Meaning of "Drive My Car / The Word / What You're Doing" by The Beatles

In "Drive My Car / The Word / What You're Doing," The Beatles touch on themes of ambition and the desire for fame. The girl in the song expresses her aspiration to become a star of the screen, while the narrator offers to support her dreams by driving her car. This can be seen as a metaphor for the narrator's willingness to play a supporting role in her pursuit of fame. However, the repetition of "beep beep" in the song can also be interpreted as a warning. It suggests that the pursuit of fame can be superficial and lacks depth, as represented by the empty sound of a car horn. Despite this, the narrator expresses the willingness to love the girl, indicating that there is an underlying genuine affection beyond the façade of fame.

The second part of the song, "What You're Doing," delves into the narrator's emotional state. The repeated phrase "What you're doing to me?" suggests that the girl's actions are causing him distress. He feels lonely and blue, implicating that she may not reciprocate his feelings or provide him with the emotional support he requires. The narrator questions why it should be so difficult for her to consider his feelings, hinting at a lack of empathy on her part. The "beep beep" refrain also appears in this section, linking the two parts thematically. The repetition emphasizes the emotional toll the girl's actions have on the narrator.

In terms of musicality, the song incorporates catchy melodies and harmonies, enhancing the overall message of the lyrics. The upbeat instrumentation juxtaposes with the somewhat melancholic undertones of the words, highlighting the contrast between the desire for fame and the emotional consequences that can arise.