Incubus – Drive: Meaning, Lyric, Quotes
Incubus – Drive : Taking the Wheel of Your Own Life
Let’s Dive into “Drive” by Incubus: Are You Steering or Just Along for the Ride?
Hey there! Ever put on a song and it just… gets you? Like, really gets you? That’s Incubus’s “Drive” for me, and I bet for a lot of you too. It dropped back around the turn of the millennium, part of their amazing Make Yourself album, and man, it hit differently. It wasn’t their usual heavy rock sound; this was more stripped-down, acoustic, thoughtful. And the message? Oh, it’s timeless.
So, what’s this chilled-out track really about? At its core, “Drive” is a super relatable anthem about facing down fear, especially that nagging fear of the unknown, and making a conscious choice to take control of your own life’s direction. It’s about shaking off the paralysis that uncertainty can cause and deciding, “You know what? I’m going to be the one steering this thing.”
That Creepy Feeling: When Fear is in the Driver’s Seat
The song kicks off with a line that’s just chef’s kiss perfect: “Sometimes I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear.” Boom. Right away, we’re talking about that sharp, uncomfortable prickle of anxiety when you don’t know what’s coming next. We’ve all been there, right? Whether it’s about a job, a relationship, a big life change, or just… tomorrow. That fear can be so potent.
Brandon Boyd, the vocalist, then asks a crucial question: “How much I let the fear take the wheel and steer?” It’s such a powerful image! Picture fear, this shadowy figure, literally grabbing the steering wheel of your life and driving you wherever it wants to go. Often, it steers us towards playing it safe, avoiding risks, or just staying stuck. The song acknowledges this has happened before (“It’s driven me before”) and even notes that letting fear drive has this weird, “vague, haunting mass appeal.” Maybe because it feels easier sometimes? Or because it seems like everyone else is letting fear dictate their choices too? It’s like joining a club you never actually wanted to be a part of.
The Big “Aha!” Moment: Grabbing the Wheel Back
But then comes the turning point, the realization: “But lately I’m / Beginning to find that I should be the one behind the wheel.” This is that lightbulb moment, that feeling of empowerment simmering up. It’s the decision that you should be in control, not your anxieties or worries. It’s about claiming your agency.
Later, there’s a similar sentiment: “But lately I’m / Beginning to find that when I drive myself, my light is found.” This is huge! It suggests that taking control, steering your own course, isn’t just about direction; it’s about discovering yourself, finding your purpose, your inner spark, your ‘light’. When you let fear drive, you’re in the dark, metaphorically speaking. When you take the wheel, you start to shine.
Water Over Wine? Making Conscious Choices
Okay, let’s talk about one of the most debated lines: “Will I choose water over wine / And hold my own and drive?” What does this mean? Well, it’s probably metaphorical. Wine often represents indulgence, escape, perhaps complexity or even intoxication (letting something else control your senses). Water, on the other hand, is essential, clear, simple, and necessary for survival. Choosing water over wine could symbolize opting for clarity over confusion, responsibility over escapism, reality over illusion, or a conscious, sober approach to life rather than letting external influences or easy pleasures dictate the path. It’s about making a deliberate, perhaps less glamorous but ultimately more grounding and authentic choice to “hold my own” – to be self-sufficient and take responsibility – and “drive.”
Facing Whatever Comes: Open Arms, Open Eyes
The chorus is the powerful, uplifting anchor of the song: “Whatever tomorrow brings I’ll be there / With open arms and open eyes, yeah.” This isn’t about predicting the future or pretending everything will be perfect. It’s the exact opposite! It’s about accepting that the future is uncertain, but choosing to face it head-on anyway. “Open arms” suggests acceptance and readiness to embrace whatever comes, good or bad. “Open eyes” implies awareness, being present, and not hiding from reality. It’s a commitment to showing up for your own life, no matter what curveballs are thrown your way.
So, the big message, the moral of the story? “Drive” is a beautiful reminder that fear is real, uncertainty is guaranteed, but you don’t have to be a passenger in your own life. You have the choice to take the wheel, to navigate the bumps and turns with awareness and courage. It’s about choosing conscious action over passive reaction, authenticity over conforming, and embracing the journey, even when you don’t know the final destination. It’s about finding your own light by daring to steer.
Alright, we’ve unpacked the overall vibe and message, which is super powerful on its own. But “Drive” is also packed with lines that just stick with you, little nuggets of wisdom you can carry around. Ready to zoom in on some of those?
Inspirational Quotes from Incubus’s “Drive”: Your Pocket Guide to Steering Through Uncertainty
Sometimes a single line from a song can feel like a mantra or a piece of advice you didn’t know you needed. “Drive” definitely has a few of those moments that are perfect for a mental pick-me-up when things feel a bit shaky. Let’s break down some of the most quote-worthy bits.
Acknowledging the Elephant in the Room
Why is this inspiring? Because it’s honest! It doesn’t pretend fear doesn’t exist. Admitting that you feel scared or uncertain isn’t weakness; it’s the first step towards dealing with it. This line gives you permission to acknowledge that knot in your stomach without judgment. It’s like saying, “Okay, fear, I see you. You’re here. Now what?” It’s the foundation for taking action, because you can’t fight an enemy you pretend isn’t there.
The Spark of Self-Determination
This is that moment of awakening. It’s not a sudden, dramatic takeover, but a gradual realization – “beginning to find.” It’s hopeful and empowering. This quote is perfect for those times when you feel like life is just happening to you. It’s a gentle nudge, reminding you that you do have the power to influence your direction. It inspires you to start thinking about making active choices, even small ones, to regain control.
The Ultimate Acceptance Mantra
This is pure gold for dealing with anxiety about the future. It’s a powerful statement of resilience and presence. It’s not saying tomorrow will be easy, but it’s a promise to yourself that you’ll face it. “Open arms” means you won’t resist reality, you’ll accept what comes. “Open eyes” means you’ll do it consciously, aware and engaged. It’s incredibly calming, actually. It shifts the focus from worrying about what might happen to trusting in your ability to handle whatever happens.
Choosing Your Path Deliberately
This quote drills down into the nature of choice. It frames taking control (“drive”) as a conscious decision (“choose”) involving potential sacrifice or prioritizing what’s essential (“water”) over what might be tempting or distracting (“wine”). It’s inspiring because it highlights that self-direction often requires discipline and making choices that align with your true self, even if they aren’t the easiest ones. It’s a call to authenticity and responsibility.
The Reward of Taking Charge
Here’s the payoff! This line connects self-direction directly to self-discovery and fulfillment. It suggests that your purpose, your passion, your unique ‘light’ isn’t something you stumble upon passively; it’s something you uncover when you actively steer your own life. It’s motivation to take the wheel, not just for control, but for the potential joy and sense of identity you’ll find along the way. It implies that the journey of driving yourself is the way you illuminate your own path.
These lines, woven into the fabric of the song, offer little bursts of encouragement. They remind us to be honest about our fears, to recognize our power to choose, to face the future with openness, and to understand that taking control is key to finding our own way and our own inner brightness.
So, that’s my take on Incubus’s “Drive” – a truly special song about navigating life’s uncertainties. It’s a reminder that while fear might always be lurking, it doesn’t have to be the one making the decisions. You get to choose to take the wheel.
But hey, music is personal, right? What does “Drive” mean to you? Do these interpretations resonate, or do you hear something totally different in those lyrics? Maybe the “water over wine” line sparks a different idea for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts and perspectives – let’s chat about it!
