Songs about cars and driving illustration
If love songs dominate the airwaves, then Car Songs are surely revving up in a close second place. From the moment automobiles became symbols of freedom and power, musicians across every genre imaginable have been putting pedal to the metal and singing their praises. Buckle up as we explore 100 of the best car songs and driving anthems guaranteed to fuel your next road trip or just your daily commute.
2Pac – Picture Me Rollin’
As a West Coast rap icon, 2Pac practically had a license to rhyme about cruising. In “Picture Me Rollin’,” a standout track from his 1996 masterpiece All Eyez on Me, he paints a vivid picture of Los Angeles street life, gliding in his customized Mercedes Benz. He even name-drops a Lexus and a Chevy Big Body, showcasing his appreciation for fine automobiles.
50 Cent – Get in My Car
50 Cent’s well-known passion for luxury cars makes “Get in My Car” from his 2005 album The Massacre a natural fit. While the music video flaunts a vibrant yellow Ferrari convertible, his lyrics boast about his Mercedes Benz, emphasizing the gleaming chrome rims. He also gives a nod to Dayton spokes, a legendary custom rim deeply rooted in Lowrider culture.
AC/DC – Highway to Hell
AC/DC takes a high-octane journey down a dangerous road in the hard rock anthem “Highway to Hell.” This iconic title track from the Australian band’s 1979 album was ignited by their relentless touring schedule and countless drives along Perth’s Canning Highway, transforming road weariness into rock and roll rebellion.
Alan Jackson – Mercury Blues
Originally co-written and recorded in 1948 by bluesman K.C. Douglas, “Mercury Blues” is an enduring tribute to the Mercury, Ford’s stylish yet accessible car line produced until 2010. Countless artists have covered this classic, but Alan Jackson’s 1993 rendition propelled it to the Top Five on the country charts, proving its timeless appeal.
Ariana Grande – Honeymoon Avenue
Ariana Grande uses the car as a poignant metaphor for a relationship’s ups and downs in her ballad “Honeymoon Avenue” from her 2013 debut, Yours Truly. Looking through the rearview mirror, she reflects on the bumps and turns of a struggling romance, wishing for a return to the smooth beginnings of “Honeymoon Avenue,” symbolizing easier times.
Bass Mekanik – Bass Mechanic
Electronic music pioneers Bass Mekanik, comprised of Neil Case and DJ Billy E, literally started in a Miami car shop, crafting test tones for car subwoofers. Their track “Bass Mechanic,” from the 1999 album V 5.0, is pure driving music, perfectly suited for cruising down sun-drenched highways with the bass turned all the way up.
The Beach Boys – Fun, Fun, Fun
The Beach Boys, synonymous with California sunshine and car culture, delivered the ultimate teenage rebellion anthem with “Fun, Fun, Fun” in 1966. This hit song narrates a girl’s secret joyrides in her father’s Ford Thunderbird. The Beach Boys’ love for cars is undeniable, having previously celebrated the 1932 Ford Model 18 in their earlier hit, “Little Deuce Coupe,” cementing their status as kings of car songs.
Beastie Boys – High Plains Drifter
The Beastie Boys embrace a blue-collar outlaw persona in “High Plains Drifter,” a standout track from their groundbreaking 1989 album Paul’s Boutique. This car song follows an anti-hero’s cross-country escapades, hot-wiring cars, and outsmarting the law, all while enjoying the vintage comforts of an 8-track player and a brick-sized cell phone.
The Beatles – Drive My Car
The Beatles added their signature pop genius to the car song genre with “Drive My Car” from their 1966 album Rubber Soul. This upbeat track initially seems like a lighthearted tale of a girl asking a boy to be her chauffeur. However, the lyrics hint at playful innuendo, showcasing the band’s clever songwriting. Notably, George Harrison later explored a more literal car theme with “Faster,” inspired by his passion for Formula 1 racing.
Beck – The Golden Age
Beck’s introspective 2002 album Sea Change delves into themes of solitude and heartache. The opening track, “The Golden Age,” uses the simple act of driving as a source of solace. Beck sings about finding peace by escaping into his car, rolling down the windows, and letting the evening breeze carry his worries away, making it a perfect introspective car song.
Big Tymers – Get Your Roll On
New Orleans hip-hop duo Big Tymers flaunt their extravagant taste in automobiles in their 2000 hit, “Get Your Roll On,” from the album I Got That Work. Birdman and Mannie Fresh rap about their prized possessions, from Benzes to Bentleys, emphasizing flashy rims, loud exhausts, and unapologetically displayed price tags.
Billy Ocean – Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car
Billy Ocean’s “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” is a pure 80s pop anthem. He enthusiastically implores a woman to jump into his car for a romantic getaway. While the lyrics might raise an eyebrow today, this 1988 single was a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and even featuring on the soundtrack of the teen comedy License to Drive.
Bob Seger – Makin’ Thunderbirds
Bob Seger, Detroit’s rock and roll son, offers a unique perspective on car songs with “Makin’ Thunderbirds” from his 1982 album The Distance. Instead of singing about driving a classic Ford Thunderbird, he embodies the factory worker’s pride in crafting these iconic cars in his youth, celebrating American automotive craftsmanship.
Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
“Born to Run,” Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 signature song, encapsulates teenage dreams, romance, and the burning desire to escape small-town life – specifically Freehold, NJ, via Highway 9. This car song is an anthem of youthful yearning and the open road, a classic for generations.
Cake – The Distance
Cake’s deadpan alt-rock hit “The Distance,” from their 1996 album Fashion Nugget, uses a car race as a metaphor for relentless pursuit. Initially sounding like a high-speed race track scenario, the song evolves into a reflection on perseverance, regret, and the often-unreachable goals that drive us.
Canned Heat – On The Road Again
Canned Heat scored their breakthrough hit with “On The Road Again,” a hypnotic blues tune driven by a simple, repetitive groove. Featured on their 1968 album Boogie with Canned Heat, this car song, with Alan Wilson’s distinctive falsetto vocals, perfectly captures the wistful feeling of life on tour and the allure of the open highway.
The Cardigans – Daddy’s Car
Swedish pop-rock band The Cardigans evoke nostalgic summer road trips across Europe in “Daddy’s Car,” a cheerful track from their 1995 album Life. This song paints a dreamy picture of family adventures and the carefree spirit of childhood travels by car.
The Cars – Drive
“Drive,” The Cars’ heartfelt 1984 ballad, became one of their biggest international hits. Reaching top chart positions globally, this car song is as famous for its romantic melody as it is for its music video, where frontman Ric Ocasek met his future wife, model Paulina Porizkova.
Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone – Ridin’
Chamillionaire’s chart-topping 2005 hit “Ridin’,” featuring Krayzie Bone, from The Sound of Revenge, takes a defiant stance against police scrutiny. This car song blends bravado with social commentary, challenging racial profiling and police brutality, especially highlighted in its powerful music video.
Charlie Ryan and the Livingston Bros. – Hot Rod Lincoln
The tale of a hot rod race between a Ford and a Mercury gets a surprising twist in Charlie Ryan’s 1955 song “Hot Rod Lincoln.” Inspired by Arkie Shibley’s 1950 single, this car song tells the story from the perspective of the underdog – a young driver in a souped-up Model A Lincoln who unexpectedly outpaces the competition.
Chet Baker – Spinning Wheel
Jazz trumpet legend Chet Baker offers a vibrant instrumental cover of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “Spinning Wheel” in his 1970 recording from Blood, Chet and Tears. While the song’s psychedelic imagery is open to interpretation, the original lyrics offer a message of optimism and resilience, a smooth jazz car song for contemplation.
Chuck Berry – No Particular Place to Go
Chuck Berry, a pioneer of rock and roll, followed up his car-chase hit “Maybellene” with the witty “No Particular Place to Go” in 1964. This car song depicts a carefree drive with his sweetheart, enjoying the radio and sharing kisses. However, humorous frustration arises when he can’t unbuckle her seatbelt, a relatable and funny driving scenario.
Cybotron – Cosmic Cars
Detroit techno pioneers Cybotron released the futuristic and pulsating “Cosmic Cars” in 1982, ahead of their debut album Enter. Reflecting Detroit’s urban decay, this car song, with its innovative electronic sound and escapist message, became a defining track of the early techno scene.
The Dead Milkmen – Bitchin’ Camaro
The Dead Milkmen’s signature song, “Bitchin’ Camaro,” from their 1985 album Big Lizard in My Backyard, is a punk parody of pop culture. This irreverent car song features spoken-word verses over a bluesy riff, humorously recounting a trip to the Jersey Shore in a “bitchin’” Chevy Camaro to buy Def Leppard and Motley Crüe T-shirts.
Deep Purple – Highway Star
“Highway Star,” Deep Purple’s 1972 high-energy rock anthem, is a pure celebration of the automobile. Appropriately written on a tour bus, this car song, which opens their Machine Head album, is packed with epic guitar and organ solos, embodying the speed and excitement of driving.
Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, Ruben & Jewell – Let Me Ride
Dr. Dre, joined by a young Snoop Dogg and singers Ruben and Jewell, celebrates lowrider culture in his 1993 hit “Let Me Ride” from his iconic album The Chronic. This car song cruises through Compton with references to his 1964 Chevrolet Impala, Dayton rims, and hydraulic switches, a quintessential West Coast hip-hop driving track.
The Dresden Dolls – The Jeep Song
Punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls capture the haunting presence of an ex in “The Jeep Song.” Set in Boston, this car song describes the protagonist’s constant encounters with Jeep Cherokees – the ex’s car – creating a humorous and relatable urban driving experience.
Eddie Cochran – Somethin’ Else
Eddie Cochran’s rockabilly classic “Somethin’ Else,” released in 1959, is a tale of teenage aspiration and car dreams. This car song follows a young man’s desire for a convertible to impress a girl. He ultimately buys an older 1941 Ford, gaining the confidence to ask her out, a classic story of youthful ambition.
Elastica – Car Song
Elastica’s cheeky Britpop track “Car Song,” from their 1995 self-titled debut, is about amorous encounters in a Ford Fiesta (or Honda). This song is a playful and suggestive take on car culture and youthful indiscretion.
Foghat – Slow Ride
While “Slow Ride” may have double meanings, its association with 70s cars and hazy vibes is undeniable, thanks to films like Dazed and Confused. This iconic hard rock track, released in 1975 from Foghat’s Fool for the City album, became a definitive car song of the decade.
Frank Ocean – White Ferrari
Frank Ocean’s “White Ferrari” is a wistful reflection on a past teenage romance. This introspective track from his 2016 album Blond incorporates an interpolation of The Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere,” adding layers of emotional depth to this melancholic car song.
Gary Numan – Cars
Gary Numan’s new wave classic “Cars” explores feelings of isolation and safety within the confines of an automobile. Deceptively simple yet incredibly catchy, “Cars,” from The Pleasure Principle, topped charts in the UK and Canada and became a Top Ten hit in the US, a defining synth-pop car song.
The Go-Go’s – Skidmarks on My Heart
The Go-Go’s inject pop-punk energy into car songs with “Skidmarks on My Heart” from their 1981 album Beauty and the Beat. This song humorously portrays a girlfriend’s jealousy over her boyfriend’s obsession with his Pontiac GTO, capturing relationship frustrations with a car-centric twist.
Golden Earring – Radar Love
Dutch rockers Golden Earring achieved international success with their 1973 cult classic “Radar Love.” From their album Moontan, this car song tells the story of a long-haul driver receiving telepathic messages of love from his girlfriend, creating a unique blend of driving and romance.
Grace Jones – Pull Up to the Bumper
Grace Jones delivers a deliciously suggestive double entendre in her funky 1981 club hit “Pull Up to the Bumper.” This iconic car song from Nightclubbing uses car imagery as playful innuendo, becoming a defining track in LGBTQ+ and dance music history.
Iggy Pop – The Passenger
Iggy Pop celebrates the nomadic musician’s life in his classic 1977 track “The Passenger” from Lust for Life. Inspired by riding in David Bowie’s car across continents, this car song captures the spirit of travel and freedom, even without being behind the wheel.
Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats – Rocket 88
Considered by many as the first rock and roll song, Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats’ “Rocket 88,” recorded in 1951, pays tribute to the sporty Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Based on Jimmy Liggins’ “Cadillac Boogie,” this car song, though credited to saxophonist Brenston, was written and played by Ike Turner, marking a pivotal moment in music history.
Jan & Dean – Dead Man’s Curve
Jan & Dean’s eerily prophetic 1964 hit “Dead Man’s Curve” details a tragic teen road race in Los Angeles. This car song, involving a Corvette Stingray and a Jaguar XKE, foreshadowed Jan Berry’s near-fatal car accident in his own Stingray near the real “Dead Man’s Curve” two years later, adding a chilling layer to the song’s legacy.
Janis Joplin – Mercedes Benz
Janis Joplin’s a cappella “Mercedes Benz” is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on consumerism. Appearing on her posthumous album Pearl (1971), this car song is a witty prayer for material possessions, including a Mercedes Benz, highlighting societal desires with Joplin’s signature raw vocal delivery.
Jimmy Smith – King of the Road
Organist Jimmy Smith and jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery deliver a bluesy instrumental rendition of Roger Miller’s “King of the Road.” Featured on their 1968 album Further Adventures of Jimmy and Wes, this smooth jazz car song transforms the country classic into a sophisticated instrumental piece.
John Fogerty – Hot Rod Heart
John Fogerty, former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman, celebrates simple joyrides in “Hot Rod Heart” from his Grammy-winning album Blue Moon Swamp (1997). This car song is about escaping daily life in a Buick or Harley, enjoying fresh air and cranked-up radio, a pure expression of driving pleasure.
Kanye West feat. Paul Wall & GLC – Drive Slow
Kanye West, Paul Wall, and GLC use cars and car culture as metaphors for a fast-paced lifestyle in “Drive Slow,” a cautionary tale from West’s Late Registration (2005). This hip-hop car song name-drops various luxury cars and accessories, from Chevy Caprices to Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, offering a detailed snapshot of automotive status in hip-hop.
Johnny Cash – One Piece at a Time
Johnny Cash’s novelty song “One Piece at a Time,” a No. 1 country hit in 1976, tells a humorous story of automotive assembly line theft. This car song narrates a GM plant worker’s plan to steal Cadillac parts, one piece at a time, over years, resulting in a comically mismatched car built from parts spanning 1949 to 1970.
Kendrick Lamar – Backseat Freestyle
Kendrick Lamar offers social commentary with a touch of irony in “Backseat Freestyle” from Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). This car song depicts a teenager’s aspirations for luxury, dreaming of Maseratis and a lavish lifestyle, reflecting youthful ambition and social critique.
Kesha – Gold Trans Am
Kesha’s “Gold Trans Am” from the deluxe edition of Warrior (2012) is a suggestive track about intimate encounters in a gold Trans Am. This pop car song, co-written by her mother, adds a playful and provocative element to the car song genre.
Kraftwerk – Autobahn
Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn” is arguably the most iconic electronic car song ever created. The 22-minute title track from their 1974 album Autobahn, named after the famous German highway, marked their first song with lyrics and became an international hit. Its simple, repetitive German lyrics – “We drive drive drive on the Autobahn” – perfectly capture the hypnotic experience of highway driving.
L’Trimm – Cars That Go Boom
Female hip-hop duo L’Trimm celebrate bass-heavy car stereos in their infectious 1988 classic “Cars That Go Boom.” This Miami bass car song humorously prioritizes powerful subwoofers, stating that Tigra and Bunny will pull over their luxury cars for boys with booming car audio systems.
Lana Del Rey – White Mustang
Lana Del Rey mourns a fleeting romance with a Mustang-driving musician in “White Mustang,” a ballad from her 2017 album. This melancholic car song captures the bittersweet nostalgia of a summer fling and the allure of a certain type of car and its driver.
Les McCann – Green, Green Rocky Road
Jazz pianist Les McCann delivers a soulful and energetic performance of “Green, Green Rocky Road” in his 1965 single. This folk-inspired jazz car song, originally a children’s game, gets a vibrant and groovy makeover, perfect for a lively drive.
Lil Troy feat. Fat Pat, H.A.W.K., Lil Will & Yungstar – Wanna Be A Baller
Lil Troy’s 1999 hit “Wanna Be A Baller” from Sittin’ Fat Down South features Fat Pat, H.A.W.K., Lil Will, and Yungstar. Sampling Prince’s “Little Red Corvette,” this hip-hop car song celebrates luxury cars like Chevy Impalas with 20-inch rims and high-end Mercedes Benz with Vogue tires, showcasing aspirational car culture.
LL Cool J – The Boomin System
LL Cool J’s anthemic “The Boomin System,” from his 1990 album Mama Said Knock You Out, is dedicated to car audio enthusiasts. This hip-hop car song celebrates the joy of blasting bass-heavy music from car stereos with windows down, a quintessential urban driving experience.
Lost Boyz – Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz
Lost Boyz’s debut single “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz,” from Legal Drug Money (1996), is a shout-out to luxury vehicles. This hip-hop car song gives props to Jeeps, Lexus Coupes, BMWs (“Bimaz”), and Mercedes Benzes, reflecting East Coast and West Coast car preferences.
Lucinda Williams – Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams’ nostalgic “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road,” the title track from her Grammy-winning 1998 album, evokes childhood road trips in the American South. This Americana car song captures sensory details of southern drives, from sights to sounds, creating a vivid and personal driving memory.
Luke Bryan – My Ol’ Bronco
Country star Luke Bryan pays tribute to his beloved 70s Ford Bronco in “My Ol’ Bronco” from his Spring Break EP series (2015). This country car song celebrates the simple pleasures of owning and driving a classic, well-loved vehicle.
M.I.A – Bad Girls
M.I.A.’s empowering anthem “Bad Girls” from 2012 celebrates female independence behind the wheel. This car song, with its music video filmed in Morocco, became associated with the Women to Drive movement, advocating for Saudi women’s right to drive, using car imagery for social change.
Massive Attack – Be Thankful for What You Got
Massive Attack transformed William DeVaughn’s soul tune “Be Thankful for What You Got” on their landmark 1991 debut Blue Lines. This trip-hop car song reminds listeners to appreciate what they have, even without a fancy Cadillac, promoting contentment and gratitude.
MC Nas-D & DJ Freaky Fred – It’s My Cadillac (Got That Bass)
MC Nas-D and DJ Freaky Fred’s “It’s My Cadillac (Got That Bass)” from their 1992 album is a definitive Miami bass car song. This track celebrates Cadillacs and high-end car audio systems, embodying the bass-heavy sound and car culture of Miami.
Meridian Dan feat. Big H & JME – German Whip
British MC Meridian Dan, along with Big H and JME, rap about luxury German cars in “German Whip” (2014). This grime car song, referencing Audis, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, and Porsches, helped revitalize the UK grime scene with its fast-paced flow and car-centric lyrics.
Metallica – Fuel
Metallica’s “Fuel,” from their 1997 album Reload, is infused with motor racing imagery. This Grammy-nominated metal car song, often interpreted as being about living life in the fast lane, became even more associated with cars when Dodge licensed it for performance vehicle commercials decades later.
Mike Jones feat. Paul Wall & Slim Thug – Still Tippin’
Mike Jones, with Paul Wall and Slim Thug, pays tribute to Houston car culture in “Still Tippin’” from Who Is Mike Jones? (2005). This hip-hop car song references Vogue tires, flashy rims, Cadillac Escalades, and Houston pride, a regional anthem of car customization.
Model 500 – Night Drive (Thru-Babylon)
Detroit-based DJ and producer Juan Atkins (Model 500) created the supremely funky “Night Drive (Thru-Babylon)” in 1985. This electro car song was inspired by his late-night drives on Michigan’s I-96, capturing the mood and rhythm of nocturnal highway cruising.
Natalie Cole – Pink Cadillac
Natalie Cole scored a Top Ten hit with her 1988 cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac.” This pop car song playfully declares that her love is bigger than ordinary cars, insisting only a luxurious pink Cadillac will do, turning Springsteen’s original into a sassy female empowerment anthem.
Nelly – Ride Wit Me
Nelly’s Top 5 hit “Ride Wit Me” from Country Grammar (2000) name-drops luxury vehicles like Mercedes Benz E-Class and Range Rovers. This hip-hop car song’s music video further solidified its car theme with a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and a Peterbilt truck filled with women, creating a memorable visual.
Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license
Olivia Rodrigo’s breakthrough hit “drivers license” tells a poignant story of teenage heartbreak and newfound driving freedom. This pop car song captures the bittersweet experience of driving around town after a breakup, filled with memories of lost love now associated with familiar streets.
Outkast – Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)
Outkast’s “Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)” from ATLiens (1996) highlights the Cadillac’s cultural significance in the South. This hip-hop car song celebrates driving around Atlanta in Cadillacs, specifically Coupe DeVilles and Fleetwoods, solidifying the car’s status as a symbol of Southern cool.
PJ Harvey – Driving
PJ Harvey’s haunting early demo “Driving” tells a mysterious tale of escape in a car. This alternative car song, featuring a woman in a white gown fleeing in her vehicle, leaves the reasons for her escape open to interpretation, adding to its enigmatic allure.
The Playmates – Beep Beep
The Playmates’ novelty song “Beep Beep” from 1958 tells a humorous story of an impromptu road race. This car song depicts a Cadillac driver challenged by a Nash Rambler, with increasing tempo and a punchline at the end, creating a lighthearted driving narrative.
Primus – Jerry Was a Race Car Driver
Primus’ funky “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” from Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991) is a quirky character study. This alternative car song tells the tragicomic tale of Jerry, a Hank Williams Jr.-loving race car driver, and his unfortunate end in an Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 after drinking.
Prince – Little Red Corvette
Prince’s iconic Top Ten hit “Little Red Corvette” from 1999 (1982) uses a sleek red corvette as a metaphor for a fleeting, passionate encounter. This pop car song describes a one-night stand with a captivating woman who is as fast and exciting as a red Corvette, blending car imagery with romantic metaphor.
Queen – I’m in Love with My Car
Queen’s “I’m in Love with My Car,” written and sung by drummer Roger Taylor from A Night at the Opera (1975), is a hard-rocking ode to automotive passion. This car song humorously depicts a man who prefers his car to his girlfriend, featuring Brian May’s guitar riffs and sound effects from Taylor’s own Alfa Romeo.
Reba McEntire – I’d Rather Ride Around with You
Reba McEntire’s “I’d Rather Ride Around with You” from What If It’s You (1996) is a jubilant country hit about choosing a joyride over a wedding. This country car song celebrates the simple pleasure of driving with a loved one, prioritizing romance and freedom over social obligations.
Rich Boy feat. Polow Da Don – Throw Some D’s
Rich Boy’s aptly-named “Throw Some D’s,” featuring Polow Da Don, is about financial success and Cadillac ownership. This hip-hop car song, a Top Ten hit from his 2007 debut, equates wealth with buying a Cadillac, showcasing aspirational car culture in hip-hop.
Rick Ross feat. Drake & Chrisette Michelle – Aston Martin Music
Rick Ross, Drake, and Chrisette Michelle pay homage to the luxurious Aston Martin in “Aston Martin Music” from Teflon Don (2010). This hip-hop car song also nods to James Bond, the most famous Aston Martin driver, associating the car with sophistication and high status.
Rihanna – Shut Up and Drive
Rihanna’s new wave-influenced hit “Shut Up and Drive” from Good Girl Gone Bad (2007) is full of car-related metaphors for romance. This pop car song uses imagery of Maybachs, Ferraris, and a ’57 Cadillac to convey sensuality and the excitement of a new relationship, urging action with the command “Shut up and drive.”
Roger Miller – King of the Road
Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” is a crossover country hit sung from a vagabond’s perspective. This 1964 car song celebrates freedom and contentment despite limited means, finding joy in the open road and a simple lifestyle.
The Rolling Stones – Route 66
The Rolling Stones opened their 1964 self-titled debut with “Route 66,” a classic ode to the iconic American highway. This rock and roll car song, originally an R&B standard, captures the excitement of road travel across the USA, perhaps envisioning their first American tour.
Ronny & the Daytonas – GTO
Surf rockers Ronny & the Daytonas celebrate the sporty Pontiac GTO in their 1964 hit “GTO.” This car song, their debut single, launched their career, earning them a gold record and their only Top 5 hit, solidifying the GTO’s place in car song history.
Rose Royce – Car Wash
Rose Royce’s chart-topping disco hit “Car Wash” from 1976 is an anthem for working-class pride. This funky car song, also the theme for the Car Wash film, celebrates the dignity of labor, even in a humble car wash setting, with an irresistible groove.
Roy Orbison – I Drove All Night
Roy Orbison’s power ballad “I Drove All Night,” though recorded in 1987, wasn’t released until after his death. This car song is more famously associated with Cyndi Lauper’s 1989 global hit version and later Celine Dion’s dance rendition, showcasing its enduring appeal across genres.
Rush – Red Barchetta
Rush’s “Red Barchetta” from Moving Pictures (1981) tells a vivid story of automotive rebellion in a dystopian future. Inspired by Richard Foster’s short story, this progressive rock car song narrates a young man’s secret drives in his uncle’s vintage Ferrari Barchetta, contrasting freedom with a militarized world.
Sam Hunt – Body Like a Back Road
Sam Hunt’s crossover country hit “Body Like a Back Road” from Southside (2020) compares romance to a leisurely country drive. This country car song uses “back road” imagery to describe a comfortable, long-term relationship, “way back like Cadillac seats,” on a “highway to heaven.”
Sammy Hagar – I Can’t Drive 55
Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55” from 1984 is a rebellious rock anthem against speed limits. Inspired by a speeding ticket, this car song, and its iconic video featuring Hagar outrunning cops in a Ferrari, became a symbol of defying authority and embracing speed.
Shania Twain – In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver)
Shania Twain’s empowering and witty “In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver)” from Up! (2002) asserts female control behind the wheel. This country-pop car song warns against backseat driving, declaring her authority when she’s driving, a playful take on car song themes.
Shirley Horn – The Rules of the Road
Jazz singer Shirley Horn offers a supremely cool rendition of “The Rules of the Road” on her 2001 album You’re My Thrill. This jazz car song, originally recorded by Tony Bennett, compares the complexities of romance to the unspoken “rules of the road,” creating a sophisticated and reflective driving mood.
Sir Mix-A-Lot – My Hooptie
Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “My Hooptie” from 1989 is a humorous ode to his dilapidated old car. This hip-hop car song paints a comical picture of his beat-up 1969 Buick, highlighting its flaws with affection, proving car love isn’t always about luxury.
Slick Rick feat. Doug E. Fresh – Sittin’ in My Car
Slick Rick’s “Sittin’ in My Car” featuring Doug E. Fresh from 1995 is a tale of romantic anticipation and frustration. This hip-hop car song depicts Slick Rick waiting in his Jeep for a girlfriend, reflecting on past romantic disappointments while parked and waiting.
Smokey Robinson – Cruisin’
Smokey Robinson’s smooth ballad “Cruisin’” from When There’s Smoke… (1979) is a perfect soundtrack for romantic drives. This soul car song, one of his biggest solo hits, creates an atmosphere of intimacy and relaxed cruising, ideal for a Sunday drive with a loved one.
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” from Eyes Open (2006) offers a reminder of life’s simple pleasures, including watching cars go by. This alternative rock car song connects simple moments, like observing passing cars, with deeper feelings of love and contentment.
Steppenwolf – Born to be Wild
Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild” from 1968, famously featured in Easy Rider, is perhaps the ultimate motorcycle driving song. This hard rock car song, though technically about motorcycles, embodies the spirit of freedom, adventure, and hitting the open road, becoming a counter-culture anthem.
Taylor Swift – Getaway Car
Taylor Swift’s “Getaway Car” from Reputation (2018) uses the “getaway car” as a metaphor for a doomed relationship escape plan. This pop car song narrates the realization that using a new relationship to escape an old one is ultimately unsustainable, using car imagery to explore relationship dynamics.
Tom Cochrane – Life Is A Highway
Tom Cochrane’s “Life Is A Highway” from Mad Mad World (1991) is an optimistic anthem comparing life to a highway journey. This rock car song, a No. 1 hit in Canada and Top Ten in the US, encourages making the most of life’s journey, especially with love as a companion.
Tom Petty – Running Down a Dream
Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream” celebrates the joy of driving on a sunny day while pursuing musical dreams. This heartland rock car song, referencing Del Shannon’s “Runaway,” captures the optimism and freedom of driving towards aspirations.
Tracy Chapman – Fast Car
Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” from her 1988 debut is a bluesy ballad of hope and escape. This folk car song tells the story of seeking a better life through a “fast car,” questioning if it can be a vehicle for escaping hardship and creating a brighter future.
Traveling Wilburys – End of the Line
The Traveling Wilburys’ “End of the Line” from The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 (1989) delivers a message of self-acceptance and gratitude. This supergroup car song, featuring George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison, promotes contentment with one’s life, including “the car I drive,” emphasizing being “happy to be alive.”
Vince Taylor & His Playboys – Brand New Cadillac
Vince Taylor & His Playboys’ “Brand New Cadillac” from 1959 tells a rockabilly tale of automotive-fueled heartbreak. This car song, about a girl leaving her boyfriend for a Cadillac, has been famously covered by The Clash, becoming a rockabilly standard.
War – Low Rider
War’s “Low Rider” from Why Can’t We Be Friends? (1975) is a quintessential lowrider anthem. This funk car song paints a vivid picture of cruising in a slow-moving custom lowrider, capturing a relaxed and cool vibe, synonymous with lowrider culture.
White Zombie – Black Sunshine
White Zombie’s “Black Sunshine” from La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One (1992) is a high-energy metal tribute to a fast Ford Mustang. This metal car song, featuring a spoken-word intro by Iggy Pop, celebrates speed and automotive power with White Zombie’s signature sound.
Wilco – Passenger Side
Wilco’s “Passenger Side” from A.M. (1995) is a lament about personal demons and relying on others for transportation. This alternative country car song humorously portrays a character with a suspended license, dependent on a sober friend for rides, highlighting the downsides of driving irresponsibility.
Willie Nelson – On the Road Again
Willie Nelson’s Grammy-winning “On the Road Again” from 1980 celebrates the touring musician’s life. This country car song, written for the film Honeysuckle Rose, became one of his signature hits, capturing the freedom and constant motion of life on tour.
Wilson Pickett – Mustang Sally
Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally,” originally by Mack Rice, laments a girlfriend’s obsession with her new Ford Mustang. This soul car song, a global hit in 1966, tells a relatable story of automotive infatuation, where a car becomes the center of attention in a relationship.
Did we miss one of your favorite songs about cars and driving? Let us know in the comments below!
