Introduction
“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” is a heartfelt tribute by American country music artist Alan Jackson, released in January 2002 as the second single from his album Drive. The song serves as a poignant homage to Jackson’s late father, Eugene Jackson, who passed away in 2000. Through vivid storytelling, Jackson reminisces about cherished childhood memories of learning to drive various vehicles under his father’s guidance, symbolizing the deep bond they shared.
The accompanying music video, directed by Steven Goldmann and animated by The Illusion Factory, visually narrates the song’s storyline. It features scenes of a boy and his father driving a speedboat and an old truck, presented as animated pictures coming to life from a storybook. In the final verse, Jackson is shown driving a Jeep with his three daughters, symbolizing the generational passage of cherished experiences. The video received critical acclaim, winning the award for Video of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and earning nominations for Music Video of the Year at other major award shows.
Critics praised the song for its sincerity and emotional depth. Chuck Taylor of Billboard magazine highlighted Jackson’s ability to connect with listeners through “honesty, integrity, and emotional warmth,” noting that the song allows audiences to “share a stroll down memory lane” and appreciate “a kinder, simpler time.”
“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” stands as a testament to Alan Jackson’s songwriting prowess, blending personal narrative with universal themes of family and nostalgia. Its enduring appeal lies in its authentic portrayal of life’s simple pleasures and the lasting impact of cherished memories shared between generations.
Video
Lyrics
Was painted red, the stripe was white
It was eighteen feet from the bow to the stern light
Second hand 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 and made for the water
Ran her for years, ’til the transom got rotten
A piece of my childhood it’ll never be forgotten
It was just an old plywood boat
With a ’75 Johnson with electric choke
A young boy, two hands on the wheel
I can’t replace the way it make me feel
And I would turn her sharp
And I’d make it whine
He’d say, “You can’t beat the way an old wood boat rides”
Just a little lake ‘cross the Alabama line
But I was king of the ocean
When daddy let me drive
Just an old half ton, short bed Ford
My uncle bought new in ’64
And daddy got it right ’cause the engine was smoking
Couple of burned valves and he had it going
He’d let me drive her, we’d 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 pedals
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 I would press that clutch
And I’d 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 ’em drive my old Jeep ‘cross 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 floorboards, 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
When daddy let me drive
Oh, he let me drive
She’s just an old plywood boat
With a ’75 Johnson with electric choke