When this video was filmed in my hometown of Clifton Forge Virginia, I was a young Locomotive Engineer for the C&O/Chessie System. I was running the Locomotive in 2 of the scenes in the video. You can't see me but I was there! It was so cool that they chose our town to shoot this video! Love REM!

@Clifton_Clowers597

Жыл бұрын

Chessie system

@timdavidson4456

Жыл бұрын

Cool that used to be a huge titan of a company and business. Originally Louisville & Nashville and now CSX Teansportaion premier Eastern sea board Rail Road. The reviews on Conductor occupation online are so terrible and discouragement.i have immense legacy with this company. Wish it were more like the original Louisville Nashville.

@stuffedanimalmagickshop

Жыл бұрын

So cool!

@brettscott8288

Жыл бұрын

I grew up in Williamsburg, Va! Spent many years in Richmond 🔥

@i.a.1475

Жыл бұрын

Nice SD50 8558 you conducted sir!

Living in the projects with a drug addict mother no dad around these guys got me through some really rough times. I'm 45 now and still rock out to them.

@1qwasz12

3 жыл бұрын

God Bless You & keep you close to His heart.

@Dahlia4777

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you made it through the rough times.......GodisLifeisGood

@donny763222

3 жыл бұрын

Hang in there 7632227173 don...... Would love to jam with you much respect

@cheesefrog646

3 жыл бұрын

A 55 y/o REM fan here. Done my time in rehab, alla that shit. Their song "Good Advices" from the *Fables,* "I'd like it here if I could see you from a long ways away" still speaks volumes to me.

@oliverheidelberg

3 жыл бұрын

Rocking out to REM? That’s a new one. But whatever works for you!

REM decides to write a train song...so of course they go on to write one of the most incredible train songs ever.

@MilwaukeeF40C

6 жыл бұрын

Is there anything else to sing about, really?

@bonconfidant7514

6 жыл бұрын

Even more amazing.... a train song that drives itself; i.e. doesn't require a freakin' harmonica!! Fk'in brilliant. I miss these guys and love this music more with each passing year.

@deluxeedition46

5 жыл бұрын

Great song, railroad man is a great tune by eels

@DougMacRay

5 жыл бұрын

REM got me through the shittiest years of my life and Fall on Me is my favorite song ever but I think Arlo Guthries’ City of New Orleans takes the prize in the Category of Best Train Song Ever. Driver 8 is a close second though. Stay safe and stay strong everyone. Warmly, Boston

@kristenwaterton4087

5 жыл бұрын

Darren Willett yes. So very lovely......

I never get tired of Peter Buck and his jangly Rickenbakker

This is the REM sound.

@BettinaBalser

7 жыл бұрын

This 100%.

@l.i.l.y.7015

7 жыл бұрын

Dan S. mm

@cdforshee

7 жыл бұрын

So many of the older R.E.M. songs instantly transport me back to college in the mid-late-80s. So. Central Rain in particular reminds me of a hot summer afternoon in a bar, drinking cheap draft beer and shooting pool with a friend. I can't remember which friend it was but I always FEEL that day in my mind as soon as I hear the opening riff.

@Oscarandmax

6 жыл бұрын

Same Feeling. Life's Rich Pageant was recorded at John Mellencamp's Studio near the Indiana University Campus, where I went to school, at the same time. I personally never saw the band mates, but, heard they were in town...

@cdforshee

6 жыл бұрын

I have a good friend who went to school at U. Georgia about the time R.E.M. were rising. He said they played locally 1-2 times each quarter. I still have a couple of cassettes he gave me that are copies of bar shows in Athens that were recorded directly from the mixing board. One of these days, I'll find someone who can convert them to CD for me. I haven't heard them in a long time because I don't have anything to play cassettes on! Heck, I barely have a CD player, and that's my car stereo. lol

The bridge of Driver 8 may just be the most perfect passage of pop music ever written.

The song refers to the Southern Crescent, a passenger train that was operated by the Southern Railroad until 1979, and continues today (with fewer stops) as the Amtrak Crescent. The music video shows Chessie System trains running around Clifton Forge, Virginia. The song is about a train engineer who is over-worked and urged by the conductor to take a break. That message could be applied to many facets of life. Trains were chosen according to guitarist Peter Buck because the band grew up near the train tracks. According to lead singer Michael Stipe it's because they represent part of "mythological America."

Probably heard this song 1,000 times, and it still gives me goosebumps every time. Even this hardcore metal head knows REM is brilliant.

@romanharton424

4 жыл бұрын

me too. i have listened to this song 1000's of time. it's always great. Saw them once in Richmond, which was both memorable and fantastic.

@ronsworld250

4 жыл бұрын

Same here

@brianezell5790

3 жыл бұрын

Roman Harton I saw them at the Richmond, Virginia Coliseum in October of 1995.

@clb5717

3 жыл бұрын

Same

@dickflinghammer58

3 жыл бұрын

AHA! The essence of music is the soul's driver 8. And if anyone still thinks this song is about trains and countryside versus profound esoteric meaning you gotta take the elevator to the mezzanine chump (not calling anyone a chump lol) change then it's on superbonbonbon. (Conciousness going up)

Love this to this day... mid 80's were incredible for indie, and REM was best in their IRS days. Today, I'm a 52 year old engineer with a very very difficult railroad client... they make me hate anything to do with railways, but REM restores my faith.

@flintwithers8460

9 жыл бұрын

You rock Mike...Go Bravos!!

@ikesweat6037

9 жыл бұрын

Mike Mills I love your name okay bye

@mikemills9443

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ken... I too had HO as a kid, in the 70's... this song brings me back down to earth to just enjoy it all... dealing with a real rail client can kill you... demanding, and impossible... sad and kills any romance you had for railroads.

@ikesweat6037

8 жыл бұрын

I love all you guys... okay Bye!

@mikemills9443

8 жыл бұрын

Oh Brixton, you made my damn day! xD

My dad was an engineer for the C&O and worked his butt off to provide a good life for his family. I always think of him when I see this video and hear this song. He finally is taking his break with Jesus. R.I.P Driver 8

@kelzrem

7 ай бұрын

Don’t make me cry. I long for these days in the south. Going to bars in Knoxville and the only music playing was REM.

@Sharkofwatches

6 ай бұрын

I'm 53...my first experience at casino poker was in MS....I WAS 24...LOST ALL MY MONEY TO A RETIRED CONDUCTOR...COOL GUY..READ ME & MY 2 FRIENDS LIKE A BOOK 😂...I SENSED HE WAS A REAL MAN...

@Rickynyc69

3 ай бұрын

You'll see him again........ on a bright sunny day!

@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239

22 күн бұрын

❤

R.E.M. wasn't just a band in the 80's .. they were a fabric of my life ... this is one of their best .. thanks again guys

@BastardX13

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Gets real "Dylanesque," in the middle, and it's about trains. My favorite.

@lindaalonso5452

3 жыл бұрын

Truth

@coopdizzle05

3 жыл бұрын

They are a big part of my childhood too. I love listening to them.

@JulianClosethewriter

3 жыл бұрын

You said it, friend.

@marinamarcangelo9590

3 жыл бұрын

H

The song Driver 8, along with So. Central Rain, are the quintessential REM songs. The beautiful guitar intro that hooks you in by Peter Buck, the beautiful almost etheriel vocals by Michael Stipe, the back beat of Bill Berry and the simple but solid bass with harmonies by Mike Mills are what sold me on this band from the get go. The sometimes obscure but always haunting lyrics give me chills yet soothe me simultaneously. The early years of this band is how I choose to remember them.

@Victormene

3 жыл бұрын

Mike Mills bass is anything but simple, listen to Murmur!

@cogmission1

3 жыл бұрын

Charles Kuckel, what a beautiful and true description. I feel the same.

@karenfowler5430

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree

@karenfowler5430

2 жыл бұрын

Mike Mills possibly the most understated bassist ever

@Tigerbythetoe

2 жыл бұрын

I remember the Green album was what got me into them and then everything that came before was what solidified my love of this band. To this day it’s the same I dig everything they do but those seminal albums are still so deep in my blood.

"The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged." Always loved this line.

@Scurrow

2 жыл бұрын

It makes airplanes hitting powerlines sound cute and trivial

@greta3315

2 жыл бұрын

Mine too Marc. Thank you for quoting

@albertandrews130

Жыл бұрын

Cropdusters.

@realtimecartravel

Жыл бұрын

Same here so Stipe

@marctessier5798

Жыл бұрын

@@albertandrews130 Thank you!

My mother's parents home in Iron Gate, VA, is shown looking under the passing train wheels at about 3:56-4:00. The video transports me there! Love REM and the song.

My Dad worked the C and O/ B and O/ Chessie for 35 years. This song brings his smell back to me. Diesel, creosote, sweat and lucky strikes. The finest man I’ve ever known. Conductor. I have his Ball RR wristwatch. Mom was his best friend and they kicked ass. RIP.

@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239

22 күн бұрын

Oh my. What an absolutely beautiful story you tell, artful and American. So well described I can inhale and feel a little piece of it myself. Blessings. ❤

@mcdaniels6188

10 күн бұрын

God bless him. We need our railroads. Another not so pretty job that doesn't get the right appreciation.

@keithcarlson615

2 күн бұрын

@@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239

@keithcarlson615

2 күн бұрын

Thanks. I’m Bro.

@keithcarlson615

2 күн бұрын

@@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239thanks. Be well. Music cures.

No other band in music industry put out eight flawless records one after another as they did. From Murmur to Automatic for the People you see one of the greatest and most solid discographies in rock history.

@LilysLife-ns4qs

Жыл бұрын

So true. None of the them beatles The Who stones Floyd etc.

@danopo

Жыл бұрын

And you might as well throw in Chronic Town and Dead Letter Office. Great tracks on those releases.

@roberttompkins6489

Жыл бұрын

@@LilysLife-ns4qs Ridiculous. I love REM but to even suggest their catalog compares to the string of great albums by the Stones or the Who or the Beatles suggest a real lack of familiarity with those bands and likely a generational bias and naivete. No serious rock critic would support your view. I mean really-the Rolling Stones! Laughable.

@LilysLife-ns4qs

Жыл бұрын

Floyd beatles The Who how many albums 8 in a row great ones. No

@roberttompkins6489

Жыл бұрын

@@LilysLife-ns4qs No disrepect. You are entitled to your opinion. I do not care for Pink Floyd nor do I listen to the Beatles. Much of it comes down to taste. However, no band is considered to have produced a string of great albums to compare with the Stones from 67-80. So I have to take issue that they did not produce consistently great albums. Many of which are considered among the top 30-40 albums of all time. I do not recall a single REM album that is typically ranked among the greatest 100 rock albums on any survey. But again, of the post 70s bands-they were/are my number 1 favorite. Best

This song is damn near perfect. It even SOUNDS like a train.

@MsDelidog

4 жыл бұрын

It is perfect!

@finmoc6545

4 жыл бұрын

Jennifer Konstant you are so right. The guitar work here is perfect.

@dd22qq

4 жыл бұрын

It even looks like a train. You can literally see an actual train in the video.

@travelsinchinese640

3 жыл бұрын

@@finmoc6545 That intro- ohhhhhhhhh so delicious.

@HiVizCamo

3 жыл бұрын

It's in that harmonica, goes from screeching wheels, to air horn, to what I hear as a saw mill blade as the train rolls past. You can practically smell this tune.

i turned 54 a few days ago but when i think back on some of the good friends and memories i have had over the course of my life, whenever i hear anything by R.E.M. , i think to the 80's back when i was young and healthy and friends i made back then, Thank you for turning me on to REM. 30+ years later, they are still one of my favorite band of all time. and i can't imagine hat will ever change.

@alcoholya

4 жыл бұрын

I turned 51 a few weeks ago. I am 51. Years old.

@stevencorsoe9575

4 жыл бұрын

I will be 55 in August and were on the same page with that.A really great music period.

@stevemarcovecchio1565

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 53…...Rem is the bomb

@williamallen9683

2 жыл бұрын

me too im 65

@garycarr3857

Жыл бұрын

@@williamallen9683 remhq

Brilliant lyrics! A perfect snap shot of rural America with a train representing the freedom to move on and change.

@Cowboycomando54

3 жыл бұрын

@DTOM, ¿eStamos? It always seemed grounded, the lyrics always sounded like something you would here from a buddy at the bar after you were done with your shift.

@peggyfranzen6159

3 жыл бұрын

No words.

@anthonyfrancis2374

2 жыл бұрын

Your to polarised to move on!

"Children look up, all they hear is sky-blue bells ringing" is such a beautiful phrase, even though it means nothing.. I love it

This is R.E.M. at their absolute finest.

@11ellie7

Жыл бұрын

at their most beautiful?

I rolled into Clifton Forge, VA. today and headed to the railyard, (where the video was shot). I pull into the C&O Heritage Center with Driver 8 blasting, expecting grown men to drop everything and come running, or at the very least, some kind of salute to what you'd think would be well know in the town even 37 years later. Nothing. A man on a bench acknowledged the music and says, "you were jammin". I'm thinking, "holy sh$t"! someone remembers! I said, "yeah, that was REM Driver 8!" expecting him to go into some tirade about the video and song. He responded "R what". Oh f#ck. It was one of those moments when you are super excited about something and expect everyone in the world to share that same enthusiasm. Such is life, it's basically all meaningless in the end.

A beautiful tribute to the beloved Chessie System by one of the most beloved bands. Just goosebumps and so much love!!

Such a beautiful, haunting tune. For me, it’s also drenched in major nostalgia, as it takes me back to my youth in the 80s.

The importance of this band cannot be overstated. Their presence grounded music throughout the 80s, gave the ostentacious and absurd polarity and equilibrium. They, Smiths and 'Mats.

@Dashriprock4

Жыл бұрын

...and the first 2 Pretenders albums.

@arcacoma3524

10 ай бұрын

Totally on point..They were peerless along with The Smiths.

@user-eh8gs4jj5l

4 ай бұрын

Very well said.

@user-eh8gs4jj5l

4 ай бұрын

Nice film still of John.

"This video was filmed in Clifton Forge Virginia, I had a girlfriend there in 1981 I recognize the tracks and layout of the yard. I heard later most of the tracks were taken up their must not be as much coal coming through there as in the 1981 to 2000 it was a great song, Im a real railroad buff riding the Amtrak probally 70 times I love it

@MilwaukeeF40C

6 жыл бұрын

I saw this yard last year. It doesn't look as bustling. The area doesn't look like it's suffering much.

@catatmyfeet

4 жыл бұрын

I live here in Clifton Forge, and love it! As an army brat, I have lived in many places, from Oklahoma to Germany, but Clifton Forge will always be home. Business are coming back to town, with a lot of them being art and food centric. We just restored the Historic Masonic Theatre, and you can still take the Amtrak right into town.

@chrisharmon

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for mentioning that. I thought it was Clfifton Forge also but I was never sure

@ebogar42

4 жыл бұрын

What are you smoking? Clifton is still a ghetto. Doesn't matter how much you fix up main street

Great video. Once again its the fall of 85 & Im in the 12th grade. And damn I miss the old Chessie System Railroads. (Chesapeake and Ohio, Baltimore and Ohio, and Western Maryland)

@chessiesystemrailfanman3741

7 жыл бұрын

I love how this video too shows the old Chessie System Railroad (Chesapeake and Ohio, Baltimore and Ohio, and Western Maryland). I am a huge railroad fan and Chessie System is my favorite railroad, also a big fan of the Chessie cat.

@thomasdupee1440

6 жыл бұрын

MrCzechers I worked for B&O, as most of my family did. I also worked for Chessie, then CSX as a locomotive engineer. Now retired. I can say that the B&O was a great railroad to work for. Chessie was a good one, and CSX was something less.

@knarf_on_a_bike

5 жыл бұрын

My parents had a cat called Chessie. Named after the railroad kitty.

@BrianTheJames

5 жыл бұрын

Once in a while you see a Chessie car roll through my part of town in the western suburbs of Chicago. I live near the Union Pacific West line, it’s supposedly the busiest railway line in the nation.

@NOVARailandWeatherEnthusiast

5 жыл бұрын

MrCzechers this is the whole reason why I decided to watch this

Still getting goosebumps listening to REM today! Although I've heard their songs more than 1000 times!

@flintwithers8460

9 жыл бұрын

Agreed! This is my favorite...and I like most all REM

@jasonbarbush1794

6 жыл бұрын

perfect music for three in the morning rising early to hit the coffee

A way to shield the hated heat, a way to put myself to sleep.

The genre Alternative was coined because of these guys

This is, bar none, my favorite song by this amazing band. Love it always.

all the early REM albums were GREAT. Document was probably the best album they recorded. Every song and its lyrics has some real grit and meaning to them. Driver 8 is no exception. 2 years ago I was driving through Montana. Off in the distance was an old train with about 100 cars just stopped in a field. On the nose of the cab is a big 8. Graffitied on the side was the letters REM. Im sure most driving by didn't get the connection. But in that moment I knew somewhere out there was a kindred spirit.

This is one of the earlier songs that got me hooked -- this might be my favorite R.E.M. album.

Pure love for R.E.M.

Cobain Loved REM.....nuff said

This is the first REM song I ever heard. It made me a fan forever

@MsDelidog

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely

@MrMkayultra

4 жыл бұрын

neil ryan Yay! This is about my home Bogart Ga

@Youdunnomeee

4 жыл бұрын

Anyone sent here from doom patrol?

@chucklambert7283

3 жыл бұрын

same!!!!

@jadnyc

3 жыл бұрын

Same here

REM as a band I'm my opinion are so underrated. So many gems, grew up with their music. Always come back to the comfort.

That's our Pop as the Conductor in the beginning!! Omg! Amazing!

Southern Gothic, Byrds jangle, trains. It doesn’t get much more American than that. The masterpiece that is Driver 8 is the 1980’s City Of New Orleans.

Those first few notes... There's no words to describe how much I love this song and R.e.m!!

@-endi

Жыл бұрын

Fully agree

I 'll tell you what, I've got these two railroad landings that I've had for a long time, and they run on those nine-volt batteries that you buy down at Central Hardwear. Well, I can't buy the batteries anymore 'couse they're kind of expensive, so I'll just leave'em on the front porch I suppose. The walls are built up stone by stone The fields divided one-by-one And the train conductor says "Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break We've been on this shift too long" And the train conductor says "Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break We can reach our destination but we're still a ways away" I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged Bells are ringing through the town again The children look up, all they hear is sky-blue, bells ringing And the train conductor says "Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away" But it's still a ways away But we're still a ways away But it's still a ways away Way to shield the hated heat Way to put myself to sleep Way to shield the hated heat Way to put myself, my children to sleep He piloted this song in a plane like that one She is selling faith on the Go Tell crusade Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent, hear the bells ring again Field to weed is lookin' thin And the train conductor says "Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break We've been on this shift too long" And the train conductor says "Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away" But it's still a ways away But we're still a ways away But it's still a ways away

@MrMkayultra

4 жыл бұрын

コイワカメラ and the walls are knocked down

@rob440six

4 жыл бұрын

You clearly took great care in providing the lyrics to this song. Very accurate, nice formatting. Thank you very much for your effort.

@donny763222

4 жыл бұрын

@@rob440six thank you for the lyrics wish I had em 30 yes ago

@OutlierEm

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting the lyrics! ❤

@peggyfranzen6159

3 жыл бұрын

Illinois toward Iowa! Ah, the bridge over the Mississippi Valley,and those who built it! The Burlington.

Vintage REM sure takes me back. I saw them open for The English Beat in '83, and then raced to the record store the next day to buy Murmur. The songs on this album are truly timeless.

This is R.E.M. at its most mystical. I love it!

I was turned onto REM in the early '80s by an Army buddy while at Ft. Bragg NC, and I'm still rocking out to them in 2023. This song and Dont go back to Rockville are still some of my favorites, classic.

My favorite R.E.M. song. Love the guitars and the vocals too. It's my dream to be able to play this on the guitar. :)

@jorgetorrico6515

7 жыл бұрын

Not hard, just start with the E minor chord and figure out the picking from there. you will be surprised how easy this song is. Bill Berry wrote this song.

@zenaudio108

7 жыл бұрын

tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/r/r_e_m_/driver_8_crd.htm

@gordocojones

7 жыл бұрын

Lisa Knell yeah, if you have a basic command of playing guitar and could make it through an average campfire song, you could at least fake your way through this one. Maybe not note for note, but good enough to have fun with friends or whatever.

@anthonymadrid4699

7 жыл бұрын

Em Am G G/F# Em The walls are built up, stone by stone Am G G/F# fields divided one by one Em Am and the train conductor says G G/F# Take a break, Driver 8 Em Am Driver 8, take a break G G/F# we've been on this shift too long D C D And the train conductor says C D Take a break, Driver 8 C D Driver 8, take a break C Em we can reach our destination Em/F# Em (but it’s still a ways away) Em/F# Em (but it’s still a ways away) • I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged bells are ringing through the town again children look up, all they hear is sky-blue bells ringing And the train conductor says Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break we can reach our destination (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) Am C Way to seal the hated heat G D a way to put myself to sleep Am C way to seal the hated heat G D a way to put myself, my children sleep • Piloted this song in a plane like that one she is selling faith on the Go Tell Crusade Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent, hear the bells ring again fields of wheat are stricken thin And the train conductor says Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break we've been on this shift too long And the train conductor says Take a break, Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break we can reach our destination (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) (but it’s still a ways away) ❧

@Big_Bag_of_Pus

5 жыл бұрын

@@anthonymadrid4699 On the C chords in the (sorta) chorus, I drop the bass note and bring it back up: D -- C/Am7/C -- D -- C/Am7/C, that kind of thing. As everyone's said, the song's not that hard to play. But capturing that feeling and getting close to that tone is another matter entirely.

One of my favorite REM vids. I grew up near a big Chessie yard in southern WV. w/ two big NW yards across the river. This vid looks just like home. Hoppin' those slow freights out of the yard to go to the big town, hopin' like Hell it didn't speed up and take you to Ohio.

Railroads, Farming and the Oilfields is the History of my Family. A simple life ; but so many sweet memories. REM has a Gift for writing songs that capture the essence of America.

One of my fave bands. Still recall the day I bought this lp (Fables of the...or Reconstruction of the...;clever,that was)during the summer of '85. I was but 23 then. The lp was mostly panned. Critics didn't get it;I don't think most fans did either. Their loss. Thanks.

@chrishemmer2486

7 жыл бұрын

Mike Poitras my first rem cd was document man on the moon from automatic brilliantly penned tune

@cockatoomagnet583

5 жыл бұрын

I remember getting a copy of Fables Of Reconstruction for a $1 at a used record store.

@MsDelidog

4 жыл бұрын

I had same reaction. I bought this album in 85 also. Wore it out

@darraghweadick3462

4 жыл бұрын

My favourite IRS album , quality from start to finish

@bhuvidya

4 жыл бұрын

I started with Life's Rich Pageant, but quickly went back to ROTF, and boy did it blow me away. I know the band had a hard time making it, but wow it is simply one of the best records of the 80s.

I was a Railroader in my younger days.REM managed to get the feel of what it was like riding the rails and being on schedule,relentlessly,Fables was a very unsung album,let alone this tune. Decided to learn it on guitar. Quite the feeling stummin along with it

God..that bridge section is so unmistakenly R.E.M sound..amazing..it's like a song within a song

@joeski734

3 жыл бұрын

They really excelled at bridges. This one gives goosebumps.

@venedenn1

Жыл бұрын

Yes…something very few bands/artists excelled at. The Beatles, of course, were the masters of the bridge or “middle eight”

Oh the music of REM takes me right me right back to the late 80's when I was in my 20's, young, and full of optimism....now the future seems so blek....56 yrs old

Was never much of an REM fan, but I've always thought that is a beautiful song.

Happy 56th birthday Michael Stipe! :)

@MariaPratiwiU2

8 жыл бұрын

+Keith Gardner age doesn't matter, cos REM music is timeless :) Watching them in their 80's makes me very sure that I was born in wrong era, lol

@MariaPratiwiU2

8 жыл бұрын

+Keith Gardner how old are you now? First time I knew REM when I was 16, when Kenneth song was released. I thought they were new band, lol

@MariaPratiwiU2

8 жыл бұрын

+Keith Gardner ah, I like 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's , 2000-now , all kind of music actually, any songs that sounds good to my ears. but my fave are U2, Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, REM, Eminem, and new comer Future Islands. So, again, how old are you now? I'm 38, but I feel 18 lol

@MsSirAndy

8 жыл бұрын

The age doesn't matter in music,like in many things :)

@mikecunningham2598

7 жыл бұрын

Keith, I'm hoping you know that Etta James is not the original writer or composer of "At Last". She "covered" the song just like Beyoncé did, and is hypocritical for complaining about Beyoncé even if it is Etta's most well known song. This has been going on everywhere since Rock n Roll began. What are you gonna tell us next, Elvis wrote Hound Dog and not Big Momma Thornton, and that everyone whose covered Hound Dog since from Albert King to Clapton aren't "allowed" to put their own interpretation on a song? I for one love the REM "covers" of Pale Blue Eyes and Wheel of Death just to name a few, and am a fan of bands like REM and the Grateful Dead that do a lot of covers as well as their own original stuff!

One of the best songs REM produced. This song is like an American anthem. The guitar riffs just reverberate in your soul.

Camping out for tickets to REM with Drivin 'n Cryin in Savannah spring '89 (Green Tour) the acoustic guitar players joined together for Driver8 and the singing erupted from everyone all the way down the line... It was as memorable (maybe more) as the concert itself.

Great song from a classic album by the best american band of all time ...

@zroosh

8 жыл бұрын

+1000000

@jenniferkonstant5920

7 жыл бұрын

עירן שושני You could live that? huh? ;)

@ferrisbueller103

6 жыл бұрын

what now?

@cameronblair5193

5 жыл бұрын

I thought, once “This may be the greatest song I’ve ever heard” and then they hit me with Texarkana. REM ....why do you toy with me like this

@derrickpowell5531

5 жыл бұрын

Aerosmith is the greatest!

I always liked Driver 8, but, never saw the video. What was chilling for me was all of that footage of the railyard, C&O, Clifton Forge, VA, I worked on every track you see, except for the diesel shop, which was closed when I was working. The other chilling thing about the shop footage, all of that would go silent within months of this video, between the Flood of 85 flooding the shops and the C&O moving shop jobs elsewhere. It's a great song, just didn't know how close to home the video was.

Saw them with Jason and The Scorchers in D.C. in my college days...they were THE band of the time..But like so many great bands they became an act and not a band that could play small clubs. The I.R.S. days were the best!

Driver 8 is melodically profound, and profoundly melodic, in ways never heard and felt before--though it did build on the great work of earlier bands who are largely forgotten now.

I left monterey california with my new boyfriend and drive on a road trip to Kansas, taking all the roads Less traveled and listened to your music all the way. You are an integrated park of the soundtrack of my life. I’m so grateful for the music you produced. Like Joseph Campbell always said, the best things in life can Not be spoken in words 💜

One of my very favorites of the 80's. Damn you won't hear anything like this ever again.

My son is a conductor on The South Shore Line. It runs between South Bend and Chicago. This song makes me think of him.

beautiful lyrics, beautiful singing, beautiful riff

This band saved my life

@mattanderson861

21 күн бұрын

So glad you’re still with us, Friend

the power lines have floaters so the airplanes don't get caught Stipe has this brilliant way of attaching the most obscure thoughts to round out these songs and by God if it's not exactly what was needed to complete his thought. That is "genius"

@ikesweat6037

9 жыл бұрын

sky blue bells ringing

@nicolekoretsky9062

8 жыл бұрын

Power lines have floaters, so the airplanes don't get snagged----that's good. And this song is perfect.

@EdwardGFunk

6 жыл бұрын

what's this song about though?

@jasonbarbush1794

6 жыл бұрын

no such thing as an atheist everyone believes in something.

@ericletullier7843

6 жыл бұрын

Ed G about a young rock band exausteb to their first years when have given à lot of concert in a short time. ... à mad train Who need "take à breath "

Unsung folk who are a real part of our country. give them the respect they deserve, they keep it running

My dad was a musician and when I started playing guitar, I lived in a little town in Indiana. I was about 9 years old. I wanted to have him teach me but he wanted me to have lessons from someone else first since he was self taught and thought I should get my basics down. My guitar teacher was the cool hippy guy and gave me a music sheet of this song. Took me a week to learn and it’s a song that I always tune my guitar to 😅a classic i still enjoy playing

My grandpa worked for L&N and was proud of that. And REM is a way for my son and daughter to connect.

I’m a fright conductor and the dark lonely feel of this is very true

this band.... part of the soundtrack of my life... all I can think of to say is...Thank You...

I love to listen this song and it fits perfectly in my life since I am going through some consequences of making decisions by impulse and it makes me think that life is short but we don’t have to rush it. I have to sit down, take a deep breathe, think and take a break because I am still long ways away from my achievements. Thank you R.E.M. This song calms me down.

this was one of my dad’s favorite songs of all time. now a favorite one of mine as well. i miss him.

for me the best song of REM ( DRIVER 8 in 1988 )

nice to see the chessies system has been immortalized in the form of R.E.M'S hit driver 8 may the chessie rest in peace and may it never be forgotten

@MrCzechers

8 жыл бұрын

+donavon broome Yup. Sure miss the old Chessie System.

@RailPreserver2K

8 жыл бұрын

indeed

@MrCzechers

8 жыл бұрын

C&O for progress

@RailPreserver2K

8 жыл бұрын

hey want to talk about this on google hangouts ?

@MrCzechers

8 жыл бұрын

I guess. B&O: Linking 13 great states with the nation.

My favorite R.E.M. song.

From the very beginning, USA network and Night Flight, South Central Rain kicked it off and REM has never disappointed. Lying in a Japanese hospital in April of 1991 and on a Sunday morning hearing Losing my religion for the first time. Became our theme song. Almost made a Buddhist monk have second thoughts. We enjoyed life just too much. Thank you REM!

@jamesc4392

Жыл бұрын

There’s a lot going on in this comment

One of the best songs from REM - miss these guys

@lindaalonso5452

3 жыл бұрын

One of the best to come from USA 🇺🇸

The 80s, the Greek system and REM made for such a period. Was a magical time to be a young person.

The few albums during the band’s ascendant period are so heady, with that mixture of basement feel but that was deceptively tight; obscure but penetrating lyrics; so new seeming but instantly nostalgic; and above all infectious hook after hook after hook. Irresistible.

CHESSIE SYSTEM! Love this song and the Vid!

@chessiesystemrailfanman3741

7 жыл бұрын

Yup gotta love the Chessie System :-)

@HiVizCamo

5 жыл бұрын

Great cat-based logo, I approve.

@JasonTrew2018

3 жыл бұрын

@@HiVizCamo Even though the song references the Southern Crescent (now Amtrak's 19/20) who just can't resist the Chessie System :D

The first track I ever heard from this college band. I love this tune. It is my favorite.

@peggyfranzen6159

3 жыл бұрын

The Burlington Northern over the Mississippi Valley from Illinois to Iowa! 😎Beans!

Love the Song Love the grainy video reminds me of late Sunday nights watching 120 minutes!

The guitars on this 😍

REM is such a revolutionary band.

One of my favorite songs, so well written and I love Peter Bucks guitar work, tone, everything..

My fave R.E.M song. Just a gorgeous song all around.

A true R.E.M. classic! Never saw this video before and so glad I finally did! It captures the feeling of the song so much! Thanks for sharing!

@johnhutchison5892

2 жыл бұрын

This video was filmed in my hometown. R.EM.'s lawyer is a local and told them he had the perfect spot to film. Sh oi ut ouy to the band and Clifton Forge Va..

@Iceman-pf9jz

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnhutchison5892 Thank you so much for telling!!! :)

People say, 80's! But, when i hear an REM song i heard memories of times/ life back then come to mind, not a video with high heals crushing roses.

One of my fav songs of R.E.M. So catchy it makes you get up and dance.

I have seen REM 6 times live and they played this song one of those times. Birmingham AL great concert...the best really...they played "Fall on Me" also...it was magic. I still get goosebumps thinking about that beautiful night in BAMA

@perrymickle2946

6 жыл бұрын

Flint Withers I was there too

@MsDelidog

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve only seen them once. In nyc years ago. Brilliant

There's an undeniable presence about Michael Stipe here. It's the hat and his third hand suit and depression era shoes. I can't pinpoint it more than that, but there's something other worldly about him as well..

the definitive R.E.M. song for older fans

The greatest American band ever.

A way to shield the hated heat A way to put myself to sleep A way to shield the hated heat A way to put myself, my children to sleep. Great phrase Johnny Mike.

Well...they muted all of Prince's videos tonight because he's passed. Therefore, I decided to listen to REM. I Love them both.. RIP Prince.

There's something so beautiful, so Americana about these older trains. I feel they represent an era when we were a stronger, more proud nation. ❤🇺🇸 🚉

One of my favorite R.E.M. songs of all time! It's also from one of my favorite R.E.M. album's of all time as well!

@chrishutchison8682

Жыл бұрын

Ho about Let It Rock by Chuck Beery!

Fantastico, un grupo excepcional, me conduce a esa buena y tranquila epoca..gracias!🌷

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite REM records

Man, this song still gives me chills. My old band used to cover this tune, with me singing on drums. Perhaps my most favorite REM song ever, but at least in the top 10.