Meaning of "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray

(Photo info. at the bottom)

"Drift Away" as performed by Dobie Gray and written by Mentor R. Williams: lyrics explained

There are parts of this song that I feel as though I don't have a thorough understanding of; however, in my view, it appears to be from the point of view of an elderly man with dementia setting in, one who has had a life involved in music. The lyrics "drift away" refer to dying. In short, the man realizes that he is losing his life and, if we take references to music to be literal, then he would prefer to exit this world while enjoying his favorite songs or music. This song has to do with dying on your own terms.

First stanza's meaning:

1. "Day after day I'm more confused
2. So I look for the light in the pouring rain
3. You know that's a game that I hate to lose
4. I'm feelin' the strain, ain't it a shame:"

The first line references the advancement of dementia. Taken literally, the second line refers to a struggle to stay in control of his eyesight. Taken more metaphorically, the second line refers to a battle to stay in control of his senses with "light" meaning hope and "pouring rain" meaning the symptoms of dementia that he's battling. The third line describes his desire to keep living, but the last line seems to lament the inevitably of his eventual death.

Re-written, the first stanza's first line and fourth line could remain unchanged. It's the middle lines where metaphor is expressed.

1. Day after day I'm confused
2. So I look for some hope despite the pain
3. A battle for life is one I'd hate to lose
4. But I'm feelin' the strain. Ain't it a shame?

Chorus:

1. "Oh, give me the beat boys, and free my soul
2. I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

I used to think "the beat boys" was "The Beach Boys" 😂, a mishearing that wouldn't change much of my analysis. The phrase "free my soul" references the termination of his life, but in a good way with "drift away" more a slow process of dying in comfort than anything sudden or painful. "(Getting) lost" could mean just being immersed in the enjoyment of music. This chorus contains a man's dying wish: he wants to pass gently while participating in his favorite past time. It's here where listening to music could be a metaphor for many things: anyone that has wished to do doing something that he/she loves could stuff that thing in place of music in this song.

Second stanza's meaning:

1. "Beginning to think that I'm wastin' time
2. I don't understand the things I do
3. The world outside looks so unkind
4. I'm countin' on you to carry me through"

The first line questions whether life is worth living once dementia sets. There is an underlying connection to issues of euthanasia in this song. The second line reiterates the communication in the first stanza regarding the reduced mental abilities of the man. The third line, I don't have a ton to say about; however, it does reference a desire to escape. In the last line, the man seems to be speaking directly to the artists behind the music he loves.

The final stanza, looked at:

1. "And when my mind is free
2. You know a melody can move me
3. And when I'm feelin' blue
4. The guitar's comin' through to soothe me
5. Thanks for the joy that you've given me
6. I want you to know I believe in your song
7. Rhythm and rhyme and harmony
8. You help me along makin' me strong"

Lines 1-4 are the memories of the man as he recalls what it is about music that has helped him in the past. In line 5, the man is expressing gratitude while hinting at saying goodbye; lines 6-8 are his final words, directed at the artists that added fulfillment to his life and made his death more tolerable.

Criticism:

There are a couple of nice one-word touches in this song. In the second line of the first stanza, the use of the word "So" is very insightful as to the characteristics of the man: it usage means that he has a battling nature and doesn't just want to buckle at the onset of hardship. In listening to "Drift Away," the word "Thanks" in "Thanks for the joy that you've given me" represents the start of a sort of farewell speech. The man's battle for his life is a lost one at this point.

On the negative side, there is a redundancy in communication in the first and second stanza. It's established in the first stanza that the man is battling dementia. That's re-iterated in the second stanza; the duplicate communication suggest that the lyric writer was limited when it came to exploring the themes related to dementia and trying to die on your own terms. "Day after day I'm more confused" and "I don't understand the things I do" are basically the same line. More could have been done with this song, even though it's a short one.

As always: all analysis subjective - Shane Lambert

Photo information: Dobie Gray tijdens het Grand Gala du Disque Populaire 1974 (Creative Commons photo: Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Rijksfotoarchief: Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Fotopersbureau (ANEFO), 1945-1989 - negatiefstroken zwart/wit, nummer toegang 2.24.01.05, bestanddeelnummer 927-0102)