Simon & Garfunkel, the iconic folk-rock duo of the 1960s, have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music with their harmonious vocals and poetic songwriting.
Among their illustrious catalog is a song that, while perhaps not as well-known as classics like “The Sound of Silence” or “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” offers a unique perspective into the duo’s artistry and the era in which it was created.
In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the song “Baby Driver,” examining its background, societal context, lyrics, and the myriad interpretations of its meaning.
Background of “Baby Driver”
“Baby Driver” is a track on Simon & Garfunkel’s fifth and final studio album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” released in January 1970. Composed by Paul Simon, the album showcases the duo’s musical versatility and the maturation of Simon’s songwriting.
The song is somewhat of an outlier on the album, known for its more upbeat tempo and playful lyrics compared to the more somber and reflective nature of other tracks.
The Making of the Song
Paul Simon’s inspiration for “Baby Driver” stemmed from his childhood experiences and his love for cars and driving. The song’s title, while misleadingly simple, is a nod to these youthful fascinations. Simon’s songwriting prowess is evident in his ability to take a seemingly mundane topic and infuse it with intricate metaphors and a storyline that captures the listener’s imagination.
Lyrics and Meaning of Baby Driver
The lyrics of “Baby Driver” are both whimsical and metaphorical, painting a vivid picture of the song’s protagonist and their experiences. Let’s break down the key components of the song’s lyrics.
My daddy was the family bassman
My mamma was an engineer
And I was born one dark gray morn
With music coming in my ears
In my earsThey call me Baby Driver
And once upon a pair of wheels
Hit the road and I’m gone
What’s my number ?
I wonder how your engines feelBa ba ba ba
Scoot down the road
What’s my number?
I wonder how your engines feel
Shine the lightMy daddy was a prominent frogman
My mamma’s in the Naval Reserve
When I was young, I carried a gun
But I never got the chance to serve
I did not serveThey call me Baby Driver
And once upon a pair of wheels
Hit the road and I’m gone
What’s my number ?
I wonder how your engines feelBa ba ba ba
Scoot down the road
What’s my number?
I wonder how your engines feelMy daddy got a big promotion
My mama got a raise in pay
There’s no-one home, we’re all alone
Oh come into my room and play
Yes, we can playI’m not talking about your pigtails
But I’m talking ‘bout your sex appeal
Hit the road and I’m gone
What’s my number?
I wonder how your engines
Ba ba ba ba
Scoot down the road
What’s my number?
I wonder how your engines feel
Source: Paul Simons Website.
Baby Driver, at its surface, seems like a light-hearted, almost whimsical song, but a deeper dive reveals more:
- The Lure of Freedom and Adventure: The lyrics paint a picture of a young man’s yearning for freedom and excitement. The protagonist’s journey in his car symbolizes a broader quest for independence and new experiences.
- Coming-of-Age Story: It’s a classic coming-of-age narrative, reflecting the transition from youth to adulthood, filled with dreams, aspirations, and a touch of rebellion.
- Nostalgia and Reflection: There’s a strong sense of nostalgia, as the song reflects on the carefree days of youth, a theme prevalent in many of Simon & Garfunkel’s works.
- Humor and Lightness: Unlike some of their more somber tracks, “Baby Driver” showcases their ability to infuse humor and lightness into their music, making it a refreshing deviation.
“Baby Driver” by Simon & Garfunkel is a whimsical, layered song that fuses narrative snapshots, playful double entendre, and youthful rebellion. Released on their 1970 album Bridge Over Troubled Water, the track diverges from their typical folk sound, incorporating rock and jazz influences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its lyrics:
Verse 1: Origins and Inheritance
My daddy was the family bassman / My mamma was an engineer / And I was born one dark gray morn / With music coming in my ears
This opening introduces the narrator’s lineage as a mix of rhythm (the “bassman”) and structure (the “engineer”). The father provides the musical soul, the mother technical precision—perhaps metaphorically reflecting the fusion of art and order in the narrator’s identity. Being “born with music in my ears” suggests a natural, possibly even fated, immersion in sound—this character was destined to live life rhythmically, freely, possibly artistically.
Chorus: Persona and Motion
They call me Baby Driver / And once upon a pair of wheels / I hit the road and I’m gone / What’s my number? / I wonder how your engines feel
The phrase “Baby Driver” suggests someone youthful yet in control of their own momentum—part rebel, part road warrior. The line “once upon a pair of wheels” mythologizes a coming-of-age through motion and escape. “What’s my number?” might imply anonymity or desire to be recognized. “How your engines feel” is a loaded line—it blends mechanical imagery with sexual subtext. There’s a recurring theme of freedom, speed, and desire.
The nonsensical vocalizations like “Rmm-ba-ba-ba” and “Scoot down the road” mimic the sounds of a car accelerating, emphasizing the joy and rhythm of movement.
Verse 2: Shifting Backstory
My daddy was a prominent frogman / My mama’s in the Naval reserve / When I was young I carried a gun / But I never got the chance to serve
This contradicts or expands on Verse 1, suggesting either a new fantasy or a surreal blurring of reality and fiction. A “frogman” is a military diver, adding an aquatic, covert dimension to the father figure. The “gun” implies readiness or conditioning for violence, but the line “I never got the chance to serve” shows a kind of disconnection from the family legacy of service—perhaps the narrator chose another path (music, escape, self-expression) instead of duty.
This could reflect the confusion of identity in youth, or the mix of societal expectations and personal dreams.
Chorus Repetition: Reasserting Identity
Repeating the chorus grounds the character in their identity as “Baby Driver,” reinforcing themes of flight, freedom, and fantasy.
Verse 3: Sexual Awakening
My daddy got a big promotion / My mamma got a raise in pay / There’s no-one home, we’re all alone / Oh, come into my room and play / Yes, we can play
Now the verse shifts into adolescence or young adulthood. The parents’ improved careers create the conditions for freedom and privacy. “Play” carries obvious sexual overtones, especially given the next chorus.
Final Chorus: From Innocence to Experience
I’m not talking about your pigtails / But I’m talking ’bout your sex appeal
This explicit line marks a departure from childhood. The narrator’s journey—once focused on engines, wheels, and family—has become more openly erotic. The road motif is now a metaphor for emotional and sexual experience.
Themes and Interpretation
- Coming-of-Age and Identity: The shifting stories about the narrator’s parents may symbolize the evolving, sometimes contradictory stories we tell about ourselves when figuring out who we are.
- Freedom and Motion: The motif of driving, speed, and engines stands for personal liberation. The road is an escape route, a place of self-discovery.
- Sexuality and Playfulness: The sexual innuendo builds slowly, culminating in the last verse. This parallels the maturing of the narrator.
- Surreal and Mythic Tones: The fantastical biographical details, the stylized language, and playful sound effects give the song a dreamlike quality—as if the narrator is building a myth of themselves.
- Postmodern Fragmentation: Different backstories and tones (whimsical, sensual, patriotic, musical) reflect a fragmented self, pieced together through cultural and personal references. This aligns with the late ’60s/early ’70s counterculture’s resistance to neat categorization.
Conclusion
“Baby Driver” is an idiosyncratic, deceptively light track that conceals a rich tapestry of identity, desire, and freedom under its catchy, upbeat surface. It’s part road movie, part sexual awakening, and part personal mythmaking—all compressed into a few minutes of jazz-rock pop. Simon & Garfunkel’s lyrics play with absurdity and sincerity, inviting the listener to enjoy the ride without needing to fully decode the map
Societal Context
The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of significant social and cultural change in the United States and around the world. The music scene was no exception, acting as a reflection of and a response to the evolving societal landscape.
The Counter-Culture Movement
During this era, the counter-culture movement was at its peak, with young people pushing back against traditional norms and seeking new forms of expression. This spirit of rebellion and freedom is subtly represented in “Baby Driver,” through its celebration of youth and its carefree, almost reckless narrative of driving away from responsibilities and expectations.
The American Dream and Automobiles
Automobiles represented more than just a mode of transportation; they were a symbol of the American Dream, promises of freedom, and the open road. “Baby Driver” taps into this cultural significance, using the car as a metaphor for the journey of life and the pursuit of independence.
Verse Analysis
The opening lines, “My daddy was the family bassman / My mamma was an engineer,” immediately establish a tone of musical heritage and the blending of traditional roles, perhaps reflecting the societal shifts of the time.
The song continues, “And I was born one dark gray morn / With music coming in my ears / In my ears,” suggesting that music is an intrinsic part of the narrator’s identity.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more adventurous, “They call me Baby Driver / And once upon a pair of wheels / Hit the road and I’m gone ah / What’s my number? / I wonder how your engines feel,” embracing the sense of escapism and the thrill of the open road.
Chorus Interpretation
The chorus, “Scoot down the road / What’s my number? / I wonder how your engines feel,” serves as a catchy and memorable refrain. It reinforces the theme of movement and the youthful desire to explore and push boundaries.
Bridge and Conclusion
The bridge introduces a shift in the narrative, “My daddy got a big promotion / My mamma got a raise in pay / There’s no one home, we’re all alone / Oh, come into my room and play,” hinting at the absence of parental supervision and the protagonist’s invitation to indulge in the freedom that comes with it.
The song concludes with a return to the energetic call of the road, leaving listeners with the impression that the Baby Driver’s journey is an endless pursuit of joy and liberation.
Interpretations and Legacy
“Baby Driver” has garnered various interpretations over the years. Some see it as a simple ode to youth and driving, while others look deeper into its lyrics to find a representation of the search for identity and the universal experience of growing up.
A Song Ahead of Its Time
Some might argue that “Baby Driver” was ahead of its time, anticipating the future significance of individuality and personal freedom in popular culture. Its lighthearted tone belies the complex themes simmering beneath the surface, making it a song that resonates with listeners across generations.
The Legacy of Simon & Garfunkel
As part of their final studio album, “Baby Driver” is a testament to the enduring legacy of Simon & Garfunkel. It’s a song that showcases their ability to blend catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics, creating music that not only entertains but also reflects the times in which it was created.
Conclusion
In the annals of Simon & Garfunkel’s distinguished body of work, “Baby Driver” stands out as a testament to the duo’s versatility and the depth of Paul Simon’s songwriting.
It captures the essence of an era while also offering timeless insights into the human condition. The song remains a beloved piece of the duo’s musical legacy, continuing to delight and provoke thought among listeners new and old.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering “Baby Driver” for the first time, its blend of infectious rhythm and nuanced lyrics offers a fascinating window into the past and a reminder of the enduring power of great music to capture the spirit of its time.
Hi – Who’s the artist for this article? Are credits listed somewhere? Thanks!
Thank you for commenting! I am! Eddie (Edward) Finch. Just an old man fond of folk music… Se the “About” page for more.
Best wishes,
Eddie
Personally I would say that this was a fun ‘filler’ song to pad out the album, the Beatles did the same with Maxwell’s Silver Hammer and When I’m 64. They are not particularly well loved songs because the lyrics are not profound compared to their usual output.
I loved Simon and Garfunkel in the 60’s but this was their swansong as a duo. Their strengths lay in their thrilling harmonies and Paul Simon’s poetic lyrics . Even the well loved title song of the album written to showcase Garfunkel’s voice was overwrought and not typical of Simon’s output.
Dear Penny,
Thank you ever so much for sharing your thoughts—always a pleasure to hear from someone who clearly knows and appreciates the music of the era.
I quite take your point regarding *Baby Driver* as a “filler” of sorts. It does have that playful, less weighty quality that stands apart from the more introspective or poetic hallmarks of Paul Simon’s songwriting. Your comparison to *Maxwell’s Silver Hammer* and *When I’m Sixty-Four* is an apt one—songs that lean more into character and whimsy than into lyrical depth, and often divide opinion for precisely that reason.
As for *Bridge Over Troubled Water* being their swansong, I think many fans would agree that it marked both a high point and a turning point. While the title track may indeed be a touch grandiose for some tastes, it’s hard to deny its emotional resonance and vocal power. Still, I appreciate your view that it strays somewhat from Simon’s typical style.
It’s fascinating how these songs, even decades on, continue to spark such rich discussion. Do feel free to share more of your reflections anytime—you clearly have a deep love for this music.
Warm regards,
Eddie Finch