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Just South of Knowing Why

Unreleased | 2004

“Just South of Knowing Why” is one of Taylor’s many unreleased songs. Written by her in her teen years, the song was co-written with one of her early collaborators, Robert Ellis Orall who also co-wrote several tracks from her eponymous debut album, Taylor Swift (2006).
Table of Contents

Background and Lyrical Theme

Taylor wrote “Just South of Knowing Why” at her family’s house in Hendersonville, TN. She likey didn’t write about herself. The song is written in third person and the lyrics are talking about someone running away and driving all night.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
She didn’t have a reason to go, oh no
She didn’t have a reason to stay
Either way she didn’t tell anyone about her first ray of sun
She looked at her keys and found a reason to run

[Pre-Chorus]
And time stands still when you’re nowhere bound
But I understand it somehow

[Chorus]
If I could drive all night would I find my peace of mind?
Would it be a million miles of cold white lies
And unfamiliar exit signs?
I just drive on by, just south of knowing why

[Verse 2]
I didn’t really know her that well
But I could tell that her smile was only something to hide behind
She felt so out of touch, because she just felt too much
If you don’t know what you want nothing’s ever enough

[Pre-Chorus]
And time stands still when you’re nowhere bound
That’s where I’m headed right now

[Chorus]
If I could drive all night would I find my peace of mind?
Would it be a million miles of cold white lies
And unfamiliar exit signs?
I just drive on by, just south of knowing why

[Bridge]
I don’t have a plan, I don’t have a map
I don’t even know if I’m ever going back
I don’t have a when and I don’t have a where
I don’t even know if I’ll know when I’m there

[Chorus]
But If I could drive all night would I find my peace of mind?
Would it be a million miles of cold white lies
And unfamiliar exit signs?
I just drive on by

[Outro]
I just drive on by, drive on, drive on
Drive all night
If I drive on, drive on, drive on
Drive all night, just south of knowing why

General Information
StatusUnreleased
Leaked2004
Written2004-2005
GenreCountry
Length3:27
SongwritersTaylor Swift
Robert Ellis Orrall
Leaked Demo Audio