“I Drove All Night” is one of Roy Orbison’s most iconic songs, and its accompanying music video is just as memorable. The song was released in 1987, a few years after Orbison’s return to the spotlight with his involvement in the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys. “I Drove All Night” was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who also wrote other hit songs like Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.”
The Song:
“I Drove All Night” was originally recorded by Cyndi Lauper in 1986, but Orbison’s version became a major hit in its own right. Roy Orbison’s rendition is a powerful, emotive rock ballad that captures his characteristic depth of feeling and operatic vocal style. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is so deeply in love that they drive all night just to be with the person they adore, reflecting Orbison’s well-known themes of longing, devotion, and heartache.
The Video:
The music video for “I Drove All Night” is often remembered for its striking visual storytelling and surreal quality. It has a cinematic feel, and like many of Orbison’s performances, it focuses on his magnetic presence as a performer. Here are some notable aspects of the video:
- Black and White/High Contrast Style: The video is shot in high contrast black-and-white, which gives it a moody, almost dreamlike quality. This suits the song’s yearning and emotional intensity, making the imagery feel more dramatic and timeless.
- Orbison’s Performance: Much of the video centers on Orbison himself, with close-up shots that showcase his signature, soulful expression as he sings. Orbison’s eyes, as always, convey a sense of vulnerability and emotion, which works perfectly with the song’s theme of relentless love.
- Symbolic Imagery: There are symbolic visual elements in the video that enhance the narrative of the song. For example, we see shots of a woman (portrayed by actress Kathy Troccoli) driving a car through the night, which complements the lyrics about driving all night to reach someone. The imagery of night driving, headlights, and the empty road creates a feeling of isolation and determination.
- Surrealism: The video uses some surrealistic elements. There are moments where Orbison’s face seems to emerge from the shadows or appears superimposed over the woman’s journey, reinforcing the idea of the song’s themes of love, longing, and the overwhelming desire to be with the person you love.
- Orbison’s Unique Visuals: Orbison himself is portrayed as a larger-than-life figure in the video, with visual elements emphasizing his mystery and charisma. His signature sunglasses—part of his iconic look—are present in the video, adding to the feeling that Orbison is both an intimate storyteller and an almost mythic figure.
Legacy and Impact:
“I Drove All Night” marked a late-career resurgence for Roy Orbison, and its video helped introduce his timeless music to a new generation of fans. The song itself is a powerful blend of 1980s production and Orbison’s classic sound—a combination of rockabilly, pop, and operatic balladry.
Although the video was relatively simple in terms of its plot, the mood it created, with Orbison’s intense performance and the dreamlike visuals, made it an iconic piece of music video history. It became one of those videos that is still fondly remembered by fans of Orbison and 1980s music videos.
Orbison’s rich, soaring voice, combined with the emotional weight of the song, made “I Drove All Night” a late-career classic. It remains one of his most enduring songs and a fan favorite, encapsulating both the vulnerability and grandeur that defined his legendary career.
Lyrics
I had to escape, the city was sticky and cruelMaybe I should have called you firstBut I was dying to get to youI was dreaming while I droveThe long straight road ahead, uh-huh, yeahCould taste your sweet kisses, your arms open wideThis fever for you was just burning me up insideI drove all night to get to youIs that all right?I drove all night, crept in your roomWoke you from your sleep to make love to youIs that all right?I drove all nightWhat in this world keeps us from falling apart?No matter where I goI hear the beating of our one heartI think about you when the night is cold and dark, uh-huh, yeahNo one can move me the way that you doNothing erases this feeling between me and you, ohI drove all night to get to youIs that all right?I drove all night, crept in your roomWoke you from your sleep to make love to youIs that all right?I drove all nightCould taste your sweet kisses, your arms open wideThis fever for you is just burning me up insideI drove all night to get to youIs that all right?I drove all night, crept in your roomIs that all right?I drove all nightI drove all night to get to youIs that all right?I drove all night
