Drive By

Duran Duran's song "Drive By" paints a vivid picture of a sweltering day in Los Angeles, capturing the essence of the city's atmosphere and the inner world of a young man caught in the midst of it. The lyrics open with a description of the hottest day in July, setting the scene along Santa Monica Boulevard where cars are at a standstill. This imagery of a gleaming metal tube stretching from the highlands to La Brea encapsulates the notorious LA traffic, a familiar sight for anyone who has experienced the city's gridlock.

The narrative then shifts to a young man sitting in his car, turning off the air conditioning and rolling down the window, only to be met with the oppressive heat. This act of turning off the air-con and beginning to sweat symbolizes a moment of raw, unfiltered reality. As he looks out over the Hollywood hills, he sees clouds building like dark towers of rain, a metaphor for impending change or relief that is long overdue. This imagery suggests a sense of anticipation and the hope for a break from the relentless heat, both literal and metaphorical.

The song takes a dreamy turn as music from other cars drifts in, causing the young man's eyes to slip into a dreamlike state. The repeated line "this is the story of his dream" hints at a deeper, perhaps subconscious narrative unfolding within him. The phrase "Sing blue Silver" adds a layer of mystique, possibly referencing a sense of melancholy or longing. Overall, "Drive By" captures a moment in time, blending the external environment of Los Angeles with the internal musings of a young man, creating a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion.