Del Amitri Driving with the Brakes on with lyrics

Del Amitri Driving with the Brakes on with lyrics

[@Kashed]

This is one of best songs ever written. Del Amitri was so underrated as a band.

[@sandra3311]

kkash72 Don’t get me started! I’ve only fallen more in love with song over the course of 33 years. What other songs of theirs do you like (if you don’t mind me asking).

[@Kashed]

Sandra Most people don’t know what the song is about. Love this song but when I found out what it was about it blew my mind! They just got an abortion. I love Del Amitri. This is one of those albums that is awesome from start to finish!

[@chrisroberts5355]

The older I get the more I appreciate Del Amitri. This is definitely my favourite.

[@philhibberd6667]

kkash72 try brick by Ben folds. Same subject

[@vipdfw]

Seriously under rated..incredible songs

[@GrumpyColoradoDad]

Justin is one of the greatest songwriters ever...they should have been so much more mainstream.

[@vipdfw]

For sure thank God we got what they offered. Incredible music

[@dawnpatrol700]

Here in Jacksonville Florida, we had a radio station that played this and " here and now" back in 95. Not many stations played anything but " roll to me", which isn't half as great as this

[@johnblackett6279]

A great song also a great songwriter. 👍

[@jewelg9569]

So underrated and profound. So many memories, and now they are so distant. It sucks getting older...

[@johnshanhaus649]

This. Song. Listened on repeat when I bought this album and still gives me the feels to this day over 20 years later.

[@FRATZROCKET]

One of the worlds best kept secret. Absolutely phenomenal. Long Live Del Amitri.

[@crobbo86]

I love the simplicity of the line 'It's hard to say you love someone, and it's hard to say you don't'...so true and so well put

[@kathiemyrenaes954]

Definitely one of the best Del Amitri songs, or any song for that matter.

[@Ilfindafriendinthenextlife]

I just love this song i truly do... Such a sad story

[@vipdfw]

Nothing personal, but one of the best songs ever

[@dianeharrison4975]

so sad,makes me cry each time it hear,reminds me of someone in my past!songs bring back so many memories x

[@thepowerstation2702]

Word ✌️

[@chrisemp21]

This song is truly truly incredible no song in the world can stir emotions in me as much is this one does brilliance.

[@patriciascott7187]

one of my favourite songs ever

[@dianerobinson5336]

Loving that subtle guitar work. SO beautiful!!

[@chriseasdon3536]

Simply magnificent

[@YourLocalFireAlarmTech]

Memories... I remember my father playing this when I was little. We'd be riding around in the 99 Expedition we had while he played this... good times. It makes me cry to listen to this song.

[@alexleitch37]

a great song is powerful beyond description.

[@gothic9siren]

Thank you thank you thank you for being different :) Always be yourself and never question what feels right. This was me when I was growing up and still that way too. There's so much music and stuff in this world to uncover to get stuck on the glitter that's meant to distract from beauty in the world.

[@Rebecca-tg6cz]

To me this song symbolizes being in relationship with someone you don't truly love. But you continue to stay in a relationship because it's better than being alone.

[@josekma1]

Almost.... because she doesn't deserve to be all alone..... I can handle being alone

[@MotivatedMetalworks]

It's about getting an abortion and he didn't want to.

[@livewireOrourke]

@@MotivatedMetalworks I agree.

[@elpatoloco808]

It's about two people grappling with the feelings after an abortion.

[@ljc3484]

@@MotivatedMetalworks 🤕

[@dotnorwood9244]

I love every del amitri song there is

[@brrombroom]

My fav Del Amitri song!

[@willgatenby4118]

Mine too

[@aldovinerta]

one of my best songs ever, lyrics are so deep....happen to somme of us. Del Amitri´s nummer 1 song for me......

[@aldovinerta]

one of my best songs ever, lyrics are so deep....happen to somme of us.

[@jakesnake66]

Just Currie can express a nameless emotion like no other poet that's ever lived. Extraordinary statement of rather mundane topics. The Beatles, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan...all great...but Justin is another mind altogether. he can toss of a mind bendingly poignant observation like a rich man throws dollar bills at a shoe shine boy. He should be a millionaire a million times over if talent equaled financial reward. My God I'm glad we have his work. Bob Dylan is grade school compared.

[@rula42]

I love to play that song just with an acoustic guitar...awesome composition, real songwriting craft

[@Tom-qx3oq]

This song brings tears to my eyes. The shear beauty of lyric and voice. Also, because of what I believe the storyline to be. On a bit of a Del Amitri / Justin Currie kick right now, (still). So underrated / undervalued. "But she's got the wheel and I've got nothin except what I've got on...But she's got the wheel and I've got to deal from now on...But unless the moon falls tonight...unless continents collide".

[@CarlBewley]

@damos300 - yes I saw him about a year ago in Manchester. His songs, new and old, are just as powerful with only guitar and voice. Always loved Del Amitri, totally underrated (as most Scottish bands seem to be!).

[@cloudbuster66]

never gets old just gets better

[@williektf]

Seriously brilliant song. so underated.

[@mightymike4577]

Genius on so many levels its scary

[@alexleitch37]

Genius is as genius does!

[@alwaysguapo]

“Trying to keep the mood right, trying to steer the conversation from.... The thing we’ve done.” Better to not do something horrible and have to squash memories & feelings later. Instead, let something natural happen and “deal” with harsh realities to come. You’ll grow strong and proud without any regrets.

[@scottgoulet1776]

Great song!

[@dotnorwood9244]

My all time favourite del amitri song is spit in the rain

[@emmanaslund3060]

Best summer song EVER.

[@KatieGlass4595]

best song ever

[@carolsavino-lindell3619]

Interesting song!

[@ObaNarayanShivaji999]

That was just great!

[@damos300]

probably the finest most emotive and enigmatically honest song i think i have ever been compelled to press the repeat button afterwards and again. The lyrics are multi- layered with meaning especially ~ And we might get lost someplace so desolate that no-one where we're from would ever come~ is utterly gut wrenching for its vivid cast of despair and shame. Although obviously the song is about the drive home from the abortion clinic, the main theme is the realisation and proclamation of love

[@drutter]

He's not happy with her. They're closed off from each other. He feels powerless. She's bored of him. He's filled with regret at what they've done, but has no option but to deal with it. Ending the baby was her decision, and he wasn't man enough to speak up. It's hard to say you don't love someone. In the end, he professes that despite it all, he can't break free from her, and he's resigned to swimming with his boots on.

[@chriseasdon3536]

Truth

[@andergib]

There's no coming back from this.

[@chris79327]

my fav song ever!

[@victoriasutton9958]

This and Always the last to know are amazing songs x

[@homerungus]

Err this was released in May 1995, therefore not an 80's song. Best band ever (apart from The Beatles). All hail The Dels and Mr Currie! Check out his solo work. Awesome!

[@EmiilyLovesPlacebo]

das lied ist soo schön!! :-)

[@DonNicolson]

Awesome song folks

[@cloudbuster66]

pure class

[@antonieraaphorst8410]

Oldtimer41 The story of my life. Some day some one will play it for me on my way home

[@stewbeattie4316]

Brilliant

[@damianoewingo]

love it! i F**ING love del amitri!!!!!!!!!!

[@andy3576]

Excellent song.

[@Kenoath002]

This and Cold Chisels Choir Girl two amazing songs about the same subject from completely different perspectives

[@alexleitch37]

great insight man!

[@damos300]

@CarlBewley one of his best i think. I don't know if its just me or wishful thinking but there seems to be more del amitri on u-tube than ever, a great band who never attained the recognition they deserved. Have you listened to any of JC's more recent material ? my wife and i have been so impressed with it we bought ''what is love for'' from i-tunes the other day, played it through last night and loved it .

[@vhall244]

❤ you guys xx

[@nyaliscoochie]

:') this makes me cry :)

[@CaptainEVA]

Great song :)

[@gornalwizza]

Got my ticket Wolverhampton Feb 6th, Can't wait!! :-)

[@diabolikmitchell2960]

Who are the six people who gave this brilliant song a thumbs down? Wow. .

[@ahgaming9708]

They Probably Had There Screens Upside Down. XD

[@kllaire]

love this..

[@carlosgomez-vi1ni]

terrific song!!!!

[@lifesgreat9951]

Where did this band go? They'd loads of great songs.

[@taylorh4480]

they didn’t really go anywhere. they just hadn’t made a record since 2002 under the Del Amitri name until 2021. all of Justin Currie’s solo records are him and Ian, and he and Ian are Del Amitri. they just used Justins name on the albums until the new record “Fatal Mistakes”

[@yaaguinuma]

SOU APAIXONADA POR MÚSICA .... S2

[@cheeserockfan]

@CarlBewley Driving part is metaphorical. It's her body, she has the control... It's not all literal my friend.

[@101truthhurts]

What a brilliant song, like so many many others from this band. Shame on the so called music industry. Shame.

[@xXxGiLlMaCkxXx]

Beautiful :D x

[@holydreamstar]

80's music is great.

[@eal1]

But this is better

[@tonysantos2930]

WOW!!

[@dugnsuz]

Fuckin magic man!! Thankyou - my hands were up in the air...Much love - Doug

[@iansaints]

I always thought this song was about regret.

[@jenniferjack4346]

Haunted Garage!!!! Hey y'all!!! '92 h-town (713) y'all hearing me!?!

[@567-s5t]

有些歌不是“愛”～可以形容～而是”前世今生“累積的～命中早已注定的～”緣“

[@dougiewalls]

Ma wee Maws favourite band 😜 not this one specifically lol I introduced her to this one she didn't like it too much 😂

[@19Jansky91]

Memories ;(

[@YourLocalFireAlarmTech]

Jan Hörner Same here man...

[@natesstuff3913]

@@YourLocalFireAlarmTech r

[@ejflesher]

@iansaints It is.

[@damos300]

@CarlBewley I too would be interested to hear JC comment, which until then is only an opinion i admit. Imho though, there are several lines that support the hypothesis of abortion, [1]~trying to figure who's right and who's wrong now the kid has gone [2]~trying to steer the conversation from the thing we've done [3]~and we might get lost someplace so desolate that no-one where we're from would ever come References to her driving are tenuous as she has the wheel in the relationship not the car

[@sprucy434]

If he does break from you,and realizes what he walked away from-don't take him back.

[@whitepearl8639]

Iknow...

[@sscott21adi]

this song is a lot more poignant now i know the song is about abortion, originally thought it was just an argument. QUALITY A+++++++++++++++++++

[@alexleitch37]

My thought on this exceptional song - in the first verse they are on their way to an abortion clinic far far from their home. The mood is sullen though warlike. As there is great moral difference in what each partner wants to do. But the decision has been made "now the kid has gone". The pregnancy remains but the child's fate has been sealed. The child is still in the womb but in their minds "the kid is gone". The child is finished (as is any notion of keeping it and making their relationship as a family work). But they are still on their way to have the unborn unwanted child terminated. The singer pathetically laments that "I might be more a man if I stopped this in it's tracks and said C'mon - let's go home". But they continue on their way and the man laments "but she's got the wheel and I've got nothing except what I've got on" which may be a poetic artistic reference to his inability to financially support a mother and child. Or maybe he feels so morally bankrupt that he refers to his absolutely pathetic state of powerlessness. It may be him that's pushing for the abortion and the guilt and shame is killing him. For "its hard to say you love someone and it's hard to say you don't" which applies to the unborn child as well as to each other. In some ways the unborn child represents the parent's relationship. If they keep the child things may actually work out. But if they go through with the procedure the relationship will most likely fail. Perhaps that outcome is in his perceived best interest. As they drive to their morally fatal procedure they are "driving with the brakes on" - they want to go and they don't want to go. They've agreed to a decision but there is still time to change their minds. But he feels powerless as they have decided to abort the child "now the kid has gone". It's like it's already been done - but it hasn't. That is like 'swimming with your boots on" By the second verse they are on their way back - still "driving with their brakes on" because they don't want to go home and face their decision and they are literally leaving their dead child behind. It's a moral quagmire - they are trapped in a maze of their own indecision and poor planning. "She shuts up the ash tray" could be a reference to the aborted child being incinerated and that now that she is no longer pregnant it does not matter if she smokes or not. Perhaps she started to smoke once the decision was made to abort the unborn child and he is taking notice off this behaviour as it serves as confirmation that she should have aborted the child. It may, via denial, poetical give him licence to project blame and shame onto her and away from himself. Perhaps the ash tray represents the hell like destination of the dying of the once lit with life fire cigarette. This symbolism may be being drawn upon and cruelty contrasted with how simple it is to put a cigarette out and close the ash tray. Perhaps the ease of this is contrasted with the difficulty of aborting a child. But once it's done it may feel like just putting a cigarette out. And the closing being representative of an unwillingness to ever have more children with him. And if the dead child is symbolic of their relationship then they don't want to get home and he fantasises about simply not going home and just disappearing to a town "so desolate" where "no one where were from would ever come". They don't want to face the reality of the aborted child or the low chance their relationship will survive the event. The man is trying to make light and attempts to steer the conversation to normality. But she is driving the actual car and "glowing bronze" (like an emotionless statue). For he has heartlessly backed her into a corner and now she is giving him such little attention. He tries to trivialise with denial driven casual small talk by stating "it's a long way back now Hon" but she barely reacts. "She just yawns". For nothing he has to say has any weight in her now bruised and crushed world. Any chance he had to correct the end result vanished with his incapacity on their way there. He wasn't "more a man" and stayed silent. He describes the event as 'the thing we've done" but it's her body. The child was in her womb. There is no "we" - it's just her - on her own. Doubly abandoned. And he knows it - but he can't express it. It's too revelatory - too exposing. Then the man embraces the truth, the awkward and somewhat pathetic truth, that he will "stay by her side" unless "the moon falls or continents collide". Perhaps drawing on the imagery presented in the 4 Christian Gospels where at the death of Jesus, God Almighty, sends rain and lightening and shakes the ground with divine retribution in God's broken hearted pain and suffering. What just happened to Jesus is wrong - so very very wrong. God's divine anger rages at the slaughter of His beautiful Boy. The Creation itself reacts to the suffering and the brutal slaying and betrayal of beautiful and innocent Jesus. The guilty man, in the passenger seat, is skating on thin ice - he hopes with a lack of such overt and external signs God himself may not have noticed "the thing we've done". But if such consequential signs do appear he will, once again, desert her. For it's her that had the abortion. She's the one who did it. But if no such signs appear - he will be faithful and "stay by her side". Sad - but very human. It's the antitheses to the poetic proclamation of eternal love "aint no mountain high enough - aint no valley low enough to keep me from getting to you". Or "i'll swim an ocean or climb a mountain" to prove my love. The man has not done right by the mother or the child but now that he's "off the hook" (so to say) he loudly proclaims he is now ever faithful and will eternally support her. It a contrast against the pathetic stance he took in allowing or encouraging the abortion of the child - through his (self serving) gutlessness. He can fantasise about divinely consequential "moons falling" and "continents colliding" but in cold hard light of the present reality he has failed her (and the child). There is no escaping his role. And the lack of signs of divine retribution is still ominous. Un-comforting and worrisome. I think this song is truly beautiful art. Del Amitri are not afraid of darker subjects and "hero-less" human experiences and endeavours. The abject poverty surrounding the band members actual lives is profoundly reflected in their song matter choices and they express themselves beautifully. IBoth sonically and lyrically. t's truly sad but beautiful story telling. No simple answers and no easy fixes. All the characters in their songs are "all too human" and there is often the juxtaposing of vibrant up beat music and gloriously addictive and playful hooks set against lyrical lamentations and crumbling failed relationships. The writers take a hard long look at people and let their hearts break for all concerned. Which is empathetically praiseworthy and artistically brave and honest. In an ocean of fake and vain, vacuous dance songs appears Del Amitri with intelligence and brilliant heartfelt insight. But as the saying goes "no good deed goes unpunished". Perhaps their honesty and unpopular candour has cost them international recognition, fame and well deserved wealth. Of course I could be completely wrong about all my observations of the songs lyrics. It would not be the first time and it may not be the last. Peace to all PS Del Amitri play live in Perth Western Australia in Feb 2023 and I'm going. I can't wait.

[@drutter]

Perhaps she wanted him to be more a man. She was driving with the brakes on, but he never spoke up, and they ended their baby - and ultimately, their relationship.

[@twelvemeister]

justin currie is awesome

[@MSGBobLee]

"Now the kid has gone" up front in the song does lend credence to the topic of the song: abortion. What makes this so poignant (as was previously stated) is that the song is not really a statement pro or con. It's a commentary on the affects on the couple...after an abortion...taken from the man's point of view. She's driving...seemingly staying focused to moving on...while he's "swimmin' with his boots on". Justin's lyrics, music, and delivery always draw me in to "feel" his songs.

[@josiane1839]

🇧🇷👍♥️

[@CarlBewley]

@damos300 - ok..... we've agreed to diagree :) It's still an awesome tune though ain't it?

[@AlbaRecoil]

Whats your deal? Music past and present is there to be listened to and admired no matter of age, race, sex, etc. KZbin is awesome for discovering new artists and reminiscing also. The PROBLEM with KZbin, are little keyboard warriors like you. Just chill out and appreciate the music

[@brianspencer3105]

AlbaRecoil 89i8

[@sscott21adi]

@SlothsOnValium hi sloth, didn't think it was appropriate to reply quickly as you would'nt get to a computer that quick lol, the song is about a couple who have an abortion who are driving home from the clinic describing their emotions.

[@1972PaulK]

Lovely song but are apostrophes rationed or something?

[@andergib]

For all those people who say this isn't about abortion. It is if the people who like it for that reason get comfort from it.. I have two great kids, who argue like a pair of banshees. I got lucky I have a wife who loves us all. If someone gets comfort from this song, I hope they make it.

[@maccaefc87]

Abortion, gave us this beautiful song

[@tirnaog09]

@EmiilyLovesPlacebo Sie haben Rechts!

[@redrizzla1989]

just read the lyrics, that makes sense. thas sad

[@CaptainEVA]

@ezze902 LOL xD Thats a good one :P

[@BobMoss2231]

@sscott21adi "now the kid has gone"

[@stevebubbs]

always

[@dianeharrison4975]

Well I never knew it s about a drive back from an abortion clinic,very sad x

[@jenniferjack4346]

I did babygirl!! Babe's ON 59 & SW FRWY

[@DevonMaul-wi7ws]

0:11

[@damos300]

@CarlBewley yeah whatever mate, there are no limits except our imaginations eh ? but yes i agree with you so many song writers do seem to couch lyrics so that they generate ambiguity , I just don't feel that Justin Currie is one of them ! We'll have to agree to disagree on this one ok . XD

[@girlthatsnotme]

isnt this doc walkers song?

[@nickgreen4731]

I know the 'abortion' interpretation, but others are possible. I often take the line 'now the kid has gone' to refer to a child that has grown up and left home, and now the couple have to see if they can continue their relationship and decide if they still love each other after so long.

[@eal1]

For 2 decades I thought he sang 'now the cat has gone' possibly jumped out the convertible she was glowing bronze driving, but being Scotland prob just fake spray tan and Irn Bru pal. Brings back memories of Edinburgh Uni

[@taylorh4480]

well I mean, it’s notan interp. Justin wrote it from the experience he and his high school girlfriend had when they found out she was pregnant. it’s devastating in its certainty. he mentioned it again around the time of “What Is Love For” that dealt with loss and he commented on how he’d have a kid “in his thirties” if things had been different

[@SlothsOnValium]

@sscott21adi What makes you say this song is about abortion?

[@drutter]

The lyrics.

[@CarlBewley]

@damos300 - yeh it's tenuous, but so are song lyrics for all we know (just being facetious here) they could have been hit and run drivers....... ;)

[@redrizzla1989]

REALLY?

[@jackolad1000]

Same Here but I'm an 11 year old boy! ( Don't like Macklmore or John Newman )