“Who’s gonna drive you home?”

As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats. You’re the visionary, the strategist, the cheerleader. But the reality is that, sometimes, you are the one who needs the pep talk. The roller coaster ride of starting, building, and maintaining a business can leave you questioning everything, especially during those inevitable low points. How do you know when you’re at a low-point? Here’s one sign: you start looking for jobs.

When you’re in one of those ruts and not sure where the road is leading, inspiration may be found in a somewhat unlikely place: 1984’s classic song, “Drive” by The Cars. We all know the song — it was The Cars’ highest-charting single in the United States. The lyrics, delivered in a haunting vocal by bassist Benjamin Orr, pose a series of questions that paint a picture of someone in denial about their problems. While it might seem like a love song on the surface, truly great art always has more than one meaning, and “Drive” is no exception.

The central question of the song is the repeated line in the chorus: “Who’s gonna drive you home tonight?” This can be interpreted literally, as someone needing a ride, or metaphorically, as someone needing support and guidance through a difficult time. Aside from the titular ask, the song poses the below questions, poignant and cutting:

• “Who’s gonna tell you when it’s too late?”
• “Who’s gonna pick you up when you fall?”
• “Who’s gonna pay attention to your dreams?”

Based on these questions, the other lyrics, and the overall tone of the song, “Drive” can be interpreted as a song about addiction, isolation, self-destruction. These themes are hugely relatable to business owners. The feeling of isolation can resonate with the long hours spent building something from the ground up, the constant decision-making burden, and the potential to feel misunderstood by those outside the entrepreneurial world (including your own employees). The relentless pursuit of success can sometimes mirror an addictive drive, pushing founders to the limits of their energy and resources. And let’s face it, the entrepreneurial journey is paved with setbacks. The self-destructive tendencies explored in “Drive” can be metaphorically applied to the temptation to give up entirely in the face of overwhelming challenges.

However, here’s the key difference: Unlike the song’s potentially destructive path, entrepreneurs channel these raw emotions into resilience. The isolation becomes a driver for focus, the “addiction” becomes a passionate commitment to a vision, and the setbacks become stepping stones to growth. “Drive” may paint a picture of a character struggling to find their way, but for entrepreneurs, it’s a reminder of the powerful internal force that propels them forward.

Let’s take a deeper dive and see how it can resonate with the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

Questioning Your Course

“Who’s Gonna Tell You When It’s Too Late?”

The opening line hits close to home. Second-guessing decisions is a natural part of the entrepreneurial process. You might wonder if you’ve taken a wrong turn, if your idea is viable, or if you’re in too deep.

This isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign you care. The key is to transform that questioning into action. Use it as a springboard to re-evaluate your strategies, seek out mentors, and be honest with yourself about what’s working and what isn’t.

Picking Yourself Up After a Fall

“Who’s Gonna Pick You Up When You Fall?”

Let’s face it, every entrepreneur falls – sometimes face-first. Setbacks and failures are inevitable. The important thing is to have the resilience to get back up.

The song reminds us that you won’t always have someone to pick you up literally, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. Build a support network of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, or friends who believe in you. Remember, every stumble is a chance to learn, adapt, and come back even stronger.

Staying True to the Vision

“Who’s Gonna Pay Attention to Your Dreams?”

In the passionate pursuit of getting things done, it’s easy to lose sight of the initial dream that fueled your journey. This line is a gentle reminder to hold onto that vision.

What was it that sparked your passion for this business? Reconnect with those core goals and let them guide you through the challenges. Write them down, revisit them regularly, and share them with your team to keep everyone inspired.

Are You Steering the Wheel?

The metaphorical “you” in “Drive” can also be interpreted as the business itself. The question then becomes: what will keep your business moving forward?

The answer? You. Your dedication, your creativity, and your unwavering belief in your vision are what will drive your business through thick and thin. So, take a deep breath, refocus on your goals, and remember – you are the one at the wheel.

With its message of perseverance and self-belief, “Drive” easily could have been written specifically for entrepreneurs. The next time you’re feeling discouraged, take a deep breath, remember why you started, and get back behind the steering wheel and just DRIVE.