Driver 8 is a song by the American alternative rock band R.E.M. It was released in 1985 on their third studio album, Reckoning. Although not released as a single, "Driver 8" became a fan favorite and a staple of the band's live performances throughout their career.
The song is known for its distinctive jangling guitar riff by Peter Buck and its evocative lyrics, often interpreted as a commentary on the American South, train travel, and the transient nature of life. The lyrics describe a train engineer's journey, exploring themes of longing, isolation, and the passage of time through the imagery of railroads and the Southern landscape. It is widely regarded as one of R.E.M.'s signature early songs, contributing to their reputation for cryptic yet poetic songwriting and influential musical style.