The second stanza of Jimmy Rankin's 'Tramp Miner' is:

From here out to Timmins
I've loved all your women
In taverns I drank down my pay
But I'd do it again even though it's a sin
It's better than driving the raise
If you've done it, you'd know what I say

Can someone explain the expression 'driving the raise' for me? Thanks.

--Stewie.