Can I use the noun drift like this?

[Finnmaker]

Hi, first post on the forum. English isn't my first language and my friend told me that this line in a lyric felt wrong to him, so I'm looking for a third opinion.

Would you say you could use the noun 'drift' in the following phrase:
Let the drift take me away

As in the drift of water. I realize that 'current' or even 'waters' would fit better, but they have too many syllables for the line. My second option would be 'stream', but it's harder to pronounce being sung so high and doesn't flow as well in the sung line.

Thanks a lot in advance!

[seigfried007]

Hi, first post on the forum. English isn't my first language and my friend told me that this line in a lyric felt wrong to him, so I'm looking for a third opinion.

Would you say you could use the noun 'drift' in the following phrase:
Let the drift take me away

As in the drift of water. I realize that 'current' or even 'waters' would fit better, but they have too many syllables for the line. My second option would be 'stream', but it's harder to pronounce being sung so high and doesn't flow as well in the sung line.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Drift can work like that, but it's also used for drifts of snow, drifting cars, catching the drift (understanding the gist of what's said/written), drifting away (losing one's train of thought or the gradual loss of love/understanding in a relationship).

Would "waves" or "wave" work?

[Terry D]

For a lyric I think 'drift' works well. It pushes the definition of the word a bit, but I think that's a good thing. Lyrics are, after all, poetry and poets are supposed to push words into new territory.

[Finnmaker]

Great to hear! Thanks to the both of you! I think the double meaning with relationship could even work as an addition as the song's chorus does imply that theme.

I think waves could also fit, I'll compare them in rehearsal next time, thanks for the idea!

[Phil Istine]

It would help to see the context. If it fits, "Let the drift take me ... " or "Let the stream take me ... ". It might be possible to omit "away", but it's hard to say without context.

[Grizzly]

YOOO FINNMAKER this is hella rad.

kudos to you for writing in a language that isn't your first language, and additional kudos for inquiring deeper about it and caring so much about syllable count and intonation etcetera! 120000/10!!!

For a lyric I think 'drift' works well. It pushes the definition of the word a bit, but I think that's a good thing. Lyrics are, after all, poetry and poets are supposed to push words into new territory.

I agree with Terry D that "drift" pushes the definition. THAT'S WHAT WRITING IS SUPPOSED TO DO so you're spot on in that. Way to be expansive! Way to really push the boundaries of the known universe!! YOU ROCK


Keep pushing those definitions, man. You're doing great. Genuinely thank you for doing this.