If you were watching television in the early 1990s, chances are you heard Brian May’s “Driven By You” blaring from your speakers during a Ford car commercial. The song’s infectious chorus and driving rhythm made it an instant classic, but few people know the story behind how it came to be.
Brian May, the lead guitarist of Queen, wrote “Driven By You” for a Ford commercial in 1991. The car company was looking for a new way to market their cars, and they turned to May, who was known for his electrifying guitar work and larger-than-life stage presence.
May took the assignment seriously and spent weeks working on the song, crafting a driving rhythm and memorable hook that would capture the spirit of the open road and the joy of driving. The result was “Driven By You,” a song that quickly became a hit with car enthusiasts and rock fans alike.
But “Driven By You” was more than just a catchy commercial jingle. It was a reflection of May’s love for cars and the freedom they represented. The song’s lyrics celebrate the thrill of the open road and the power of driving, with May singing lines like “I’m just a slave to the drive / I’m addicted to the feel of the wheel.”
The song’s connection to Ford is reflected in its lyrics as well, with May singing about “the power of dreams” and the “beauty that lies in the heart of machines.” The commercial featuring “Driven By You” was a hit, and the song went on to become one of May’s most beloved solo works.
“Driven By You” was included on May’s debut solo album “Back to the Light,” which was released in 1992. The album was a critical and commercial success, and the song remains a fan favorite to this day.
In conclusion, “Driven By You” is a classic rock song that captures the spirit of the open road and the joy of driving. Its connection to Ford and the iconic commercial that featured it made it a cultural touchstone of the early 1990s, but its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of May’s songwriting and guitar work.