Introduction
Alan Jackson’s “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” is a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Eugene Jackson, affectionately known as “Daddy Gene.” Released on January 28, 2002, as the second single from his tenth studio album, Drive, the song showcases Jackson’s signature blend of storytelling and country melodies.
The inspiration for “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” stemmed from the passing of Jackson’s father in 2000. Struggling to find a way to honor his memory, Jackson sought to capture the essence of their relationship without resorting to a somber tone. He reflected, “I tried a couple of times, and I always ended up writing some sad dying song. I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to write something nice.” This desire led to a song that celebrates the simple joys they shared, particularly their mutual love for automobiles and the bonding experiences they fostered.
Lyrically, the song paints vivid pictures of Jackson’s youth, recalling moments spent with his father in various vehicles. From a secondhand boat they refurbished together to an old Ford truck, these memories highlight the profound impact of these shared experiences. The narrative comes full circle as Jackson describes passing on this tradition to his own daughters, allowing them to drive his Jeep across their pasture, symbolizing the continuation of family bonds through generations.
Upon its release, “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” resonated deeply with audiences, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks in May 2002 and peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics praised the song for its sincerity and emotional warmth. Chuck Taylor of Billboard remarked that it “allows listeners to share a stroll down memory lane with Jackson and appreciate a kinder, simpler time,” delivered with “honesty, integrity, and emotional warmth.”
The accompanying music video, directed by Steven Goldmann and animated by The Illusion Factory, complements the song’s nostalgic theme. Presented as animated pictures coming to life from a storybook, it visually narrates the tales of Jackson’s childhood adventures with his father, enhancing the song’s sentimental value.
“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” stands as a testament to Alan Jackson’s ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. By focusing on the simple yet profound moments shared between father and son, Jackson created a timeless piece that continues to touch the hearts of listeners, reminding them of the enduring bonds of family and the cherished memories that come with them.
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