Meaning of "I Drove Her Out Of My Mind" by Johnny Cash

The lyrics of "I Drove Her Out Of My Mind" by Johnny Cash tell the story of a man who is deeply hurt and devastated by the departure of his lover. It explores themes of heartbreak, revenge, and the pursuit of closure. The protagonist is unable to accept the fact that the woman he loved has left him for someone with more material wealth. In an attempt to mask his emotional pain, he turns to drugs, using "ups and downers" to escape his reality. However, despite these efforts, he cannot escape the memories and thoughts of his lost love.

The protagonist's actions take a dark turn when he decides to take his ex-lover on a final date before driving her off Lookout Mountain. The tragic twist is that he plans to make it look like a suicide, as if she couldn't bear to live without him. This plan represents the protagonist's desire for revenge and a way to make her feel the pain he has endured.

The song carries a tone of bitterness, anger, and desperation. It highlights the destructive nature of heartbreak and the lengths some will go to seek closure or retribution. Additionally, it explores the complex emotions that can arise after a relationship ends, such as a desire for control and power over the other person.

While the lyrics may seem extreme and even disturbing, they are also a reflection of the narrator's deep emotional turmoil and the distorted mindset caused by heartbreak. The song serves as a way for the protagonist to express his pain and fantasize about an ultimate form of closure. It explores the idea of driving someone out of your mind as a metaphorical act of erasing their presence and influence. Ultimately, the lyrics highlight the destructive consequences of unrequited love and the battle between holding on and letting go.