“Drop The Pilot” is a song by Joan Armatrading, released in 1983 as a single from her album “The Key”. The song’s lyrics are about a woman who is trying to get out of a relationship that is no longer working for her. It is a powerful and empowering song that encourages women to take control of their lives and make the tough decisions that are necessary to live the life they want.

Table of Contents

Verse 1

The song’s opening verse establishes the situation that the protagonist finds herself in. She is in a relationship with someone who is not treating her the way she deserves to be treated. The lyrics are as follows:

“I’m not feeling too good by myself,
I’m feelin’ kinda rough.
I’m not liking you too good now, you got me feelin’ like I’ve had enough.”

Chorus

The chorus of the song is a rallying cry for the protagonist to take control of her life. It repeats the phrase “Drop the pilot” several times, emphasizing the importance of taking action and making a change. The chorus lyrics are as follows:

“Drop the pilot, try my balloon,
Drop the monkey, smell my perfume.”

Verse 2

The second verse of the song continues to establish the situation that the protagonist finds herself in. She is tired of being in a relationship where she is not valued and decides that it is time to take action. The lyrics are as follows:

“So this ain’t the honeymoon,
I don’t feel the sparks no more.
I don’t feel the way I should,
You got me feeling misunderstood.”

Bridge

The song’s bridge provides a moment of introspection for the protagonist. She reflects on the situation that she finds herself in and realizes that she is the only one who can change it. The lyrics are as follows:

“It’s been so long since you and I,
Made love together (made love together).
Then you act like a stranger
And I feel like a fool.”

FAQ:

1. Who inspired Joan Armatrading to write “Drop The Pilot”?

Joan Armatrading was inspired to write “Drop The Pilot” by her own experiences. In an interview with The Guardian, Armatrading said, “I’d come out of a relationship with someone who wasn’t doing the right things, and I needed to say, ‘That’s enough’. It’s empowering to make a change like that, and I wanted to capture that feeling in the song.”

2. What does “Drop the pilot” mean?

The phrase “Drop the pilot” is a metaphor for ending a relationship that is no longer working. It means that the protagonist is ready to make a change and move on from her current situation.

3. What is the meaning behind the line “Try my balloon”?

The line “Try my balloon” is a metaphor for the protagonist’s desire to explore new things and take risks. She is encouraging herself to try new experiences and see where they take her.

4. What is the message of the song?

The message of the song is that women should take control of their lives and make the tough decisions that are necessary to live the life they want. It empowers women to make changes in their lives and not settle for less than they deserve.

5. How was “Drop The Pilot” received?

“Drop The Pilot” was a commercial success, reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It received critical acclaim, with many praising Armatrading’s powerful vocals and the song’s empowering message.

6. Has “Drop The Pilot” been covered by other artists?

“Drop The Pilot” has been covered by several other artists, including Amy MacDonald, Heather Peace, and The Beautiful South.

7. What other songs are on “The Key”?

“The Key” is an album by Joan Armatrading that was released in 1983. In addition to “Drop The Pilot”, the album also features songs like “Love By You”, “The Game Of Love”, and “The Dealer”.

8. Did Joan Armatrading write all the songs on “The Key”?

Yes, Joan Armatrading wrote all the songs on “The Key”.

9. What other albums has Joan Armatrading released?

Joan Armatrading has released over 20 studio albums, including “Whatever’s For Us” (1972), “Show Some Emotion” (1977), “To The Limit” (1978), and “Lovers Speak” (2003).

10. Has Joan Armatrading won any awards for her music?

Yes, Joan Armatrading has won several awards for her music, including three Grammy nominations, an Ivor Novello Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

11. What is Joan Armatrading’s net worth?

Joan Armatrading’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

12. What is Joan Armatrading doing now?

Joan Armatrading is still making music and performing. She released her most recent album, “Consequences”, in 2020 and has several tour dates scheduled for 2022. In addition to her music career, Armatrading is also a painter and has exhibited her artwork in galleries around the world.