Let’s face it. Life would feel pretty empty without music. I know when I was younger, music kept me focused and sane (though some would say it didn’t work). Music also allowed me to meet new people and build lifelong friendships.
I remember taking drives in my dad’s green Mustang listening to rock and roll from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. My mom listened to disco and soft rock while my sister and I tried to learn the words and tapped our feet on the back of the driver’s seat to the beat.
Throughout the years, my love of music grew to include everything from Bach’s Toccata und Fugue to ON by BTS (all three versions). However, there is one song that has grown to be an anthem in my life. When I feel like nothing is going right, or when I just want to dance in the comfort of my living room, this song will inevitably be playing in the background.
Drift Away was written by Mentor Williams in 1970 and has been recorded by several musicians from almost every genre of music you can imagine. Of course, I have my favorites. Doby Gray’s version, which reached fifth place on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973, is the first to become an international hit. Thirty years would pass before another musician, Uncle Kracker, reached ninth place with his rendition in 2003, but with Doby Gray in the background and joining Uncle Kracker for the last verse, it definitely earned its place on my favorites playlist.
I’m sure I don’t need to go through the lyrics, but for those who haven’t heard the song, or haven’t taken the time to learn the words, here you go.
Day after day I’m more confused
Yet I look for the light through the pourin’ rain
You know that’s a game that I hate to lose
And I’m feelin’ the strain, ain’t it a shame?
[Chorus]
[Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away
Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away]
Beginnin’ to think that I’m wastin’ time
I don’t understand the things I do
The world outside looks so unkind
Now I’m countin’ on you to carry me through
[Chorus]
And when my mind is free
You know a melody can move me
And when I’m feelin’ blue
A guitar’s comin’ through to soothe me
Thanks for the joy that you’ve given me
I want you to know I believe in your song
And rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You’ve helped me along, makin’ me strong
[Chorus 2x]
Na, na now won’t ya
Won’t ya take me?
Whoa-ho, take me
This song is more than a mere feel-good, easy listening tune that you hear on the radio. The lyrics speak of a feeling that I believe everyone has had sometime in their lives; of having the worst day, going out to have a drink, and the bar has a DJ or a band playing in the corner. Suddenly that bad day turns into the best evening you’ve had. You’re joking around with your friends and making requests for your favorite songs. It’s escapism at its best. You can go to your job the next morning feeling energized and relaxed all at once. All of the responsibilities that were weighing you down suddenly feel easier to juggle.
Until next time, may you all be able to drift away.
Book Gnome 