Drive

I think this song is an expression of his dissatisfaction with the way he lives. He is tired of letting society, culture or "the hive" drive his life. Now, he's taking the wheel into his own hands. Even if it means not being accepted by the hive or sacrificing a comfortable lifestyle, he wants to be the one in control of his life.

I think the song in general deals with the choice of taking control of your own life and not by authority. Whether or not this has to do with a religious authority, which is possible with the wine vs water scenario (a common reference to Jesus' blood). But irregardless the songs message still speaks to its message.

The whole metaphor of driving completely illustrates this in such an insightful way. Cars are often viewed as this controlling device that is strong and fast enough to run you over. It is constantly mentioned whether the person should take control of their life through parts like "Take the wheel and steer", "I should be the one behind the wheel" etc.

It also relates to an authority "Would you kill the Queen to crush the hive?". The queen is the symbol of authority, as queen bees are the one in power in their hive. It later goes on to have that argument of if the narrator be the one in control or should it be authority? He brings up that internal debate that its easier for other people to follow the authority and its more accepted in society, but it helps you more if you follow your own path. "And it seems to be the way that everyone else gets around. But lately I am beginning to find that when I drive myself my light is found". Even at the end there's that questioning of what's the better decision and what move would others take.

I have felt this too quite often, which is why this song really fascinates me. Its not an easy decision and it really does happen in real life.

Sounds like an affirmation to live your life on your own terms and not be driven by fear.

he's lived his life the way society has dictated through fear. Now he's seen that, by taking his life into his own hands, he can open his mind to what he needs to be. Even if it means sacrificing the benefits of being one of the 'hive'.

Be your own person. Forget what everyone else is doing. Be happy with yourself!

This is the first song I ever heard by Incubus, and I love it and the message. It's saying that he doesn't need religion, because he doesn't feed into the fear. "It's driven me before, and it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal. But lately I'm beginning to find that I, should be the one behind the wheel." He's saying that you need to be in control of your own life, and you can't let religion drive your life. We're in control.

"Would you choose water over wine?" is one of the best lines of the whole song. It sums the whole thing up, asking if you'd choose ordinary over "extraordinary." Wonderful, wonderful song.

he's going to be there for himself and no one else. he's going to turn fear into a positive force that drives him to take control ("hold the wheel and drive") of his own life. i'm really into alternative rock lyrics. to me, it's poetry. i love to analyze them. i have to say this song has one of the best lyrics i've ever read. it stands on its own without the music.

This song is pretty simple to explain what Brandon is trying to say. The whole song is about fear, how it can control people by changing their thoughts and actions, just like alcohol can.

"Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear And I can't help but ask myself how much I'll let the fear Take the wheel and steer"

This verse states how fear is usually created by the unknown and what we are unsure of. It also states how he clearly has been experiencing this for awhile and he wonders how long it will be before he can overcome this and take control.

"It's driven me before and seems to have a vague Haunting mass appeal But lately I'm beginning to find that I Should be the one behind the wheel"

The pre-chorus here explains how fear (even though not everyone clearly expresses it) affects everybody in some way, and he is realizing that it is time that he makes choices and opinions the way he actually wants to, rather than his fear influencing his actions.

"Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there with open arms and open eyes yea"

The chorus explains itself; Be ready for whatever comes your way and accept what happens. View things and make your actions/opinions based on a clear mind set and what you actually believe, rather than being controlled by fear.

wow.

He can't rely on anyone else, it's time for him to control his life and he knows it.