About the song
“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” is a touching country ballad by American singer-songwriter Alan Jackson. Released as a single from his 2002 album *Drive*, this heartfelt song quickly became a beloved hit among fans and critics alike. Alan Jackson, known for his smooth voice and poignant lyrics, dedicated this song to his late father, Eugene Jackson, who played a significant role in shaping his life and career.
The song beautifully captures the nostalgic essence of Jackson’s childhood memories, particularly the moments he spent driving with his father. It’s a tribute to the simple yet profound life lessons his father imparted, and it resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes the memories of their own parents. With its relatable theme and Jackson’s sincere delivery, “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” strikes a chord with listeners, evoking both tears and smiles.
Written by Alan Jackson himself, the song showcases his talent not only as a performer but also as a gifted storyteller. The album *Drive*, which houses this track, reached remarkable success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts. “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” also enjoyed significant airplay, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying Jackson’s status as a country music icon.
Alan Jackson’s ability to weave personal experiences into his music makes “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences. The song’s heartfelt message, combined with Jackson’s signature style, ensures that it remains a cherished classic in the annals of country music.
Video
Lyrics
It’s painted red, the stripe was white
It was eighteen feet, from the bow to stern light
Secondhand, from a dealer in Atlanta
I rode up with daddy, when he went there to get her
Put on a shine, put on a motor
Built out of love, made for the water
Ran her for years, ’til the transom got rotten
A piece of my childhood, will never be forgoten
It was, just an old plywood boat
A ’75 Johnson with electric choke
A young boy two hands on the wheel
I can’t replace the way it made me feel
And I would turn her sharp
And I would make it whine
He’d say, You can’t beat the way an old wood boat rides
Just a little lake across the Alabama line
But I was king of the ocean
When daddy let me
Drive
Just an old half-ton shortbed Ford
My uncle bought new, in ’64
Daddy got it right, ’cause the engine was smoking
A couple of burnt valves, and he had it going
He’d let me drive her when we haul off a load
Down a dirt strip where we’d dump trash off of Thigpen Road
I’d sit up in the seat and stretch my feet out to the pedels
Smiling like a hero that just received his medal
It was just an old hand-me-down Ford
With three-speed on the column and a dent in the door
A young boy, two hands on the wheel
I can’t replace the way it made me feel and
And I would press that clutch
And I would, keep it right
He’d say, “a little slower son; you’re doing just fine”
Just a dirt road with trash on each side
But I was Mario Andretti
When daddy let me
Drive
I’m grown up now
Three daughters of my own
I let them drive my old jeep
Across the pasture at our home
Maybe one day they’ll reach back in their file
And pull out that old memory
And think of me and smile
And say
It was just an old worn out jeep
Rusty old floor boards
Hot on my feet
A young girl, two hands on the wheel
I can’t replace the way it, made me feel
And he’d say turn it left
And steer it right
Straighten up girl now, you’re doing just fine
Just a little valley by the river where we’d ride
But I was high on a mountain
When daddy let me
Drive
Daddy let me drive
Oh he let me, drive
It’s just an old plywood boat
With a ’75 Johnson
With electric choke