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Del Amitri — Driving With The Brakes On
Album: Twisted
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 653









Released: 1995
Length: 4:33
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Driving through the long night
Trying to figure who's right and who's wrong
Now the kid has gone
I sit belted up tight
She sucks on a match light, glowing bronze
Steering on

And I might be more a man if I stopped this in its tracks
And said, come on, let's go home
But she's got the wheel,
And I've got nothing except what I have on

When you're driving with the brakes on
When you're swimming with your boots on
It's hard to say you love someone
And it's hard to say you don't

Trying to keep the mood right
Trying to steer the conversation from
The thing we've done
She shuts up the ashtray, I say it's a long way back now, hon
She just yawns

And we might get lost some place
So desolate that no one where we're from would ever come
But she's got the wheel and I've got to deal from now on

When you're driving with the brakes on
When you're swimming with your boots on
It's hard to say you love someone
And it's hard to say you don't

But unless the moon falls tonight
Unless continents collide
Nothing's gonna make me break from her side

'Cos when you're driving with the brakes on
When you're swimming with your boots on
It's hard to say you love someone
And it's hard to say you don't

It's hard to say you love someone
And it's hard to say you don't
Comments (160)add comment
They are actually re-united, and made the excellent album Fatal Mistakes in 2022. Also give the Outtakes and B-sides EP a listen. Given that these are "leftovers", the quality of the songs is so good. 
Good of RP to play other songs than Roll To Me. 

Play more Del Amitri, please, Will!

Give the book "These Are Such Perfect Days" by Charles Rawlings-Way a spin as well. 

Justin Currie is like the older big brother telling you about the realities of life, but doing it in a way that reassures you that everthing will be alright at the end. 

And if it everything is not alright. It is not the end....
My (now) ex husband introduced me to this band and  album. 
He was a handsome fun guy hopelessly romantic, and sang this song to me on the top of his lung everything it came on in the car.  Such fond memories. 
I love that music can do this. Bring up those feelings and take us back to places. 
Thanks for playing this, William. You’ve helped me finalise my evening. It's Friday, and I have nothing organised, so I will spend the evening with IPA, Islay Malt and Del Amitri on Vinyl.
 Cynaera wrote:

I'll reiterate - this is a really GOOD CD. Del Amitri was a passionate band that believed in what they were doing. Right up until they blew apart.  Lots of great music on this collection of songs, so if you can afford it, buy it.  And "Hat Full of Rain" is also really listenable.  I'd never heard of them until I went to Montréal and heard their music in a record store - bought the CD on the spot, and have loved their music ever since...





I second that. They were brilliant, good lyrics,  sweet sound. And every single track on this Album is  great. 
I saw these guys in a small theater in Atlanta in the early 90's, they were the opening act and I'd never heard of them. Totally blew me away, been a big fan ever since.
William's on a Glaswegian roll
 deepwoodskev wrote:

Forgot about these guys. Thought it was Collective Soul at first.


i thought it was the wallflowers. rp should play one headlight after/b4 this
 Cynaera wrote:

I tried to submit another Del Amitri song, but the bitrate was too small. They're actually quite good, and metaphors aside, they've produced a lot of valid music. None of which I've been able to upload. I had "Hat Full of Rain" which I bought in Montréal in about 2001, and the CD got broken. It had some incredible music on it - buy it if you can find it.

Meanwhile, I love Del Amitri, and while this isn't their best song, it's still pretty damned good. And I stand by them.

EDITED:  Went to the official website and could only access one band-member's touring schedule, so I guess Del Amitri is no more. Damn. Hot-headed Scottish bands. What're y'gonna do?



 drews wrote:

If Del Amitri are Scottish, how come they sing like they're from Texas? Listen to more Proclaimers fellas



The Proclaimers originally sang with American accents and were persuaded (by Gerry Rafferty, I think) to emphasise their Scottish accent.  We're not all Rob Roy, you know.  
Wide range  of comments on here which is as it should be.  This isn't Del Amitri's best song, so don't judge them by just this track.  They are still one of the best live acts I have ever seen and Justin Currie writes some of the most sardonic lyrics you will hear.  Check out Be My Downfall for starters.   
 drews wrote:
If Del Amitri are Scottish, how come they sing like they're from Texas? Listen to more Proclaimers fellas
 
As I recall way back when (correct me if I am wrong), but Del Amitri became the center of a big scandal when it was discovered that the singers and the people pictured on the cover were not the same (to put it politely). I also believe that Del Amitri later admitted to this (having studio musicians sing for them). Does anyone else remember this? You won't find it on Wikipedia (or similar), but I found it rather strange nevertheless that Wikipedia said "|Mick Slaven's| place was taken by David Cummings, whose photograph appeared on the |previous record's| record sleeve."


 lemmoth wrote:
very mundane - not up to RP snuff IMHO
 
I agree — just not feeling this one....

I listen to RP specifically to avoid dribble like this! 
Very melodic song!! So good

Alright!! One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands!  And thanks for the tip Cynaera, I'll go get "Hat Full of Rain".  I love Del Amitri!


I'll reiterate - this is a really GOOD CD. Del Amitri was a passionate band that believed in what they were doing. Right up until they blew apart.  Lots of great music on this collection of songs, so if you can afford it, buy it.  And "Hat Full of Rain" is also really listenable.  I'd never heard of them until I went to Montréal and heard their music in a record store - bought the CD on the spot, and have loved their music ever since...

 drews wrote:
If Del Amitri are Scottish, how come they sing like they're from Texas? Listen to more Proclaimers fellas
 To pay us back for the sins of the Decemberists' fake Brit affectation.

 Randomax wrote:
Anyone know what these guys are up to these days....don't hear much....really love them and this cd!
 
I think they do reconstitute from time to time. Justin Currie (Del Amitri vocals, guitar & bass) did a great session with Chris Difford (Squeeze) and Boo Hewerdine for the BBC series, Songwriters Circle, a few months back (a kindly soul has posted a rip to YouTube from the show).
I don't get all the 'country' references....it's more folky to me....it's just a nice song and really hits the nail on the head about a relationship that's gone on past it's natural life....
My favourite Del Amitri song - Kudos for the uploader - thanks {#Clap}
this is nice.
Forgot about these guys. Thought it was Collective Soul at first.
Anyone know what these guys are up to these days....don't hear much....really love them and this cd!
If Del Amitri are Scottish, how come they sing like they're from Texas? Listen to more Proclaimers fellas
...ppppffffffffffffffff... NEXT, please!
This song is awesome.  I love these guys.  Thanks for the "country" fix Bill. :-)
I tried to submit another Del Amitri song, but the bitrate was too small. They're actually quite good, and metaphors aside, they've produced a lot of valid music. None of which I've been able to upload. I had "Hat Full of Rain" which I bought in Montréal in about 2001, and the CD got broken. It had some incredible music on it - buy it if you can find it.

Meanwhile, I love Del Amitri, and while this isn't their best song, it's still pretty damned good. And I stand by them.

EDITED:  Went to the official website and could only access one band-member's touring schedule, so I guess Del Amitri is no more. Damn. Hot-headed Scottish bands. What're y'gonna do?

 Grammarcop wrote:
Driving with the brakes on? I didn't realize these guys were that old. Do they have a sequel to this song called "Turning Right From the Left Lane"?

Off to the DMV with ya!
 
Oh, kiss my ass, Grammarcop. No, wait - that's an image neither of us wants to experience. I don't champion very many artists, but I will take you to the mat on Del Amitri.  And BTW - my mother used to drive with one tiny foot on the gas and the other on the brake. I know she made anyone following her want to rear-end her just to stop the madness, but that was my mother. So - I have a particular affinity for "Driving With the Brakes On."

Yeah, what of it? You want a piece of me? Huh? I'll mop the floor with your small intestine. Well, I'll save the large one for a rope-swing. (God, I sound tough, don't I? *g*)

And the sequel is "Kiss This Thing Goodbye."

Love Del Amitri. Thanks for including them in your playlist. Brilliant.
I had "Twisted" on cassette, and it got listened to until it wouldn't play anymore.  I bought the "Hat Full of Rain" CD in Montréal in about 2001 (because "Twisted" lived up to its name), and listened to it constantly.  I don't know what happened, but it ended up getting broken!  Man, I loved it so much... Del Amitri is an understated, over-skilled band, and if I had "Hat Full of Rain" in my CD library again, I'd prolly listen to it until it didn't play any more. Yeah, I love this band.

This song became bothersome after a while.  The overuse of metaphors just makes the character seem dense.  And that's all I have to say about that.  :)
This is a great record I had forgotten about. Nice melodies, great vocals. It's worth a listen...
 Grammarcop wrote:
Driving with the brakes on? I didn't realize these guys were that old. Do they have a sequel to this song called "Turning Right From the Left Lane"?

Off to the DMV with ya!
 
{#Roflol}{#Clap}

 Tagish_girl wrote:
I really don't care for this song.... but I was guilty of the title 2 nights ago.... driving with the park brake on. It really stinks up the car.  For a long time.  
  I know, I have no excuse.  Maybe it was that extra extra large pizza on the passenger seat.... smelling so good, and covering the park brake on my wee little car...
  And dammit, I wasn't even drinking....
 
That reminds me of that episode of Dr. Katz.  His son was driving with the emergency brake on.  The son said something like "I guess emergency is a subjective term".

love this!!!
Beautiful. I miss the Dels
Driving with the brakes on? I didn't realize these guys were that old. Do they have a sequel to this song called "Turning Right From the Left Lane"?

Off to the DMV with ya!
Justin Currie's voice just does wonders for me. This album is fair...the earlier ones are superb. Every track. But then, I was younger, too. Age bias.
very mundane - not up to RP snuff IMHO
I really don't care for this song.... but I was guilty of the title 2 nights ago.... driving with the park brake on. It really stinks up the car.  For a long time.  
  I know, I have no excuse.  Maybe it was that extra extra large pizza on the passenger seat.... smelling so good, and covering the park brake on my wee little car...
  And dammit, I wasn't even drinking....
{#Sleep}
meh.
I don't know why, but these utterly banal lyrics aren't working for me.  Usually that doesn't bother me.
ah....love angst....nothing like it.........
This is actually a very catchy song and I really like it. Have liked it for years.
ewwww
So much better than I expected to hear when Bill said the next song was Del Amitri.  Why on earth was that stupid Roll to Me song the only one we ever heard in the US?
Del Amitri reminds of my days of living in London..nice
Love this album
Saw these guys years ago at the Fillmore in SF. A fantastic show.

Their earlier stuff (IMHO) is more powerful. They seemed to lose the original touch after (or even during) Twisted. Their high point might be  "The First Rule Of Love" on "Change Everything".

As someone else noted below, they have an amazing ability to uplift with lyrics about the inevitable erosion of love!
HAHA!  I do the same thing...

 
archipunk wrote:
I think that this is an amazing song, always makes me stop what I am doing and just listen...which isn't probably the best thing when it comes on while I am at work...
 


Very odd comment, and I must disagree: Raising kids is harder. However, it's also highly rewarding.

And by the way, Odyzzeuz, taking birth control is incredibly easy - for both partners.
 
Odyzzeuz wrote:


David Cross: Raising kids isn't hard. What's hard is talking your girlfriend into her third consecutive abortion. 
 

Good song - it sounds a little bit like Marc Cohn, doesn't it?
One of those which makes me stop what I am doing right now and just listen..
 archipunk wrote:
I think that this is an amazing song, always makes me stop what I am doing and just listen...which isn't probably the best thing when it comes on while I am at work...
 
So you're a school bus driver? Heavy equipment operator? Traffic cop? ...{#Propeller}

Very strange band.  Write great songs.  Sound like it's 1978 when they play them.  Look that way when they play live, and apparently not in an ironic way.  I've played this CD a LOT.
Very odd comment, and I must disagree: Raising kids is harder. However, it's also highly rewarding.

By the way, Odyzzeuz, taking birth control is incredibly easy — for both partners.
 
Odyzzeuz wrote:


David Cross: Raising kids isn't hard. What's hard is talking your girlfriend into her third consecutive abortion.
 


morgsy67 wrote:
Am I the only one who hears this song as a guy dealing with a situation where a dificult decision was made with his girfriend to go through with an abortion?
That was how I read it the first time I heard it, but I love the song and find it uplifting despite the negative context. I bought their first album on my last walk of freedom (!) in Glasgow the morning of our marriage in 1989, and have had a soft spot for them ever since.
I think that this is an amazing song, always makes me stop what I am doing and just listen...which isn't probably the best thing when it comes on while I am at work...
morgsy67 wrote:
Am I the only one who hears this song as a guy dealing with a situation where a dificult decision was made with his girfriend to go through with an abortion?
I think it's about a couple who are cheating - "and we might get lost someplace so desolate that no one where were from would ever come"
morgsy67 wrote:
Am I the only one who hears this song as a guy dealing with a situation where a dificult decision was made with his girfriend to go through with an abortion?
David Cross: Raising kids isn't hard. What's hard is talking your girlfriend into her third consecutive abortion.
nattywoohoo wrote:
Their greatest hits album ("Hatful of Rain") is pretty good. (It even has "Don't Come Home Too Soon" on it, which was the official song one year for Scotland's soccer team when they went to the World Cup.) The follow up album, "Can You Do Me Any Good?" is a different sound for them, but I adore it all the same. Check out "Baby, It's Me" if you're in the mood for a melancholy love song.
I agree...their Greatest Hits album is quite good. I love the song "Tell Her This"...a great love song.
teeFdee wrote:
I've never heard these guys before but I really like this song. Have to see if I can find some more of their stuff on Napster. Wouldn't mind hearing some more of them on Paradise either.
Their greatest hits album ("Hatful of Rain") is pretty good. (It even has "Don't Come Home Too Soon" on it, which was the official song one year for Scotland's soccer team when they went to the World Cup.) The follow up album, "Can You Do Me Any Good?" is a different sound for them, but I adore it all the same. Check out "Baby, It's Me" if you're in the mood for a melancholy love song.
Beautiful lyrics, filled with ouches!
Like the song. Too bad this group has always been so inconsistent. They don't hit it very often but when they do the music is really powerful.
morgsy67 wrote:
Am I the only one who hears this song as a guy dealing with a situation where a dificult decision was made with his girfriend to go through with an abortion?
I hear that, too. Always have. I love this band and this song: "It's hard to say you love someone, and it's hard to say you don't."
It's so nice to hear Del Amitri again.
It called, WORST OF THE NINETIES, Vol IV
fanTASTic song!
morgsy67 wrote:
Am I the only one who hears this song as a guy dealing with a situation where a dificult decision was made with his girfriend to go through with an abortion?
No, me too, and a gf I had as well... it's a beautiful song, period.
I haven't heard this song in a long time. It sums up so much of what I feel, it's scary. Stunning. Solid 9. c.
Man, that's good! 9.
It's hard to say I like this song, and it's hard to say I don't. p.s. try swimming with your brakes on!
Am I the only one who hears this song as a guy dealing with a situation where a dificult decision was made with his girfriend to go through with an abortion?
just love this band.
First heard them on the Scrubs TV-Show. I really like it.
It sounds like this guy has a shoebox full of cool little phrases he writes down as he thinks them up and he put half a box or so in this song. It's got kind of patch worked feeling.
Great song from a great band.
Would highly recommend their first album (at least from this lineup of the band) Waking Hours from the late 80s. Change Everything from a couple years later is almost as good. Probably both can be found cheap on Amazon. teeFdee wrote:
I've never heard these guys before but I really like this song. Have to see if I can find some more of their stuff on Napster. Wouldn't mind hearing some more of them on Paradise either.
this song broke my heart the first time i heard it. so simple and true it's hard to say you love someone and it's hard to say you don't gorgeous & brilliant
mabra70 wrote:
Keep your bullshit by yourself there's nobody else interessted!
Are you sure? I agree with him. Edit: On February 9, 2006, I wrote:
I had to double check, just to make sure I wasn't in a cheesy car with a bad boyfriend.
I kill me.
Nice song
bondseye wrote:
Boring ballad blah..
Keep your bullshit by yourself there's nobody else interessted!
Boring ballad blah..
surreal1221 wrote:
Haven't heard these gentlemen in some time. Very nice to see them still around. I wish them luck.
This album is ten years old if it is a day.
Haven't heard these gentlemen in some time. Very nice to see them still around. I wish them luck.
I've never heard these guys before but I really like this song. Have to see if I can find some more of their stuff on Napster. Wouldn't mind hearing some more of them on Paradise either.
Well .. I see they just released an new CD this Sept. so I guess they are still around ... would love to hear more from them. The CD that this song is from is great.
Growing on me quite well. Just raised it 2 points.
I Love this band ... this album ... Where is DM? What happened to them ... they were so talented ... can anyone fill me in?
Sad that this only garners a 6.8. Wonderful musicianship. Always liked these guys. 9.
great song-odd they never caught on in the US. They do have a following in Canada
wow. great choice!
MM13 wrote:
It's so unbelievable that this brilliant band didn't get more recognition. Great music, powerful lyrics, lovely harmonies... They're still one of my favorites.
agreed!
These guys should change their name to Dull As-a-Tree.
It's so unbelievable that this brilliant band didn't get more recognition. Great music, powerful lyrics, lovely harmonies... They're still one of my favorites.
I always thought they played way too loud in concert so I lost track of them.
Reminds me of Marc Cohn (and not in a good way).
AliGator wrote:
I had to double check, just to make sure I wasn't in a cheesy car with a bad boyfriend.
haha perfect image. this song blows. sounds like an American Idols song
but cheese got the wheel
I love this song. Back in the 90s I was obsessed with a Scottish band called Texas (hmmm...I shoud upload some Texas - haven't heard them here yet). I heard Texas interviewed and when asked who THEY listened to, they named Del Amitri as one of their favourite bands.I went out and bought a few of their cds and had to agree - nice choice!
Nice vocals and music.
Great song, great band. Love his voice
Hard to find, but the original Dell Amitri album from the 80s was a brief moment of genius. Second album had some highs. Don't know what happened then. But I still play the original album on CD release.
AliGator wrote:
I had to double check, just to make sure I wasn't in a cheesy car with a bad boyfriend.
Yeah, dull stuff, huh? What was the band, Don Amechi?
I love this song ... this CD and this band ... Can anyone tell me anything about Del Amitri? ie: are they still together ... do they ever tour the U.S. This is an incredible CD ... and an incredible band. I want more ...
shakitten wrote:
God, I love this song....
me too...I love his voice!
I had to double check, just to make sure I wasn't in a cheesy car with a bad boyfriend.
God, I love this song....
I love this song and this band! But I also enjoy a good grilled cheese sandwich.
this tune is driving with its brakes on...
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Del Amitri (Latin for from the Womb?) is one of the most talented "pop" rock band. Del has some of the most pure hooks. Entire albums are worth a listen.
thewiseking wrote:
as Oscar Wilde said "all bad poetry springs from genuine feeling" when you team that bad poetry with cliched vocal stylings and strum a guitar, im just not digging it. !
nicely put.
thewiseking wrote:
as Oscar Wilde said "all bad poetry springs from genuine feeling" when you team that bad poetry with cliched vocal stylings and strum a guitar, im just not digging it. i suppose this sort of crap can be used to woo women into bed, but it aint good for much else.
Here, here! Except I don't think this could woo anyone into bed aside from someone with exceedingly poor taste.
I'd forgotten about this song until it turned up on RP on the last rotation. I dug it out from the CD rack and have been playing it on the iPod for weeks. Love it. Del Amitri wrote some gems. This one gets better the more you hear it. Well done Bill!
I've never heard this Del Amitri song before. Can't imagine why. This is really nice, nothing complicated, nothing technically amazing, it's just a nice track.
Pipes wrote:
Wooing women into bed would not be of interest to Oscar Wilde, but it's good enough for me!
absolutely, thats why its good to have this kind of stuff on your itunes
thewiseking wrote:
as Oscar Wilde said "all bad poetry springs from genuine feeling" when you team that bad poetry with cliched vocal stylings and strum a guitar, im just not digging it. i suppose this sort of crap can be used to woo women into bed, but it aint good for much else.
Wooing women into bed would not be of interest to Oscar Wilde, but it's good enough for me!
Pipes wrote:
No wisdom in that comment!
as Oscar Wilde said "all bad poetry springs from genuine feeling" when you team that bad poetry with cliched vocal stylings and strum a guitar, im just not digging it. i suppose this sort of crap can be used to woo women into bed, but it aint good for much else.
thewiseking wrote:
file this away with jack johnson, richard mayer et al. ready for the WB
No wisdom in that comment!