“Sunday Driver” didn’t start from a big moment. It started from a normal one. I was killing time with my brother, being dumb, messing around with the guitar. I found an opening riff I liked and pushed it around for a bit. We got goofy and I was chanting the phrase “you can be a Sunday driver” over the chord progression and that’s how the chorus showed up. Nothing cinematic. Just a regular night that happened into a song.
I rarely write lyrics with an end in mind, so it’s not until reflecting on the finished draft that I often “discover” what it’s trying to tell me. What I like about Sunday Driver is at its essence the story is a negotiation. Someone is telling you who they are and what life together might be like. The song reuses similar imagery — slowing down, taking the long road, hitting the brakes, not needing a destination, and makes a case a certain kind of life. A certain pace. Not because it’s better, but because it’s real.
Sunday Driver
If you're used
To going fast
Slow it down
Make it last
If you're used
To gaining speed
Honey hit the brakes
Take a lap with me
You can be a Sunday Driver
See the sights along the way
Take a breath you Sunday Driver
Settle in on this highway
Hitch a ride
With someone else
There may be sparks
They'll burn out
If you stay
I guarantee
I can show you ways
The fast ones never take
You can be a Sunday Driver
See the sights along the way
Take a breath you Sunday Driver
Settle in on this highway
We don't need a destination
Just fire in the tank
Maybe with a little patience
We're never coming back
Never coming back
You can be a Sunday Driver
See the sights along the way
Take a breath you Sunday Driver
Settle in on this highway
Settle in on this highway
From an Unfinished Basement is recorded live in Calgary, Alberta in one-take. If this connected with you join the mailing list for new one-take sessions, demos, and first listens—sent quietly, when they’re ready.