In this darkly satirical masterpiece, Ethan Coen presents a stark view of power dynamics in society. Through the central metaphor of a drunken driver, the poem explores how force and recklessness often prevail over careful consideration and right. It's a meditation on power that springs from a perspective of scarcity and confrontation - a world where might makes right and the careful must yield to the careless.
The poem builds through its verses with a relentless rhythm, each stanza reinforcing the harsh reality it describes. The recurring refrain serves as a cynical acceptance of power's crude dominance.
The Drunken Driver Has The Right of Way
by Ethan Coen
The loudest have the final say,
The wanton win, the rash hold sway,
The realist's rules of order say
The drunken driver has the right of way.
The Kubla Khan can butt in line;
The biggest brute can take what's mine;
When heavyweights break wind, that's fine;
No matter what a judge might say,
The drunken driver has the right of way.
The guiltiest feel free of guilt;
Who care not, bloom; who worry, wilt;
Plans better laid are rarely built
For forethought seldom wins the day;
The drunken driver has the right of way.
The most attentive and unfailing
Carefulness is unavailing
Wheresoever fools are flailing;
Wisdom there is held at bay;
The drunken driver has the right of way.
De jure is de facto's slave;
The most foolhardy beat the brave;
Brass routs restraint; low lies high's grave;
When conscience leads you, it's astray;
The drunken driver has the right of way.
It's only the naivest who'll
Deny this, that the reckless rule;
When facing an oncoming fool
The practiced and sagacious say
Watch out — one side — look sharp — gang way.
Power Through Force: A Realpolitik View
The poem presents power as inherently aggressive, aligning with Realpolitik philosophy where practical force trumps moral considerations. The "drunken driver" metaphor suggests that power, when wielded recklessly, commands its own right of way regardless of laws, morals, or careful planning.
This view springs from a scarcity mindset - where power must be seized and maintained through force, where winners and losers are inevitable, and where careful consideration is often a liability rather than an asset.
However, this is not the only way to view power and influence in our world. For an exploration of a more nuanced perspective based on abundance and patient navigation rather than force, discover The Patient Navigator's View of Power.