R.E.M. - Driver 8

Music video by R.E.M. performing Driver 8. (P) (C) 2006 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is a violation of applicable laws. Manufactured by Capitol Catalog,

[@coolhotlantan]

When this video was filmed in my hometown of Clifton Forge Virginia, I was a young Locomotive Engineer for the C&O/Chessie System. I was running the Locomotive in 2 of the scenes in the video. You can't see me but I was there! It was so cool that they chose our town to shoot this video! Love REM!

[@Clifton_Clowers597]

Chessie system

[@timdavidson4456]

Cool that used to be a huge titan of a company and business. Originally Louisville & Nashville and now CSX Teansportaion premier Eastern sea board Rail Road. The reviews on Conductor occupation online are so terrible and discouragement.i have immense legacy with this company. Wish it were more like the original Louisville Nashville.

[@stuffedanimalmagickshop]

So cool!

[@brettscott8288]

I grew up in Williamsburg, Va! Spent many years in Richmond 🔥

[@i.a.1475]

Nice SD50 8558 you conducted sir!

[@williammonteith6653]

Living in the projects with a drug addict mother no dad around these guys got me through some really rough times. I'm 45 now and still rock out to them.

[@1qwasz12]

God Bless You & keep you close to His heart.

[@Dahlia4777]

Glad you made it through the rough times.......GodisLifeisGood

[@donny763222]

Hang in there 7632227173 don...... Would love to jam with you much respect

[@cheesefrog646]

A 55 y/o REM fan here. Done my time in rehab, alla that shit. Their song "Good Advices" from the *Fables,* "I'd like it here if I could see you from a long ways away" still speaks volumes to me.

[@oliverheidelberg]

Rocking out to REM? That’s a new one. But whatever works for you!

[@user-ur2he9pm6y]

My dad was an engineer for the C&O and worked his butt off to provide a good life for his family. I always think of him when I see this video and hear this song. He finally is taking his break with Jesus. R.I.P Driver 8

[@kelzrem]

Don’t make me cry. I long for these days in the south. Going to bars in Knoxville and the only music playing was REM.

[@Sharkofwatches]

I'm 53...my first experience at casino poker was in MS....I WAS 24...LOST ALL MY MONEY TO A RETIRED CONDUCTOR...COOL GUY..READ ME & MY 2 FRIENDS LIKE A BOOK 😂...I SENSED HE WAS A REAL MAN...

[@Rickynyc69]

You'll see him again........ on a bright sunny day!

[@bobdobalina838]

Possibly my favorite REM song on one of my favorite REM albums.

[@darrenwillett8536]

REM decides to write a train song...so of course they go on to write one of the most incredible train songs ever.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

Is there anything else to sing about, really?

[@bonconfidant7514]

Even more amazing.... a train song that drives itself; i.e. doesn't require a freakin' harmonica!! Fk'in brilliant. I miss these guys and love this music more with each passing year.

[@deluxeedition46]

Great song, railroad man is a great tune by eels

[@DougMacRay]

REM got me through the shittiest years of my life and Fall on Me is my favorite song ever but I think Arlo Guthries’ City of New Orleans takes the prize in the Category of Best Train Song Ever. Driver 8 is a close second though. Stay safe and stay strong everyone. Warmly, Boston

[@kristenwaterton4087]

Darren Willett yes. So very lovely......

[@cunn9305]

R.E.M. wasn't just a band in the 80's .. they were a fabric of my life ... this is one of their best .. thanks again guys

[@BastardX13]

Agreed. Gets real "Dylanesque," in the middle, and it's about trains. My favorite.

[@lindaalonso5452]

Truth

[@coopdizzle05]

They are a big part of my childhood too. I love listening to them.

[@JulianClosethewriter]

You said it, friend.

[@marinamarcangelo9590]

H

[@charleskuckel3173]

The song Driver 8, along with So. Central Rain, are the quintessential REM songs. The beautiful guitar intro that hooks you in by Peter Buck, the beautiful almost etheriel vocals by Michael Stipe, the back beat of Bill Berry and the simple but solid bass with harmonies by Mike Mills are what sold me on this band from the get go. The sometimes obscure but always haunting lyrics give me chills yet soothe me simultaneously. The early years of this band is how I choose to remember them.

[@Victormene]

Mike Mills bass is anything but simple, listen to Murmur!

[@cogmission1]

Charles Kuckel, what a beautiful and true description. I feel the same.

[@karenfowler5430]

Totally agree

[@karenfowler5430]

Mike Mills possibly the most understated bassist ever

[@Tigerbythetoe]

I remember the Green album was what got me into them and then everything that came before was what solidified my love of this band. To this day it’s the same I dig everything they do but those seminal albums are still so deep in my blood.

[@gulfmarine8857]

I never get tired of Peter Buck and his jangly Rickenbakker

[@sympathyforthedevil1553]

The song refers to the Southern Crescent, a passenger train that was operated by the Southern Railroad until 1979, and continues today (with fewer stops) as the Amtrak Crescent. The music video shows Chessie System trains running around Clifton Forge, Virginia. The song is about a train engineer who is over-worked and urged by the conductor to take a break. That message could be applied to many facets of life. Trains were chosen according to guitarist Peter Buck because the band grew up near the train tracks. According to lead singer Michael Stipe it's because they represent part of "mythological America."

[@bobcolvin278]

My mother's parents home in Iron Gate, VA, is shown looking under the passing train wheels at about 3:56-4:00. The video transports me there! Love REM and the song.

[@6828Lu]

The bridge of Driver 8 may just be the most perfect passage of pop music ever written.

[@marctessier5798]

"The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged." Always loved this line.

[@Scurrow]

It makes airplanes hitting powerlines sound cute and trivial

[@greta3315]

Mine too Marc. Thank you for quoting

[@albertandrews130]

Cropdusters.

[@realtimecartravel]

Same here so Stipe

[@marctessier5798]

@@albertandrews130 Thank you!

[@ArmyVet82ndAbn]

I was turned onto REM in the early '80s by an Army buddy while at Ft. Bragg NC, and I'm still rocking out to them in 2023. This song and Dont go back to Rockville are still some of my favorites, classic.

[@mikemills9443]

Love this to this day... mid 80's were incredible for indie, and REM was best in their IRS days. Today, I'm a 52 year old engineer with a very very difficult railroad client... they make me hate anything to do with railways, but REM restores my faith.

[@flintwithers8460]

You rock Mike...Go Bravos!!

[@ikesweat6037]

Mike Mills I love your name okay bye

[@mikemills9443]

Thanks Ken... I too had HO as a kid, in the 70's... this song brings me back down to earth to just enjoy it all... dealing with a real rail client can kill you... demanding, and impossible... sad and kills any romance you had for railroads.

[@ikesweat6037]

I love all you guys... okay Bye!

[@mikemills9443]

Oh Brixton, you made my damn day! xD

[@reptart-rex8384]

That's our Pop as the Conductor in the beginning!! Omg! Amazing!

[@romanharton424]

i turned 54 a few days ago but when i think back on some of the good friends and memories i have had over the course of my life, whenever i hear anything by R.E.M. , i think to the 80's back when i was young and healthy and friends i made back then, Thank you for turning me on to REM. 30+ years later, they are still one of my favorite band of all time. and i can't imagine hat will ever change.

[@alcoholya]

I turned 51 a few weeks ago. I am 51. Years old.

[@stevencorsoe9575]

I will be 55 in August and were on the same page with that.A really great music period.

[@stevemarcovecchio1565]

I'm 53…...Rem is the bomb

[@williamallen9683]

me too im 65

[@garycarr3857]

@@williamallen9683 remhq

[@matthewbyrd2329]

Probably heard this song 1,000 times, and it still gives me goosebumps every time. Even this hardcore metal head knows REM is brilliant.

[@romanharton424]

me too. i have listened to this song 1000's of time. it's always great. Saw them once in Richmond, which was both memorable and fantastic.

[@ronsworld250]

Same here

[@brianezell5790]

Roman Harton I saw them at the Richmond, Virginia Coliseum in October of 1995.

[@clb5717]

Same

[@dickflinghammer58]

AHA! The essence of music is the soul's driver 8. And if anyone still thinks this song is about trains and countryside versus profound esoteric meaning you gotta take the elevator to the mezzanine chump (not calling anyone a chump lol) change then it's on superbonbonbon. (Conciousness going up)

[@spitvitriol.]

No other band in music industry put out eight flawless records one after another as they did. From Murmur to Automatic for the People you see one of the greatest and most solid discographies in rock history.

[@LilysLife-ns4qs]

So true. None of the them beatles The Who stones Floyd etc.

[@danopo]

And you might as well throw in Chronic Town and Dead Letter Office. Great tracks on those releases.

[@roberttompkins6489]

@@LilysLife-ns4qs Ridiculous. I love REM but to even suggest their catalog compares to the string of great albums by the Stones or the Who or the Beatles suggest a real lack of familiarity with those bands and likely a generational bias and naivete. No serious rock critic would support your view. I mean really-the Rolling Stones! Laughable.

[@LilysLife-ns4qs]

Floyd beatles The Who how many albums 8 in a row great ones. No

[@roberttompkins6489]

@@LilysLife-ns4qs No disrepect. You are entitled to your opinion. I do not care for Pink Floyd nor do I listen to the Beatles. Much of it comes down to taste. However, no band is considered to have produced a string of great albums to compare with the Stones from 67-80. So I have to take issue that they did not produce consistently great albums. Many of which are considered among the top 30-40 albums of all time. I do not recall a single REM album that is typically ranked among the greatest 100 rock albums on any survey. But again, of the post 70s bands-they were/are my number 1 favorite. Best

[@AlexColberg]

This is the REM sound.

[@BettinaBalser]

This 100%.

[@l.i.l.y.7015]

Dan S. mm

[@cdforshee]

So many of the older R.E.M. songs instantly transport me back to college in the mid-late-80s. So. Central Rain in particular reminds me of a hot summer afternoon in a bar, drinking cheap draft beer and shooting pool with a friend. I can't remember which friend it was but I always FEEL that day in my mind as soon as I hear the opening riff.

[@Oscarandmax]

Same Feeling. Life's Rich Pageant was recorded at John Mellencamp's Studio near the Indiana University Campus, where I went to school, at the same time. I personally never saw the band mates, but, heard they were in town...

[@cdforshee]

I have a good friend who went to school at U. Georgia about the time R.E.M. were rising. He said they played locally 1-2 times each quarter. I still have a couple of cassettes he gave me that are copies of bar shows in Athens that were recorded directly from the mixing board. One of these days, I'll find someone who can convert them to CD for me. I haven't heard them in a long time because I don't have anything to play cassettes on! Heck, I barely have a CD player, and that's my car stereo. lol

[@HerdingLemurs-zy3vk]

Driver 8 is melodically profound, and profoundly melodic, in ways never heard and felt before--though it did build on the great work of earlier bands who are largely forgotten now.

[@DadBodDrumming]

all the early REM albums were GREAT. Document was probably the best album they recorded. Every song and its lyrics has some real grit and meaning to them. Driver 8 is no exception. 2 years ago I was driving through Montana. Off in the distance was an old train with about 100 cars just stopped in a field. On the nose of the cab is a big 8. Graffitied on the side was the letters REM. Im sure most driving by didn't get the connection. But in that moment I knew somewhere out there was a kindred spirit.

[@bahabobby8118]

Camping out for tickets to REM with Drivin 'n Cryin in Savannah spring '89 (Green Tour) the acoustic guitar players joined together for Driver8 and the singing erupted from everyone all the way down the line... It was as memorable (maybe more) as the concert itself.

[@737sunset]

I grew up in a Railroad town in East Texas. We'd ride our bikes across town as kids. Sometimes we'd have to wait for the trains. Some or the men in the caboose would toss candy at us as they went by. Train whistles at night are calming to me to this day.

[@kevinmcardle4087]

"Children look up, all they hear is sky-blue bells ringing" is such a beautiful phrase, even though it means nothing.. I love it

[@eddievanmunster8661]

Cobain Loved REM.....nuff said

[@MrStrocube]

Such a beautiful, haunting tune. For me, it’s also drenched in major nostalgia, as it takes me back to my youth in the 80s.

[@jenniferkonstant5920]

This song is damn near perfect. It even SOUNDS like a train.

[@MsDelidog]

It is perfect!

[@finmoc6545]

Jennifer Konstant you are so right. The guitar work here is perfect.

[@dd22qq]

It even looks like a train. You can literally see an actual train in the video.

[@travelsinchinese640]

@@finmoc6545 That intro- ohhhhhhhhh so delicious.

[@HiVizCamo]

It's in that harmonica, goes from screeching wheels, to air horn, to what I hear as a saw mill blade as the train rolls past. You can practically smell this tune.

[@Diatonic5th]

Brilliant lyrics! A perfect snap shot of rural America with a train representing the freedom to move on and change.

[@Cowboycomando54]

@DTOM, ¿eStamos? It always seemed grounded, the lyrics always sounded like something you would here from a buddy at the bar after you were done with your shift.

[@peggyfranzen6159]

No words.

[@anthonyfrancis2374]

Your to polarised to move on!

[@1990sRailfan]

I rolled into Clifton Forge, VA. today and headed to the railyard, (where the video was shot). I pull into the C&O Heritage Center with Driver 8 blasting, expecting grown men to drop everything and come running, or at the very least, some kind of salute to what you'd think would be well know in the town even 37 years later. Nothing. A man on a bench acknowledged the music and says, "you were jammin". I'm thinking, "holy sh$t"! someone remembers! I said, "yeah, that was REM Driver 8!" expecting him to go into some tirade about the video and song. He responded "R what". Oh f#ck. It was one of those moments when you are super excited about something and expect everyone in the world to share that same enthusiasm. Such is life, it's basically all meaningless in the end.

[@kendallbowman4918]

"This video was filmed in Clifton Forge Virginia, I had a girlfriend there in 1981 I recognize the tracks and layout of the yard. I heard later most of the tracks were taken up their must not be as much coal coming through there as in the 1981 to 2000 it was a great song, Im a real railroad buff riding the Amtrak probally 70 times I love it

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

I saw this yard last year. It doesn't look as bustling. The area doesn't look like it's suffering much.

[@catatmyfeet]

I live here in Clifton Forge, and love it! As an army brat, I have lived in many places, from Oklahoma to Germany, but Clifton Forge will always be home. Business are coming back to town, with a lot of them being art and food centric. We just restored the Historic Masonic Theatre, and you can still take the Amtrak right into town.

[@chrisharmon]

Thanks for mentioning that. I thought it was Clfifton Forge also but I was never sure

[@ericbogar9665]

What are you smoking? Clifton is still a ghetto. Doesn't matter how much you fix up main street

[@elmobolan4274]

Oh the music of REM takes me right me right back to the late 80's when I was in my 20's, young, and full of optimism....now the future seems so blek....56 yrs old

[@hisoverlorduponhigh90]

My son is a conductor on The South Shore Line. It runs between South Bend and Chicago. This song makes me think of him.

[@craigroberts1329]

Railroads, Farming and the Oilfields is the History of my Family. A simple life ; but so many sweet memories. REM has a Gift for writing songs that capture the essence of America.

[@murphysvideorailfanning1428]

I always liked Driver 8, but, never saw the video. What was chilling for me was all of that footage of the railyard, C&O, Clifton Forge, VA, I worked on every track you see, except for the diesel shop, which was closed when I was working. The other chilling thing about the shop footage, all of that would go silent within months of this video, between the Flood of 85 flooding the shops and the C&O moving shop jobs elsewhere. It's a great song, just didn't know how close to home the video was.

[@babaoriley3549]

This is R.E.M. at their absolute finest.

[@11ellie7]

at their most beautiful?

[@gulfcoastrailroad5625]

A beautiful tribute to the beloved Chessie System by one of the most beloved bands. Just goosebumps and so much love!!

[@joycehall4866]

Those first few notes... There's no words to describe how much I love this song and R.e.m!!

[@-endi]

Fully agree

[@plasteredbastard]

The importance of this band cannot be overstated. Their presence grounded music throughout the 80s, gave the ostentacious and absurd polarity and equilibrium. They, Smiths and 'Mats.

[@Dashriprock4]

...and the first 2 Pretenders albums.

[@arcacoma3524]

Totally on point..They were peerless along with The Smiths.

[@user-eh8gs4jj5l]

Very well said.

[@user-eh8gs4jj5l]

Nice film still of John.

[@adamfindlay7091]

People say, 80's! But, when i hear an REM song i heard memories of times/ life back then come to mind, not a video with high heals crushing roses.

[@MrCzechers]

Great video. Once again its the fall of 85 & Im in the 12th grade. And damn I miss the old Chessie System Railroads. (Chesapeake and Ohio, Baltimore and Ohio, and Western Maryland)

[@chessiesystemrailfanman3741]

I love how this video too shows the old Chessie System Railroad (Chesapeake and Ohio, Baltimore and Ohio, and Western Maryland). I am a huge railroad fan and Chessie System is my favorite railroad, also a big fan of the Chessie cat.

[@thomasdupee1440]

MrCzechers I worked for B&O, as most of my family did. I also worked for Chessie, then CSX as a locomotive engineer. Now retired. I can say that the B&O was a great railroad to work for. Chessie was a good one, and CSX was something less.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

My parents had a cat called Chessie. Named after the railroad kitty.

[@BrianTheJames]

Once in a while you see a Chessie car roll through my part of town in the western suburbs of Chicago. I live near the Union Pacific West line, it’s supposedly the busiest railway line in the nation.

[@NOVARailandWeatherEnthusiast]

MrCzechers this is the whole reason why I decided to watch this

[@pgus-zv3cd]

A way to shield the hated heat, a way to put myself to sleep.

[@jameslansing7252]

Saw them with Jason and The Scorchers in D.C. in my college days...they were THE band of the time..But like so many great bands they became an act and not a band that could play small clubs. The I.R.S. days were the best!

[@jenna_jayy]

My dad was a musician and when I started playing guitar, I lived in a little town in Indiana. I was about 9 years old. I wanted to have him teach me but he wanted me to have lessons from someone else first since he was self taught and thought I should get my basics down. My guitar teacher was the cool hippy guy and gave me a music sheet of this song. Took me a week to learn and it’s a song that I always tune my guitar to 😅a classic i still enjoy playing

[@UsernameQXZ]

My grandpa worked for L&N and was proud of that. And REM is a way for my son and daughter to connect.

[@solidsn2011]

Still getting goosebumps listening to REM today! Although I've heard their songs more than 1000 times!

[@flintwithers8460]

Agreed! This is my favorite...and I like most all REM

[@jasonbarbush1794]

perfect music for three in the morning rising early to hit the coffee

[@VanirTraditionalist]

Southern Gothic, Byrds jangle, trains. It doesn’t get much more American than that. The masterpiece that is Driver 8 is the 1980’s City Of New Orleans.

[@kevinfrancis6033]

I have great memories of listening to this song during the 1990's (still love the song in 2023)

[@Schlumbucketreturns]

For a while there REM were classic Americana.

[@antonisahajiorgis4775]

God..that bridge section is so unmistakenly R.E.M sound..amazing..it's like a song within a song

[@joeski734]

They really excelled at bridges. This one gives goosebumps.

[@venedenn1]

Yes…something very few bands/artists excelled at. The Beatles, of course, were the masters of the bridge or “middle eight”

[@andrewluchsinger]

One of my very favorites of the 80's. Damn you won't hear anything like this ever again.

[@franciscopnw]

I love to listen this song and it fits perfectly in my life since I am going through some consequences of making decisions by impulse and it makes me think that life is short but we don’t have to rush it. I have to sit down, take a deep breathe, think and take a break because I am still long ways away from my achievements. Thank you R.E.M. This song calms me down.

[@jamesbergantino100]

This is one of the earlier songs that got me hooked -- this might be my favorite R.E.M. album.

[@youetubee]

REM as a band I'm my opinion are so underrated. So many gems, grew up with their music. Always come back to the comfort.

[@georgedantz4027]

One of my favorite R.E.M. songs of all time! It's also from one of my favorite R.E.M. album's of all time as well!

[@chrishutchison8682]

Ho about Let It Rock by Chuck Beery!

[@jacobdrollinger4802]

😮one of the best REM songs of all. I think Fables was the second REM CD that I bought. This was my favorite song.

[@AlbertoVO5]

The few albums during the band’s ascendant period are so heady, with that mixture of basement feel but that was deceptively tight; obscure but penetrating lyrics; so new seeming but instantly nostalgic; and above all infectious hook after hook after hook. Irresistible.

[@arladicey]

This is, bar none, my favorite song by this amazing band. Love it always.

[@sandibergen2523]

I left monterey california with my new boyfriend and drive on a road trip to Kansas, taking all the roads Less traveled and listened to your music all the way. You are an integrated park of the soundtrack of my life. I’m so grateful for the music you produced. Like Joseph Campbell always said, the best things in life can Not be spoken in words 💜

[@ThatFoxythePirate1993]

My hometown had these old Chessie system CSX’S my grandpa worked on one

[@ramunayy]

this was one of my dad’s favorite songs of all time. now a favorite one of mine as well. i miss him.

[@jimjames4885]

Unsung folk who are a real part of our country. give them the respect they deserve, they keep it running

[@brucetincher2676]

One of my favorite REM vids. I grew up near a big Chessie yard in southern WV. w/ two big NW yards across the river. This vid looks just like home. Hoppin' those slow freights out of the yard to go to the big town, hopin' like Hell it didn't speed up and take you to Ohio.

[@caramason56]

Simply brilliant band and beautiful tune 😊❤️🌹🎼🎶

[@paulgrindley8192]

Cool song. Also pretty cool seeing the old Chessie Systems trains. Grew up around the railroad,

[@RailPreserver2K]

nice to see the chessies system has been immortalized in the form of R.E.M'S hit driver 8 may the chessie rest in peace and may it never be forgotten

[@MrCzechers]

+donavon broome Yup. Sure miss the old Chessie System.

[@RailPreserver2K]

indeed

[@MrCzechers]

C&O for progress

[@RailPreserver2K]

hey want to talk about this on google hangouts ?

[@MrCzechers]

I guess. B&O: Linking 13 great states with the nation.

[@neilryan4166]

This is the first REM song I ever heard. It made me a fan forever

[@MsDelidog]

Absolutely

[@MrMkayultra]

neil ryan Yay! This is about my home Bogart Ga

[@Youdunnomeee]

Anyone sent here from doom patrol?

[@chucklambert7283]

same!!!!

[@jadnyc]

Same here

[@flfbs-ex]

a beautiful melody...

[@rbraxley]

I was in Athens from 79-84, and it was a magical time and place. I wasn't at the famous church show, but I saw them at Memorial Hall about the 3rd time they were in public, opening for the Brains. Tyrones OC, Legion Field, Piedmont Park ATL, 40Watt. Even saw them in London. That had it (whatever it is) from the start. Athens was full of great music. R.E.M., Love Tractor, Little Tigers, Pylon, many others, and great touring groups. Yeah, and Herschel too.

[@brianrhg]

rbraxley you just gave me nostalgia of my dad talking about legion field. He graduated a few years before you. I attended UA in Tuscaloosa. We didn't have the music your era did but UGA doesn't much anymore. I play guitar and I mean I could easily hang with anyone I heard play when I was in Athens. Randall Bramlett is another one... I grew up listening to Houser panic. I can play the shit out of a guitar but I can't write songs. And this is a great song that gives me the chills. That's what it's all about anyways. Best of luck to you.

[@mike196212]

One of my fave bands. Still recall the day I bought this lp (Fables of the...or Reconstruction of the...;clever,that was)during the summer of '85. I was but 23 then. The lp was mostly panned. Critics didn't get it;I don't think most fans did either. Their loss. Thanks.

[@chrishemmer2486]

Mike Poitras my first rem cd was document man on the moon from automatic brilliantly penned tune

[@cockatoomagnet583]

I remember getting a copy of Fables Of Reconstruction for a $1 at a used record store.

[@MsDelidog]

I had same reaction. I bought this album in 85 also. Wore it out

[@darraghweadick3462]

My favourite IRS album , quality from start to finish

[@bhuvidya]

I started with Life's Rich Pageant, but quickly went back to ROTF, and boy did it blow me away. I know the band had a hard time making it, but wow it is simply one of the best records of the 80s.

[@Iceman-pf9jz]

A true R.E.M. classic! Never saw this video before and so glad I finally did! It captures the feeling of the song so much! Thanks for sharing!

[@johnhutchison5892]

This video was filmed in my hometown. R.EM.'s lawyer is a local and told them he had the perfect spot to film. Sh oi ut ouy to the band and Clifton Forge Va..

[@Iceman-pf9jz]

@@johnhutchison5892 Thank you so much for telling!!! :)

[@se9f282]

You can almost smell the train and feel it rocking. My Hometown of Cumberland, MD is home to the old Western Md, B and O, C and O, and Chessie; sound of the trains 2 block from my home would rock me to sleep.

[@duantorruellas716]

Pure americana 👍

[@k.c.m.1980]

Pure love for R.E.M.

[@landsurfer66]

Vintage REM sure takes me back. I saw them open for The English Beat in '83, and then raced to the record store the next day to buy Murmur. The songs on this album are truly timeless.

[@rodneyb.hubbard5963]

Saw these guys 1982 Capital Center Largo Maryland

[@jamiedangelo5242]

I saw them at the Capitol Certre. They opened for the Police

[@anamariaestanislaafernande3892]

Fantastico, un grupo excepcional, me conduce a esa buena y tranquila epoca..gracias!🌷

[@erikmattson8629]

Was never much of an REM fan, but I've always thought that is a beautiful song.

[@louv5166]

My fave R.E.M song. Just a gorgeous song all around.

[@freedomfyter]

One of the most beautifuly written songs ever!

[@adspur]

Perfect song

[@huddscudd]

The 80s, the Greek system and REM made for such a period. Was a magical time to be a young person.

[@lisaknell6018]

My favorite R.E.M. song. Love the guitars and the vocals too. It's my dream to be able to play this on the guitar. :)

[@jorgetorrico6515]

Not hard, just start with the E minor chord and figure out the picking from there. you will be surprised how easy this song is. Bill Berry wrote this song.

[@zenaudio108]

tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/r/r_e_m_/driver_8_crd.htm

[@seandana72]

Lisa Knell yeah, if you have a basic command of playing guitar and could make it through an average campfire song, you could at least fake your way through this one. Maybe not note for note, but good enough to have fun with friends or whatever.

[@anthonymadrid4699]

Em Am G G/F# Em The walls are built up, stone by stone Am G G/F# fields divided one by one Em Am and the train conductor says G G/F# Take a break, Driver 8 Em Am Driver 8, take a break G G/F# we've been on this shift too long D C D And the train conductor says C D Take a break, Driver 8 C D Driver 8, take a break C Em we can reach our destination Em/F# Em (but it’s still a ways away) Em/F# Em (but it’s still a ways away) • I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged bells are ringing through the town again children look up, all they hear is sky-blue bells ringing And the train conductor says Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break we can reach our destination (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) Am C Way to seal the hated heat G D a way to put myself to sleep Am C way to seal the hated heat G D a way to put myself, my children sleep • Piloted this song in a plane like that one she is selling faith on the Go Tell Crusade Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent, hear the bells ring again fields of wheat are stricken thin And the train conductor says Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break we've been on this shift too long And the train conductor says Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break we can reach our destination (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) ❧

[@Big_Bag_of_Pus]

@@anthonymadrid4699 On the C chords in the (sorta) chorus, I drop the bass note and bring it back up: D -- C/Am7/C -- D -- C/Am7/C, that kind of thing. As everyone's said, the song's not that hard to play. But capturing that feeling and getting close to that tone is another matter entirely.

[@renufus11]

I was born in Clifton forge and every time this song comes on I think of my dad, this was his favorite REM song.

[@user-eh8gs4jj5l]

There's an undeniable presence about Michael Stipe here. It's the hat and his third hand suit and depression era shoes. I can't pinpoint it more than that, but there's something other worldly about him as well..

[@harrydeanbentzel]

The genre Alternative was coined because of these guys

[@user-yr9om6jv6m]

This band saved my life

[@robertkistler6621]

I think this is the best song ever written. I never get tired of it and I still love it after 35yrs. There are a lot of amazing songs out there, but this is the best.

[@stephreyn73]

One of my favorite songs, so well written and I love Peter Bucks guitar work, tone, everything..

[@lisamccaffrey5193]

The guitars on this 😍

[@RochelleEskue]

The first track I ever heard from this college band. I love this tune. It is my favorite.

[@peggyfranzen6159]

The Burlington Northern over the Mississippi Valley from Illinois to Iowa! 😎Beans!

[@iuew]

This is one of my favorite songs.

[@peggyfranzen6159]

😮⚡

[@spider_hoss]

This is probably one of my top 5 favorite music videos of all time. Train song with a train video to match.

[@Scottydont66]

Love the Song Love the grainy video reminds me of late Sunday nights watching 120 minutes!

[@joewins8710]

I was a Railroader in my younger days.REM managed to get the feel of what it was like riding the rails and being on schedule,relentlessly,Fables was a very unsung album,let alone this tune. Decided to learn it on guitar. Quite the feeling stummin along with it

[@rolandkunzjr263]

Remembering My First Love Is Rememebering R.E.M. Oh Boy...Sweet Memories 🥰

[@ConglomerationCat]

I was 14 when this came out. It was the first time I heard an acoustic guitar and a Rickenbacker blend so incredibly well together.

[@12inchvertical]

beautiful lyrics, beautiful singing, beautiful riff

[@raphaelsalles4987]

for me the best song of REM ( DRIVER 8 in 1988 )

[@roger609]

This song makes me feel nostalgia for a place I've never been to.

[@duanecounts4799]

The first REM song that I remember hearing. What a blast to hear it and see the video 38 years later.