About the song
Alan Jackson’s tenth studio album, “Drive,” released in 2002 under Arista Nashville, stands as a monumental achievement in his illustrious country music career. The album garnered widespread acclaim and commercial success, propelled by its poignant themes and resonant lyrics.
The standout track, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” immediately struck a chord with listeners, becoming Jackson’s highest-debuting single on the Hot Country Songs chart and a heartfelt response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This ballad not only topped the country charts but also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting its universal appeal and emotional depth.
Accompanying this powerful single were other notable tracks like “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” a touching tribute to Jackson’s father that resonated deeply with fans, and “Work in Progress,” which showcased Jackson’s introspective songwriting and musical versatility. The album’s singles, including “That’d Be Alright” and “Designated Drinker” featuring George Strait, further solidified its chart dominance, each reaching impressive positions on both country and mainstream charts.
Critically acclaimed, “Drive” earned Alan Jackson numerous accolades, including Album of the Year at the 2003 Academy of Country Music Awards, underscoring its impact and enduring popularity within the country music landscape. The album’s success was also recognized by Rhapsody, ranking it among “Country’s Best Albums of the Decade” in 2009.
Featuring a diverse lineup of tracks that blend traditional country with Jackson’s distinctive style, “Drive” not only showcased his prowess as a vocalist and songwriter but also highlighted his ability to connect deeply with audiences through storytelling and sincerity. The album’s rich instrumentation, including contributions from notable musicians such as George Strait and Vince Gill, further enhanced its musical landscape, adding layers of depth and emotion to each song.
With its debut at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts, “Drive” solidified Alan Jackson’s status as a country music icon while leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Its enduring popularity and critical acclaim continue to resonate with fans, reaffirming its place as a timeless classic in Alan Jackson’s esteemed discography.
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Lyrics
It’s painted red, the stripe was white
It was eighteen feet, from the bow to stern light
Secondhand, from a dealer in Atlanta
I rode up with daddy, when he went there to get her
Put on a shine, put on a motor
Built out of love, made for the water
Ran her for years, ’til the transom got rotten
A piece of my childhood, will never be forgoten
It was, just an old plywood boat
A ’75 Johnson with electric choke
A young boy two hands on the wheel
I can’t replace the way it made me feel
And I would turn her sharp
And I would make it whine
He’d say, You can’t beat the way an old wood boat rides
Just a little lake across the Alabama line
But I was king of the ocean
When daddy let me
Drive
Just an old half-ton shortbed Ford
My uncle bought new, in ’64
Daddy got it right, ’cause the engine was smoking
A couple of burnt valves, and he had it going
He’d let me drive her when we haul off a load
Down a dirt strip where we’d dump trash off of Thigpen Road
I’d sit up in the seat and stretch my feet out to the pedels
Smiling like a hero that just received his medal
It was just an old hand-me-down Ford
With three-speed on the column and a dent in the door
A young boy, two hands on the wheel
I can’t replace the way it made me feel and
And I would press that clutch
And I would, keep it right
He’d say, “a little slower son; you’re doing just fine”
Just a dirt road with trash on each side
But I was Mario Andretti
When daddy let me
Drive
I’m grown up now
Three daughters of my own
I let them drive my old jeep
Across the pasture at our home
Maybe one day they’ll reach back in their file
And pull out that old memory
And think of me and smile
And say
It was just an old worn out jeep
Rusty old floor boards
Hot on my feet
A young girl, two hands on the wheel
I can’t replace the way it, made me feel
And he’d say turn it left
And steer it right
Straighten up girl now, you’re doing just fine
Just a little valley by the river where we’d ride
But I was high on a mountain
When daddy let me
Drive
Daddy let me drive
Oh he let me, drive
It’s just an old plywood boat
With a ’75 Johnson
With electric choke