Cover art for Drive

Drive

SZA

Album: SOS Deluxe

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Credits:

Produced by: ThankGod4Cody, Billy Lemos

Writers: Solána Rowe, Cody Fayne, William Lemos

Lyrics

I been up ’til midnight, drivin’ to nowhere
Bumpin’ a slow song, can’t get my head clear
I been up ’til sunrise, headed to nowhere
Hopin’ that someone’s missin’ me somewhere

Drivin’, just drivin’
Just tryin’, just tryna get my head right
It’ll all be better when, when I
When I, just gotta get my head right

And it don’t hit the same when you’re all alone
And the money’s insane, I know
But it don’t fill the void at all
And I promised my mom I’d do better
But they keep trying me so I’m
With all the bullshit and fuck it all up
I keep pretеndin’ everyone’s as good as mе
Shit’s so weird I cannot speak
Balled so hard, I think I peaked
All my exes still love me
Call me up, he wanna freak
All my opps lookin’ distressed
How you copy then compete?
Oh, you just mad that your nigga want me
Oh, you just mad that we went ten weeks
Oh, you just mad that your ass ain’t free
Scared to say shit so you fake kiki
Scared to cut a nigga so I left, ski-ski
I ain’t scared of shit so I swing my meat
I ain’t scared of shit so I let mine go
Pop my shit ’cause I can, I know

I been up ’til midnight, drivin’ to nowhere (Nowhere, nowhere)
Bumpin’ a slow song, can’t get my head clear
I been up ’til sunrise, headed to nowhere
Hopin’ that someone’s missin’ me somewhere

Drivin’, just drivin’ (Just drivin’)
Just tryin’, just tryna get my head right
It’ll all be better when, when I
When I, just gotta get my head right

And I can’t lose my focus, I know if hope is the goal
Then I can’t succumb like these cum-guzzlers at all (Nope)
And I know that if love is my purpose
I can’t waste energy looking for enemies, I just dub it all
I’m anti-beef, half y’all bitches be too cheap
Half a milli when I bling, fuck I look like on my knees?
You really just mad ’cause I make it look easy
I’m really this bad, you should see it 3D
Brought you this bag, you should spend it on me
All of my time precious, so be

I been up ’til midnight, drivin’ to nowhere (Nowhere, nowhere)
Bumpin’ a slow song, can’t get my head clear
I been up ’til sunrise, headed to nowhere
Hopin’ that someone’s missin’ me somewhere

Drivin’, just drivin’ (Just drivin’)
Just tryin’, just tryna get my head right
It’ll all be better when, when I
When I, just gotta get my head right

Lyrics Insight

Background & Inspiration

​SZA’s song “Drive” was officially released on December 20, 2024, as part of her deluxe album Lana, a reissue of her second studio album, SOS (2022). The track is an acoustic R&B ballad, featuring solely a guitar accompaniment. Lyrically, it explores themes of solitude, escapism, and the challenges associated with fame. In “Drive,” SZA reflects on taking late-night drives to calm her anxious mind, while also addressing adversaries envious of her success. Her vocal delivery varies between rapping and melodic singing, with tones ranging from melancholic to boastful.

Interpretation & Fan Theories

​Fans have embraced SZA’s song “Drive” with enthusiasm, praising its introspective lyrics and minimalist acoustic production. Many listeners appreciate the track’s raw emotion and SZA’s vocal delivery, which oscillates between rapping and melodic singing. The accompanying music video, featuring actor Ben Stiller driving at night, has also garnered attention for its unique concept, adding depth to the song’s themes of solitude and escapism.​

Online reactions highlight the song’s impact. For instance, a jazz musician reacted positively to “Drive,” noting its musical intricacies. Another reviewer expressed admiration for SZA’s lyrical prowess, emphasizing the song’s emotional depth. Additionally, TikTok users have shared their reactions to the track, further showcasing its resonance with fans.