The Driver

Bastille's song 'The Driver' delves into the complexities of masculinity and the emotional struggles that come with it. The lyrics open with a powerful declaration, 'Shout out from the bottom of my lungs, A plague on both your houses,' setting a tone of frustration and conflict. This line references Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' suggesting a deep-seated familial or societal conflict. The phrase 'Big boys don’t cry, They don’t ask why' encapsulates the societal expectation for men to suppress their emotions and avoid vulnerability.

The song's protagonist yearns for a return to a more grounded state, as expressed in the lines, 'I want to be back on the ground, Where my feet touch my shadow.' This desire to 'dig my heels in the dirt' and 'feel it break between all of my toes' symbolizes a longing for authenticity and a break from the emotional detachment that society often imposes on men. The repetition of 'Big boys don’t cry, They don’t ask why' serves as a haunting reminder of these ingrained expectations.

As the song progresses, the protagonist grapples with anger and the pressure to maintain a stoic facade. The line 'Real men, Always thinkin’ with our fists' highlights the toxic masculinity that equates strength with aggression. However, the protagonist also acknowledges his vulnerability, stating, 'So I’m the one who’s bleeding, My turn to be the victim.' This admission challenges the traditional notions of masculinity and opens the door for a more nuanced understanding of male emotions. The recurring theme of change, 'The sun will rise with my name on your lips, ‘Cause everything will change tonight,' suggests a hopeful transformation, a breaking free from the chains of societal expectations.