By Michael Baginski/ Melissa Etheridge’s stunning ballad “You Can Sleep While I Drive” has been a favourite for fans since it appeared on her second album in 1989, “Brave and Crazy” – a disc that reached No 5 in Canada. The song got a further boost in ’95 when it was covered by Trisha Yearwood, but it’s a tune that has always innately belonged to the introspective Kansas singer-songwriter.
At least, that is, to Etheridge and her occasional list of duet partners – a stellar list that over the years has included k.d. lang, the Indigo Girls, and perhaps, most notably, Jewel, who originally paired with her on an episode of the TV show VH1 duets.
That collaberaton sparked a bond between the incredible performers that has endured for close to three decades, manifesting itself in a co-headlining tour by the two as recently as last year – where, one hopes, they performed this song.
Lyrics
Come on, baby
Let’s get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas
With the top rolled down
There’s a chill in my bones
I don’t wanna be left alone
So baby you can sleep while I drive
I’ll pack my bag
And load up my guitar
In my pocket
I’ll carry my harp
I got some money I saved
Enough to get underway
And baby you can sleep while I drive
We’ll go through Tucson
Up to Santa Fe
And Barbara in Nashville
Says we’re welcome to stay
I’ll buy you glasses in Texas
A hat from New Orleans
And in the morning
You can tell me your dreams
You know I’ve seen it before
This mist that covers your eyes
You’ve been looking for something
That’s not in your life
My intentions are true
Won’t you take me with you?
And baby you can sleep while I drive
Oh, is it other arms you want to
Hold you, the stranger
The lover, you’re free
Can’t you get that with me?
Come on baby
Let’s get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas
With the top rolled down
If you won’t take me with you
I’ll go before night is through
And baby you can sleep while I drive
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