englishRock, Pop

Drive By Lyrics

by Train

Lyricist: Patty Griffin, Alan Jackson

20 views • Published on Sep 26, 2026

Drive By Lyrics

On the other side of a street I knew Stood a girl that looked like you I guess that's deja vu But I thought this can't be true Cause you moved to west L.A or New York or Santa Fe Or where ever to get away from me Oh but that one night Was more than just right I didn't leave you cause I was all through Oh I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell Because I really fell for you Oh I swear to ya I'll be there for ya This is not a drive by Just a shy guy looking for a two ply Hefty bag to hold my love When you move me everything is groovy They don't like it sue me The way you do me Oh I swear to ya I'll be there for ya This is not a drive by On the other side of a downward spiral My love for you went viral And I loved you every mile you drove away But now here you are again So let's skip the "how you been" And get down to the "more than friends" at last Oh but that one night Is still the highlight I didn't leave you until I came to Oh I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell Because I really fell for you Oh I swear to ya I'll be there for ya This is not a drive by Just a shy guy looking for a 2 ply Hefty bag to hold my love When you move me everything is groovy They don't like it sue me The way you do me Oh I swear to ya I'll be there for ya This is not a drive by Please believe that when I leave There's nothing up my sleeve but love for you And a little time to get my head together too On the other side of a street I knew Stood a girl that looked like you This must be deja vu But I thought this can't be true Cause Oh I swear to ya I'll be there for ya This is not a drive by Just a shy guy looking for a two ply Hefty bag to hold my love When you move me everything is groovy They don't like it sue me The way you do me Oh I swear to ya I'll be there for ya This is not a drive by

Meaning of Drive By

“Drive By” by Train is a poignant exploration of regret, hesitant affection, and the awkwardness of rekindling a past connection. The core theme revolves around a man’s persistent, almost desperate attempts to win back a woman who initially rejected him, framed through the metaphor of a “drive-by” – an impulsive, unwanted intrusion into her life. Initially, he was overwhelmed by his feelings, admitting to being "scared as hell" and ultimately leaving her, suggesting a fear of vulnerability or commitment. However, this initial rejection ignited a persistent, almost obsessive desire; he’s haunted by her presence and the memory of that single night, repeatedly declaring “I’ll be there for ya,” emphasizing his unwavering, albeit clumsy, devotion. The lyrics detail his attempts to appear approachable – "a shy guy looking for a two ply Hefty bag" – highlighting his insecurity and yearning for intimacy. The song’s emotional arc is one of quiet desperation masked by self-deprecating humor. It's not a grand romantic gesture, but rather a series of awkward, pleading attempts to bridge the gap created by time and distance. The “viral” love represents the overwhelming nature of his feelings, spreading uncontrollably despite his initial reluctance. Ultimately, Train delivers a message about recognizing and confronting buried emotions; it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound connections arise unexpectedly, demanding a willingness to shed inhibitions and offer genuine support, even when faced with past rejections. The repeated refrain “This is not a drive by” serves as both a defensive assertion of his intentions and a vulnerable admission of his persistent desire.

Tags:

trainheartbreakmelancholicalternative rockdrive by

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