just...NO! I'm awake! Really, I'm awake!"
You wanna see polarizing, look up AC/DC.
"Drive" is a wonderful tune from a great album.
slowhand wrote:
What a polarising group REM is...such love/hate in the RP listeners.
Not so, look at the rating distribution. It is just a small number of the haters (about 9 persons) that are vocal.
from their best album..
nctomatoman wrote:
Great song from one of my desert island discs, Automatic for the People - to me the high point of their art.
shakitten wrote:
I wouldn't say that voicing an opinion is the same as sticking knives in others backs...there is a line between expressing yourself and tearing down others. If I called you a derogatory name because you liked REM, then I am disrespecting you. But if I merely say that I dislike any REM after the Green Album, that's my opinion and hurts no one else.
Think of it this way...would you never wear blue again if you knew that the color might offend someone? What about wearing a cologne? Combing your hair a certain way? See, expression is important, and vital to art (like REM...they express their own opinions regularly)) and life.
Respecting others is important, and respecting yourself is also valuable. You can do both and create some interesting dialogue.
Great song from one of my desert island discs, Automatic for the People - to me the high point of their art.
This is about the last song by REM that I actually liked.
One of their best songs ever, imo.
slowhand wrote:
What a polarising group REM is...such love/hate in the RP listeners.
I feel sorry for the haters...I dislike some music myself but I don't comment negatively about it to the people who love it - I respect their love of music that I may not "get or understand". I have found that I cannot expect this of others though. Some like to stick knives in others backs.
I wouldn't say that voicing an opinion is the same as sticking knives in others backs...there is a line between expressing yourself and tearing down others. If I called you a derogatory name because you liked REM, then I am disrespecting you. But if I merely say that I dislike any REM after the Green Album, that's my opinion and hurts no one else.
Think of it this way...would you never wear blue again if you knew that the color might offend someone? What about wearing a cologne? Combing your hair a certain way? See, expression is important, and vital to art (like REM...they express their own opinions regularly)) and life.
Respecting others is important, and respecting yourself is also valuable. You can do both and create some interesting dialogue.
Great song. REM and Pearl Jam are almost on the same level in my 80's-90's book...that's saying a lot. These dudes know what they're doing.
slowhand wrote:
What a polarising group REM is. . . such love/hate in the RP listeners.
I feel sorry for the haters. . . I dislike some music myself but I don't comment negatively about it to the people who love it - I respect their love of music that I may not "get or understand". I have found that I cannot expect this of others though. Some like to stick knives in others backs.
Saying that you don't like REM,or even that they suck isn't sticking a knife in the back of REM fans anymore than liking them and saying so is sticking a knife in the back of people who don't.
If you are going to be disappointed everytime you find that you"cannot expect this of others" you are in for a rough life.
I try to worry more about what's inside of me rather than what's inside others. As long as I'm good, screw 'em.
Lest you think I'm being rude, I have a quote on my wall that I printed out a couple months ago---
" I dislike some things myself-I keep that to myself,negative thoughts hurt my quality of life. "
You might recognize the author,Slowhand, since you wrote it.
Of course while that may be good,sound advice for dealing with the real world, carrying it over into a song commentary forum is a little extreme.
Carissa wrote:
"Hey. Kids. Shake a leg.
Maybe you're crazy in the head."
Yeah, I think this song is the point at which I discreetly slipped off the REM bandwagon....
But did you ever take a minute to consider the tension between the music, the stupid rock'n'roll lyrics and the way Stipe sings them, as in a kind of funeral or wake?
Well, try now.
Everybody that hates post IRS REM need to find another band to appreciate. Michael Stipe is not listening.
robco1 wrote:
Now you know how an old ('69-'74) Genesis fan feels.
Amen to that.
lmic wrote:
Really, I think a lot of it is about disappointment...I'm among those who can't get past the chasm between the great stuff they did at IRS and now... We hate most that which we once loved. It's a thin line between love and hate, etc.
Have you sat down and listened to Automatic for the People in its entirety? It's really best appreciated as an album, and hearing individual songs on the radio doesn't really do justice to it as a work of art. Though I share your early-REM bias to a sizable degree and flat out refuse to listen to any of their recent drum-machine electronica, I'd suggest that ATFP stacks up rather nicely against any of their IRS catalog if you give it the time to sink in.
Personally I enjoy Monster as well, but that's a tougher listen and requires setting aside a few more prejudices.
lmic wrote:
Really, I think a lot of it is about disappointment...I'm among those who can't get past the chasm between the great stuff they did at IRS and now... We hate most that which we once loved. It's a thin line between love and hate, etc.
Now you know how an old ('69-'74) Genesis fan feels.
slowhand wrote:
What a polarising group REM is...such love/hate in the RP listeners.
Really, I think a lot of it is about disappointment...I'm among those who can't get past the chasm between the great stuff they did at IRS and now... We hate most that which we once loved. It's a thin line between love and hate, etc.
slowhand wrote:
What a polarising group REM is...such love/hate in the RP listeners.
I feel sorry for the haters...I dislike some music myself but ks.
The thing is is that they are so damn whiney and they sound the same all the time. boo hoo. wretch after a million times hearing them.
What happened to gardening at night? 
REM was sooooo much better when they were on IRS. The WB stuff is all crap. 
What a polarising group REM is...such love/hate in the RP listeners.
I feel sorry for the haters...I dislike some music myself but I don't comment negatively about it to the people who love it - I respect their love of music that I may not "get or understand". I have found that I cannot expect this of others though. Some like to stick knives in others backs.
caliwing wrote:
Awesome. I will NEVER get tired of hearing Buck's lightning-like guitar riff in the middle.
And I was always really impressed with the guitar tone in this one.
Especially coming from them.
Ok..an 8 only because they played the Drumstick back in '83 before they were kewl. Damn, I had hair back then and a pocket full o' lewds!
"Ollie ollie oken free" ?
Totally captures the state of (my) teenage apathy in the early 90s.
Bloody brilliant.
The only complete REM album that I like and enjoy (and consequently own)
Kevstar wrote:
This does not belong here...
Where does it belong? It's music and this is a music playing website.
Patti M.
Now 25 years old...HELP!
OMG!! Now…31?!?! SOS!!