Honestly, if you were around for the mid-2010s R&B wave, you probably remember where you were when you first heard the drive by lyrics Eric Bellinger made famous. It’s one of those tracks that feels like a time capsule. Yet, somehow, it doesn’t feel dated. That’s the Bellinger magic.
He has this way of taking a phrase that usually sounds aggressive or dangerous and flipping it into something purely romantic. Or at least, "R&B romantic."
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The Story Behind the Lyrics
"Drive By" wasn't just a random single; it was a cornerstone of his Eric B for President: Term 1 album, which dropped back in September 2016. Produced by the heavy hitters Ayo the Producer and KeyzBaby, the track actually went RIAA Gold. That’s a massive deal for an independent artist who’s spent as much time behind the scenes writing for others as he has in the spotlight.
You’ve gotta realize Eric isn't just a singer. He’s a songwriter's songwriter. He’s written for Usher, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber. So when he sits down to write his own stuff, the pen is lethal.
The "drive by" metaphor is basically about that impulsive, "I need to see you right now" energy. When he sings about shooting to her crib like it’s a drive-by, he’s not talking about violence. He’s talking about that late-night pull-up. It’s the urgency. It’s the fact that he can’t get her out of his head, whether he’s on the job or just waking up.
Breaking Down the Key Lines
Let's look at that one line everyone quotes: "Sweeter than a number 9 with a large sunrise."
If you aren't from the West Coast or a frequent flier at certain fast-food spots, that might fly over your head. It’s a reference to a specific breakfast meal. It adds this grounded, everyday feel to the song. It’s not some unreachable, billionaire romance—it’s real-life love.
The hook is where the song really lives:
"I can't get you off of my, out of my mind / I'm saying stop playing girl you out of line / Couldn't erase these feelings even if I tried."
It’s simple. It’s catchy. But it’s the vocal delivery—that smooth, effortless run Eric does—that makes it stick. He also shouts out the "cross 5," basically saying he’s crossing out all the ex-boyfriends in her past. He’s the new incumbent.
Why People Keep Searching for These Lyrics
It’s the vibe.
The song has a specific bounce that works in a car, in the club, or just cleaning your house on a Sunday. It captures a feeling of being completely "sprung." You know that feeling? Where you’re almost annoyed by how much you’re thinking about someone? That’s what Eric captured here.
There’s also a subtle nod to Frank Ocean’s "Thinkin Bout You" in the way he structures the "Thinking about you" repetitions during the bridge. It’s an homage to the R&B greats that came just a few years before him, proving he knows the history of the genre he’s helping lead.
What Makes This Song a Standout?
Most R&B tracks about obsession can get a little creepy if the lyrics aren't handled right. Eric balances it with confidence. He talks about building an empire and being on the cover of the Enquirer. He knows people are going to hate, but he doesn't care because the woman he's with "inspires" him.
The track's longevity is also thanks to its acoustic versions and the way it’s been sampled and covered in the years since. It’s become a staple of "cuffing season" playlists globally.
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Pro-tip for listeners: If you want to really hear the technical skill Eric has, go listen to the acoustic version of "Drive By." Without the heavy bass and the polished production, you can hear the raw control he has over his voice. It’s a masterclass in modern R&B vocal arrangement.
How to Use the Vibe
If you're putting together a playlist or trying to understand the "Eric B for President" era, start with this track and move into "G.O.A.T." featuring Wale. They share a similar DNA—confident, melodic, and deeply rooted in West Coast culture.
Next Steps for R&B Fans:
- Check the Credits: Look up Paris Jones and Austin J. Owens (Ayo the Producer). They are the architects behind this sound.
- Listen to the Sequel: Eric followed up this era with The Rebirth 2 in 2019, where "Drive By" made another appearance because the fans just wouldn't let it die.
- Watch the Live Performances: Eric is known for "E-Mixes" where he flips other people's songs, but his live renditions of his own hits often feature entirely new vocal arrangements that surpass the studio versions.
Basically, "Drive By" is a masterclass in using urban metaphors to describe the most universal human emotion: being hopelessly in love. Or at least, hopelessly in "like."
Regardless of the year, those lyrics remain a go-to for anyone who’s ever felt that midnight urge to just pull up and see someone special.