Meaning of "Drive All Night" by Glen Hansard

The lyrics of "Drive All Night" convey a powerful sense of longing and devotion for a lost love. The speaker expresses a deep desire to be reunited with their partner, even to the extent of driving all night in order to buy them shoes. This act serves as a symbol of their commitment and willingness to go to great lengths for love.

The mention of fallen angels and calling strangers adds a layer of desperation and defeat to the narrative. The fallen angels represent a sense of hopelessness and despair, emphasizing the emotional turmoil the speaker feels in the absence of their loved one. The calling strangers crying in defeat further illustrate this sense of loss and longing.

The line "Let them go, let them go, let them go do their dances of the dead" suggests a need to let go of the past and move forward, despite the pain. The speaker urges themselves and their partner to leave behind the struggles and emotional baggage, to let go of the past and embrace the present moment.

The machines and fire waiting at the edge of town symbolize the obstacles and difficulties that the couple may face. However, the speaker reassures their loved one that these external threats cannot harm them because their love is steadfast. Despite the challenges, the speaker promises to remain by their side, supporting them through the wind, rain, and snow.

Overall, "Drive All Night" is a poignant exploration of longing, devotion, and the willingness to fight against external forces to be with the one you love. It captures the deep emotional connection between two individuals and the lengths they are willing to go to maintain that connection.