Released: 2020
Koe Wetzel’s ‘Drunk Driving’ is a poignant song that tackles themes of regret, self-destruction, and escapism. The protagonist uses alcohol and reckless behavior as coping mechanisms for his internal struggles.
The opening lines, ‘Yeah, I’m just drunk driving again / Pulling away from all my sins,’ sets the stage. The protagonist is using drunk driving as a metaphor for his attempts to escape his past mistakes.
The line ‘Tell my momma I love her and take care of my friends’ suggests a sense of impending doom. The protagonist seems to be aware of the dangerous path he’s on, and is leaving behind a sort of last message.
In the verse, ‘I don’t wanna leave you lonely but I’ve got to / ‘Cause it’s only the things I need to prove / To you and everybody else / That scares me so damn much,’ Wetzel delves into the character’s fear of failure and rejection. He’s running away not just from his past, but also from the expectations of others.
The repeated phrase ‘I’m drunk driving again’ underscores the protagonist’s cyclical pattern of self-destructive behavior. It’s a desperate cry for help, a confession of his inability to break free from his self-imposed prison.
The chilling line ‘Everybody’s gotta die somehow / Why not for me right now, right now’ reveals the depth of the protagonist’s despair. He’s not just running away from his problems, he’s flirting with the idea of ending it all.
In conclusion, ‘Drunk Driving’ is a stark portrayal of a man trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, unable to escape his past and fearful of the future. It’s a sobering reminder of the devastating effects of unchecked guilt and regret.
