Music of the Day, 25 June 2025
feeling wistful
I woke this morning a little earlier than usual, in that liminal period before sunrise. Unusually for this time of year, a layer of clouds blankets the sky, softening daybreak. Over the past few days, I’ve been feeling a burgeoning je ne sais quoi … and it seems the overcast morning has helped it blossom into a deep feeling of wistfulness.
Worry not, reader; I don’t know precisely what I’m wistful for or about, so there will be no deep emotional excursions to endure before getting to the music. I did note with some amusement that even though I know today’s MotD very well and adored it from the first time I heard it, I knew intellectually (as contrasted with the radio station in my mind serving it up) that it was what I needed to hear.
“Drive” was the third single off of The Cars’ quadruple platinum 1984 album Heartbeat City. The song did well in the charts too, peaking in the top 10 on many US charts, and also on several European charts plus New Zealand’s. That year was in the sweet spot of my friendship with TEB, so I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the music video, although watching it today didn’t spark any memories.1
Best I can recall, I adored everything I heard by The Cars; but I think “Drive” connected hardest with me. Based on the video and the overall vibe of the lyrics, it’s clearly about a relationship; yet the lyrics are general enough to avoid being restricted to romantic relationships. The heavily electronic, lush sound likely dates the song, but it also serves it beautifully.
Even though I deeply enjoyed The Cars’ music, I don’t think I bought any of their studio albums. Another friend from that era2 gave me the only disc still in my library: The Cars Greatest Hits. Because of that association, I’ve not listened to it in decades. Returning to “Drive” today, I think I should move on … and do so by exploring some studio albums. I expect I’ll find other delights there.
maybe because I surprised myself by recognizing Paulina Porizkova
whose relationship with me later took an unexpected and dark turn
The Cars: pure packages of pop perfection.
Seriously, this may be my Favorite Song Ever. And HEARTBEAT CITY is a great, great album. I just listened to it recently and I will listen to it again.