Drift Away
Drift Away is a song by Mentor Williams, originally recorded by Dobie Gray in 1972.
This song is also a famous "goodbye" or ending song for concerts. Its use is often as filler for a last song, usually in preparation for an encore, since it has a catchy beat and a guitar solo can be easily added to the end of the song in order to spice things up before the encore. As such, many live covers have been performed by a multitude of bands and it has become a hit among soft rock fans.
Covers
"Drift Away" is famous for being covered by bands and people all over the world for years. The list includes:
- Bo Bice, on American Idol
- Michael Bolton
- Bon Jovi
- Bowery Electric
- Clarence Carter
- Chosen Few
- Copycats
- Linda Eder
- Chris Foster
- Waylon Jennings
- John Kay
- The Nylons
- Roy Orbison
- Ringo Starr
- Steppenwolf
- Rod Stewart
- Uncle Kracker
An unreleased duet cover of this song by the Rolling Stones and The Beatles has been rumored to exist, but no evidence seems available to corroborate that The Beatles ever recorded this song. A bootleg box set (from a 1982 radio documentary[1]) includes a recording of the song—listed in the credits as "recorded at Musicland Studios", where the Stones recorded in 1973 and 1974 [2]. No mention is made of The Beatles, who would likely have made quite a stir had they appeared in Germany years after breaking up.
Lyrics
Day after day I'm more confused Yet I look for the light Through the pourin' rain You know that's a game that I hate to lose And I'm feeling the strain Ain't it a shame
Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul I want to get lost in your rock and roll And drift away [repeat]
Beginning to think that I'm wasting time I don't understand the things I do The world outside looks so unkind Now I'm counting on you To carry me through
Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul I want to get lost in your rock and roll And drift away [repeat]
And when my mind is free You know a melody can move me And when I'm feeling blue The guitar's coming through to soothe me
Thanks for the joy that you're given me I want you to know I believe in your song Your rhythm and rhyme and harmony You've helped me along Makin' me strong
Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul I want to get lost in your rock and roll And drift away [repeat] Na, na, now won't ya Won't ya take, oh ha... take me