The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Shut up and drive, you don't know what you're talking about
He's not the one, you ought to know that by now
You've got one of those hearts, that keeps changing your mind
Your heart has a way of making you stay so shut up and drive
Don't look in the mirror, he might have that look in his eyes
The one that's so strong it strangles your will to survive
He's mastered the art of looking sincere
His eyes have a way of making you stay don't look in the mirror
I'm the voice you never listen to
And I had to break your heart to make you see
That he's the one who will be missing you
And you'll only miss the man
That you wanted him to be
Turn the radio on to drown out the sound of goodbye
Blink back the tears show me you've still got your pride
Just get yourself lost in a sad country song
Those guys that they play know just what to say turn the radio on
I'm the voice you never listen to
And I had to break your heart to make you see
That he's the one who will be missing you
And you'll only miss the man
That you wanted him to be
Shut up and drive
Don't look in the mirror
Turn the radio on
Get out of here
Shut up and drive
Shut up and drive
Shut up and drive
He's not the one, you ought to know that by now
You've got one of those hearts, that keeps changing your mind
Your heart has a way of making you stay so shut up and drive
Don't look in the mirror, he might have that look in his eyes
The one that's so strong it strangles your will to survive
He's mastered the art of looking sincere
His eyes have a way of making you stay don't look in the mirror
I'm the voice you never listen to
And I had to break your heart to make you see
That he's the one who will be missing you
And you'll only miss the man
That you wanted him to be
Turn the radio on to drown out the sound of goodbye
Blink back the tears show me you've still got your pride
Just get yourself lost in a sad country song
Those guys that they play know just what to say turn the radio on
I'm the voice you never listen to
And I had to break your heart to make you see
That he's the one who will be missing you
And you'll only miss the man
That you wanted him to be
Shut up and drive
Don't look in the mirror
Turn the radio on
Get out of here
Shut up and drive
Shut up and drive
Shut up and drive
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I can't believe no one's commented on what's by Far Chely Wright's best song. Who's never had that voice in the back of their mind, saying "Shut up and drive"?