Cat Cohen's Songwriters' Community Website Temporary Archive

DRIVE BY by Train

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An emotional song expressing regret after a romantic breakup.

Concept
A jilted lover sings his heart out after his ex leaves him after a misunderstanding.

Lyric
Expressive words with contemporary images, clever phrases, tight rhymes. VERSE On the other side of a street I knew Stood a girl that looked like you I guess that's déjà vu But I thought this can't be true 'Cause you moved to west LA Or New York or Santa Fe Or wherever to get away from me PRECHORUS Oh but that one night Was more than just right I didn't leave you 'cause I was all through Oh I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell Because I really fell for you CHORUS Oh I swear to you I'll be there for you This is not a drive by Just a shy guy looking for a two-ply Hefty bag to hold my love When you move me everything is groovy They don't like it sue me Mmm the way you do me Oh I swear to you I'll be there for you This is not a drive by

Groove
A passionate driving uptempo 8th note groove with overlaid 16ths and 16th fills.

Melody
A well-crafted melody in minor scale that is perfect prosody with the troubled message in the lyrics. The three distinct sections build up to an intense chorus, with a slower moving bridge that makes an excellent contrast.

Harmony
The chords are all based on diatonic minor, which effectively color the pain and and disappointment in the lyrics. i bVI bIII bVII (2x) // iv bVI i V iv bVI Vsus V // bVI bIII bVII i V bVI bIII bVII iv V

Structure
A B C A B C D A C Verse Prehook Chorus Verse Prehook Chorus Bridge Verse Chorus

Signature
The sung hook is presented a capella to introduce the song.

Production
The production is clean, efficient, and moves forward with relentless energy and emotion.

Performance
Sung with passion, honesty, and attitude. The vocalist's range shows off his intense feelings.

Predicted Longevity
This classic expression of young adult love angst expressed directly and eloquently over driving music makes me think that this song will be around for a while.