If love and heartbreak dominate the lyrical landscape, then Songs About Cars are revving up in a close second place. Since the dawn of these powerful, stylish machines, musicians across genres have celebrated them in song. Here are over 100 of the best songs about cars and driving, perfect for your next road trip or just cruising around town.
Songs about cars and driving illustration
2Pac – Picture Me Rollin’
A West Coast rap icon, 2Pac, naturally includes car culture in his music. From his 1996 album All Eyez on Me, “Picture Me Rollin’” paints a vivid picture of cruising the streets of Los Angeles in a customized Mercedes Benz, while admiring other luxury rides like a Lexus and a Chevy Big Body. This track is quintessential driving music for sunny days and cityscapes.
50 Cent – Get in My Car
Known for his impressive car collection, 50 Cent’s “Get in My Car,” from his 2005 album The Massacre, is a testament to his automotive passion. While the music video showcases a striking yellow Ferrari convertible, the lyrics specifically mention his Mercedes Benz with its gleaming chrome rims and Dayton spokes – a nod to classic Lowrider culture. This song embodies the flashy side of car enthusiasm.
AC/DC – Highway to Hell
This hard rock anthem from AC/DC takes a dark turn, envisioning a road trip straight to the underworld. The title track of their 1979 album, “Highway to Hell” was inspired by the band’s relentless touring schedule and their frequent drives down the Canning Highway in Perth, Australia. It’s a high-octane driving song with a rebellious edge.
Alan Jackson – Mercury Blues
Originally co-written and recorded in 1948 by blues artist K.C. Douglas, “Mercury Blues” is an ode to the Mercury car, a Ford brand known for its blend of premium features and affordability until 2010. Country star Alan Jackson revived the tune in 1993, taking it to the Top Five on the country charts. His version highlights the enduring appeal of classic car songs across genres.
Ariana Grande – Honeymoon Avenue
Ariana Grande uses the metaphor of a car journey to describe a turbulent relationship in her ballad “Honeymoon Avenue,” from her 2013 album Yours Truly. She wistfully sings about looking back at the “bumps and turns” of the relationship, stuck in relationship “traffic,” and longing for the smooth beginnings on “Honeymoon Avenue.” This song connects the emotional journey of relationships with the imagery of driving.
Bass Mekanik – Bass Mechanic
Pioneering bass music duo Bass Mekanik, known for creating test tones for car subwoofers in a Miami car shop, crafted “Bass Mechanic” as the perfect driving soundtrack. This heavy electro track from their 1999 album V 5.0 is ideal for cruising down palm-lined highways with the bass pumping, embodying the car audio culture.
The Beach Boys – Fun, Fun, Fun
The Beach Boys, synonymous with Southern California car culture, celebrate youthful rebellion and cars in “Fun, Fun, Fun,” a hit from 1966. The song tells the story of a teenager joyriding in her father’s Ford Thunderbird. They also famously paid tribute to the 1932 Ford Model 18 in “Little Deuce Coupe,” showcasing their deep connection to car themes in their music.
Beastie Boys – High Plains Drifter
Beastie Boys take on a criminal persona in “High Plains Drifter,” a standout track from their 1989 album Paul’s Boutique. The song narrates a cross-country drive filled with hot-wiring cars, petty theft, and outrunning the law, all while equipped with vintage tech like an 8-track player and an early cell phone. It’s a humorous and adventurous car song.
The Beatles – Drive My Car
“Drive My Car” by The Beatles, from their 1966 album Rubber Soul, is an upbeat and playful track about ambition and flirtation. The lyrics tell the story of a girl seeking a chauffeur, but the song carries a subtle double entendre. Later, George Harrison explored a more literal car theme with “Faster,” inspired by Formula 1 racing, showing the band’s diverse approaches to car songs.
Beck – The Golden Age
Beck’s “The Golden Age,” the opening track from his introspective 2002 album Sea Change, uses driving as a metaphor for escape and finding peace amidst heartbreak. The song evokes the calming feeling of driving with the windows down, letting the evening breeze carry your worries away. It’s a more melancholic and reflective car song.
Big Tymers – Get Your Roll On
New Orleans rap duo Big Tymers flaunt their wealth and love for luxury cars in “Get Your Roll On,” from their 2000 album I Got That Work. Birdman and Mannie Fresh rap about their Benzes and Bentleys, emphasizing big rims, loud exhausts, and the status symbol of expensive cars. This track is pure automotive extravagance.
Billy Ocean – Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car
Billy Ocean’s “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” is a high-energy declaration of love with a driving theme. This 1988 global hit topped charts worldwide and was featured in the teen comedy License to Drive. While the lyrics might be considered somewhat assertive by today’s standards, it remains a classic, catchy car song about romance and pursuit.
Bob Seger – Makin’ Thunderbirds
Bob Seger, a Detroit native, pays tribute to the iconic 1950s Thunderbird in “Makin’ Thunderbirds,” from his 1982 album The Distance. However, instead of singing about driving, Seger takes the perspective of a factory worker proudly building these classic cars, offering a unique blue-collar angle on car songs.
Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” a 1975 classic, is an anthem of youthful escape and dreams. It encapsulates teenage romance, aspirations for greatness, and the desire to break free from small-town life (Freehold, NJ) via Highway 9. Cars represent freedom and the open road in this quintessential American song.
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 perseverance and regret. While initially sounding like a racing song, it evolves into a narrative about someone relentlessly pursuing a goal even after a relationship or race has ended, driven by a mix of regret and determination.
Canned Heat – On The Road Again
Canned Heat’s “On The Road Again,” from their 1968 album Boogie with Canned Heat, became their breakthrough hit with its hypnotic, bluesy groove. The song, featuring Alan Wilson’s distinctive falsetto vocals, embodies the wistful feeling of constant travel and life on the road. It’s a classic road trip anthem.
The Cardigans – Daddy’s Car
Swedish pop-rock band The Cardigans evoke nostalgic childhood memories of European summer road trips in “Daddy’s Car,” a cheerful track from their 1995 album Life. The song paints a dreamy picture of family adventures and the joy of travel by car.
The Cars – Drive
The Cars’ ballad “Drive,” a major hit from 1984, is a heartfelt song with a romantic undercurrent. Reaching Top 5 charts internationally, the song’s music video famously led to frontman Ric Ocasek meeting and later marrying model Paulina Porizkova. It’s a poignant car song with a romantic backstory.
Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone – Ridin’
Chamillionaire’s chart-topping hit “Ridin’,” featuring Krayzie Bone, from his 2005 album The Sound of Revenge, confronts themes of police profiling and racial injustice through the lens of car culture. The song and music video challenge police stereotypes and address serious issues within a driving context.
Charlie Ryan and the Livingston Bros. – Hot Rod Lincoln
“Hot Rod Lincoln,” popularized by Charlie Ryan in 1955 (originally by Arkie Shibley in 1950 as “Hot Rod Race”), tells the exciting tale of a hot rod race. A souped-up Model A Lincoln unexpectedly outpaces a Ford and a Mercury, making it a classic narrative song about car races and unexpected wins.
Chet Baker – Spinning Wheel
Jazz trumpeter Chet Baker offers a vibrant instrumental rendition of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “Spinning Wheel” on his 1970 album Blood, Chet and Tears. While the “wheel” in the psychedelic original lyrics is metaphorical, Baker’s jazzy take adds a driving energy, suitable for cruising.
Chuck Berry – No Particular Place to Go
Chuck Berry, known for car-themed hits like “Maybellene,” scored again with “No Particular Place to Go” in 1964. This witty song depicts a date driving around, enjoying the radio and sharing kisses, humorously interrupted by a stuck seatbelt. It’s a lighthearted and relatable car song.
Cybotron – Cosmic Cars
Detroit techno pioneers Cybotron released the futuristic and pulsating “Cosmic Cars” before their 1983 debut Enter. Reflecting Detroit’s urban decay, the song uses escapism through “cosmic cars” as a theme in their innovative electronic music.
The Dead Milkmen – Bitchin’ Camaro
The Dead Milkmen’s punk parody “Bitchin’ Camaro,” from their 1985 album Big Lizard in My Backyard, satirizes pop culture with humor. The song humorously describes a trip to the Jersey Shore in a “bitchin’ Chevy Camaro” (allegedly bought in the Bahamas) to purchase Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe T-shirts.
Deep Purple – Highway Star
Deep Purple’s “Highway Star,” from their 1972 album Machine Head, is a high-speed ode to cars and driving passion. Written on a tour bus, this track opens the album with blistering guitar and organ solos, perfectly capturing the thrill of speed and the “Highway Star” persona.
Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, Ruben & Jewell – Let Me Ride
Dr. Dre’s “Let Me Ride,” featuring Snoop Dogg, Ruben, and Jewell, from his iconic 1992 album The Chronic, is a celebration of lowrider culture. Cruising Compton in his 1964 Chevrolet Impala with Dayton rims and hydraulic switches, Dr. Dre epitomizes West Coast car pride.
The Dresden Dolls – The Jeep Song
The Dresden Dolls, a punk cabaret duo, sing about being haunted by a past relationship symbolized by a 1996 Jeep Cherokee in “The Jeep Song.” Set in Boston, the protagonist’s blue Volvo and the recurring sight of Jeep Cherokees become a source of melancholic remembrance.
Eddie Cochran – Somethin’ Else
Rockabilly artist Eddie Cochran’s “Somethin’ Else,” a 1959 single, portrays a young man’s desire for a convertible to impress a girl. He ends up buying an older 1941 Ford instead and gains the confidence to ask her out, making it a charming song about cars and youthful romance.
Elastica – Car Song
Elastica’s cheeky Britpop track “Car Song,” from their 1995 self-titled debut, is about intimate encounters in a Ford Fiesta (or a Honda). It’s a playful and suggestive song that uses the car as a setting for youthful escapades.
Foghat – Slow Ride
Foghat’s “Slow Ride,” from their 1975 album Fool for the City, is a hard rock anthem often associated with 1970s car culture and imagery, partly due to its inclusion in films like Dazed and Confused. While potentially suggestive, its iconic status is firmly linked with cars and cruising.
Frank Ocean – White Ferrari
Frank Ocean’s “White Ferrari,” from his 2016 album Blond, is a wistful reflection on a past teenage romance. The song, with an interpolation of The Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere,” uses the “White Ferrari” as a symbol of memory and lost love.
Gary Numan – Cars
Gary Numan’s new wave classic “Cars,” from The Pleasure Principle, expresses a sense of safety and isolation in a vehicle. Deceptively simple yet incredibly catchy, “Cars” became a global hit, highlighting the car as a personal sanctuary.
The Go-Go’s – Skidmarks on My Heart
The Go-Go’s “Skidmarks on My Heart,” from their 1981 album Beauty and the Beat, humorously portrays jealousy over a boyfriend’s car obsession, specifically a Pontiac GTO. The lyrics, “I buy you cologne/You want axle grease,” capture the girlfriend’s frustration with his priorities.
Golden Earring – Radar Love
Dutch rockers Golden Earring achieved international fame with “Radar Love,” a 1973 cult classic from their album Moontan. The song tells the story of a long-haul driver receiving telepathic messages of love from his girlfriend, symbolized by “Radar Love,” making it a unique driving and love song.
Grace Jones – Pull Up to the Bumper
Grace Jones’s funky 1981 club hit “Pull Up to the Bumper,” from Nightclubbing, uses a car metaphor for flirtation and innuendo. “Pull up to my bumper baby/In your long black limousine” is a suggestive and iconic line, celebrated in LGBTQ+ and dance music circles.
Iggy Pop – The Passenger
Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger,” from his 1977 album Lust for Life, celebrates the life of a musical nomad. Inspired by riding in David Bowie’s car across North America and Europe, the song captures the feeling of constant movement and observation from a passenger’s perspective.
Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats – Rocket 88
Considered by many as the first rock ‘n’ roll song, Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats’ “Rocket 88” (1951) celebrates the Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Based on Jimmy Liggins’ “Cadillac Boogie,” this upbeat tune is a landmark in car songs and music history.
Jan & Dean – Dead Man’s Curve
Jan & Dean’s “Dead Man’s Curve,” a 1964 hit, eerily foreshadowed tragedy with its tale of a fatal teen road race in Los Angeles between a Corvette Stingray and a Jaguar XKE. Disturbingly, Jan Berry was severely injured in a car accident near the real “Dead Man’s Curve” two years later.
Janis Joplin – Mercedes Benz
Janis Joplin’s a cappella “Mercedes Benz,” from her posthumous album Pearl (1971), is a tongue-in-cheek critique of consumerism. She humorously asks God for a Mercedes Benz, contrasting it with her friends’ Porsches, in this iconic and minimalist car song.
Jimmy Smith – King of the Road
Organist Jimmy Smith and jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery offer a soulful instrumental interpretation of Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” on their 1968 album Further Adventures of Jimmy and Wes. This bluesy jazz rendition gives a fresh take on the classic road song.
John Fogerty – Hot Rod Heart
John Fogerty’s “Hot Rod Heart,” from his Grammy-winning 1997 album Blue Moon Swamp, celebrates the simple pleasure of driving in the country, specifically in a Buick or Harley. It’s about enjoying the freedom of the open road, fresh air, and music on the radio.
Kanye West feat. Paul Wall & GLC – Drive Slow
Kanye West, Paul Wall, and GLC’s “Drive Slow,” from Kanye’s 2005 album Late Registration, uses cars and car culture as a metaphor for a cautionary tale about fast living. Referencing various luxury cars and accessories, the song advises slowing down in life’s fast lane.
Johnny Cash – One Piece at a Time
Johnny Cash’s novelty song “One Piece at a Time,” a 1976 country hit, tells a humorous story of a factory worker who steals Cadillac parts over years to build his own car. The comical result is a Cadillac made of parts from 1949 to 1970, highlighting Cash’s storytelling and car themes.
Kendrick Lamar – Backseat Freestyle
Kendrick Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle,” from his 2012 album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, offers social commentary through the dreams of a teenager aspiring to own a Maserati and live a lavish lifestyle. It’s a reflection on ambition and material desires within car culture.
Kesha – Gold Trans Am
Kesha’s “Gold Trans Am,” a bonus track from the deluxe edition of Warrior (2012), is a suggestive song about intimacy in a gold Trans Am. Notably, Kesha owned a gold Trans Am, and her mother co-wrote this risqué car anthem.
Kraftwerk – Autobahn
Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn,” the 22-minute title track from their 1974 album Autobahn, is an electronic music masterpiece about the famous German highway. Simple, repetitive lyrics (“We drive drive drive on the Autobahn”) and synthesized car sounds made it an international hit and a landmark in electronic car songs.
L’Trimm – Cars That Go Boom
Female hip-hop duo L’Trimm’s “Cars That Go Boom,” a 1988 classic, celebrates car subwoofers and bass. The song humorously states their attraction to “boys with subwoofers,” making it a fun and bass-heavy car anthem.
Lana Del Rey – White Mustang
Lana Del Rey’s “White Mustang,” from 2017, is a ballad about a failed summer romance with a Mustang-driving musician. The “White Mustang” becomes a symbol of a fleeting and ultimately sad love affair in this melancholic track.
Les McCann – Green, Green Rocky Road
Jazz pianist Les McCann delivers a soulful, energetic rendition of “Green, Green Rocky Road,” a 1965 single. Originally a folk song, McCann’s version adds a driving jazz rhythm, making it a lively and unique take on a road-themed tune.
Lil Troy feat. Fat Pat, H.A.W.K., Lil Will & Yungstar – Wanna Be A Baller
Lil Troy’s “Wanna Be A Baller,” featuring Fat Pat, H.A.W.K., Lil Will, and Yungstar, from his 1999 album Sittin’ Fat Down South, samples Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” while rapping about luxury cars. They mention Chevy Impalas with 20-inch rims and high-end Mercedes Benz with custom features, showcasing Southern hip-hop car culture.
LL Cool J – The Boomin System
LL Cool J’s “The Boomin System,” from his 1990 album Mama Said Knock You Out, is an anthem for car audio enthusiasts. Written for those who love to crank up the bass and blast music from their cars, it’s a celebration of powerful car sound systems.
Lost Boyz – Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz
Lost Boyz’ “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz,” from their 1996 debut Legal Drug Money, is a shout-out to various car brands popular in East and West Coast hip-hop culture. Jeeps, Lexus Coupes, BMWs (“Bimaz”), and Mercedes Benzes are all celebrated in this car-centric track.
Lucinda Williams – Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams’ “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road,” the title track of her Grammy-winning 1998 album, evokes nostalgic childhood road trips in the Southern US. The song captures the sensory details of those journeys, from the sounds of car wheels on gravel to the sights and feelings of Southern landscapes.
Luke Bryan – My Ol’ Bronco
Country star Luke Bryan pays tribute to his beloved 1970s Ford Bronco in “My Ol’ Bronco,” from his 2015 Spring Break EP series. It’s a heartfelt ode to a cherished vehicle and the simple pleasures it represents.
M.I.A – Bad Girls
M.I.A.’s empowering anthem “Bad Girls,” from 2012, celebrates female independence and driving. Singing about driving a Jeep Cherokee and “leavin’ the boys behind,” the music video, filmed in Morocco, supported the Women to Drive movement in Saudi Arabia.
Massive Attack – Be Thankful for What You Got
Massive Attack’s trip-hop rendition of William DeVaughn’s “Be Thankful for What You Got,” from their 1991 debut Blue Lines, offers a message of contentment. Even without a fancy Cadillac, the song encourages gratitude for what you have, contrasting material desires with appreciation for life’s essentials.
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 of the same name, is a Miami bass classic celebrating Cadillacs and powerful car audio systems. It’s a quintessential Miami bass car anthem.
Meridian Dan feat. Big H & JME – German Whip
Meridian Dan, Big H, and JME’s “German Whip,” a 2014 UK grime hit, is an ode to high-end German cars like Audis, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, and Porsches. “German Whip” is slang for a German car, and the song revitalized the UK grime scene with its car-focused lyrics.
Metallica – Fuel
Metallica’s “Fuel,” from their 1997 album Reload, is infused with motor racing imagery and metaphors for a fast-paced lifestyle. Often interpreted as being about living life in the fast lane, “Fuel” was even licensed by Dodge for car commercials, solidifying its connection to automotive speed and power.
Mike Jones feat. Paul Wall & Slim Thug – Still Tippin’
Mike Jones’ “Still Tippin’,” featuring Paul Wall and Slim Thug, from his 2005 album Who Is Mike Jones?, is a Houston hip-hop anthem celebrating local car culture. Vogue tires, flashy rims, Cadillac Escalades, and Houston pride are all central themes in this track.
Model 500 – Night Drive (Thru-Babylon)
Model 500 (Juan Atkins)’s “Night Drive (Thru-Babylon),” a 1985 electro track, was inspired by late-night drives on Michigan’s I-96. This supremely funky track perfectly captures the mood of nighttime driving and urban landscapes.
Natalie Cole – Pink Cadillac
Natalie Cole’s cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac,” became a Top Ten hit in 1988. Cole’s version emphasizes the desire for a luxurious pink Cadillac as the ultimate symbol of love and status, making it a fun and iconic car song.
Nelly – Ride Wit Me
Nelly’s “Ride Wit Me,” a Top 5 hit from his 2000 album Country Grammar, name-drops luxury vehicles like Mercedes Benz E-Class and Range Rovers. The music video features a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and a Peterbilt truck filled with women, solidifying its car and party themes.
Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license
Olivia Rodrigo’s breakout hit “drivers license,” from 2021, is a poignant tale of teenage heartbreak and newfound driving freedom. Getting her driver’s license becomes bittersweet after a breakup, turning drives into melancholic journeys of remembrance.
Outkast – Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)
Outkast’s “Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac),” from their 1996 album ATLiens, highlights the Cadillac’s cultural significance, especially in the South. The song celebrates driving Cadillacs in Atlanta, specifically mentioning models like Coupe DeVille and Fleetwood, linking luxury cars with Southern identity.
PJ Harvey – Driving
PJ Harvey’s early demo “Driving” is a haunting and enigmatic track about a woman escaping in a car while wearing a white gown. The song’s mystery and evocative imagery leave the listener to interpret the reasons for her urgent drive.
The Playmates – Beep Beep
The Playmates’ novelty song “Beep Beep,” from 1958, humorously depicts a road race between a Cadillac and a less-than-sporty Nash Rambler. The song’s tempo increases as the race intensifies, leading to a funny punchline at the end.
Primus – Jerry Was a Race Car Driver
Primus’s funky “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver,” from their 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese, tells a quirky story of Jerry, a race car driver with a love for Hank Williams Jr., who meets a tragic end in his Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 after drinking.
Prince – Little Red Corvette
Prince’s iconic “Little Red Corvette,” a Top Ten hit from 1982’s 1999, uses the “Little Red Corvette” as a metaphor for a fast and fleeting romantic encounter with a captivating woman. It’s a classic example of car as metaphor in song.
Queen – I’m in Love with My Car
Queen’s “I’m in Love with My Car,” from their 1975 album A Night at the Opera, written and sung by drummer Roger Taylor, is a humorous and rock-driven ode to car obsession. The song features Brian May’s guitar riffs and even includes a cameo by Taylor’s Alfa Romeo in the recording.
Reba McEntire – I’d Rather Ride Around with You
Reba McEntire’s “I’d Rather Ride Around with You,” a cheerful country hit from 1996’s What If It’s You, is about choosing a joyride with a sweetheart over attending a cousin’s wedding. It’s a lighthearted song about prioritizing love and simple car rides.
Rich Boy feat. Polow Da Don – Throw Some D’s
Rich Boy’s “Throw Some D’s,” featuring Polow Da Don, a Top Ten single from his 2007 debut, is about making money and buying a Cadillac. “D’s” refers to Dayton rims, and the song celebrates success and luxury car ownership.
Rick Ross feat. Drake & Chrisette Michelle – Aston Martin Music
Rick Ross, Drake, and Chrisette Michelle pay tribute to the luxurious Aston Martin in “Aston Martin Music,” from Ross’s 2010 album Teflon Don. The song also references James Bond, the most famous Aston Martin driver, further elevating the car’s iconic status.
Rihanna – Shut Up and Drive
Rihanna’s new wave-influenced hit “Shut Up and Drive,” from her 2007 album Good Girl Gone Bad, is full of car metaphors for romance and excitement. She sings about Maybachs and Ferraris and declares herself “class like a ‘57 Cadillac,” using car imagery to convey confidence and allure.
Roger Miller – King of the Road
Roger Miller’s “King of the Road,” a chart-topping crossover hit from 1964, is sung from the perspective of a carefree vagabond. Despite having little money, the character finds joy in freedom and life on the road, making it a classic song about travel and simple living.
The Rolling Stones – Route 66
The Rolling Stones opened their 1964 debut album with “Route 66,” a classic ode to the iconic American highway. Adding their signature swagger to this R&B standard, the Stones envisioned their first US tour while singing about the stops along Route 66.
Ronny & the Daytonas – GTO
Surf rockers Ronny & the Daytonas celebrate the Pontiac GTO in their upbeat 1964 hit “GTO.” Their debut single earned them a gold record and their only Top 5 hit, making it a significant car song of the era.
Rose Royce – Car Wash
Rose Royce’s chart-topping disco hit “Car Wash,” from 1976, served as the theme song for the movie Car Wash. The funky song celebrates the dignity of working at a car wash, with the lyrics “it’s better than digging a ditch.”
Roy Orbison – I Drove All Night
Roy Orbison’s “I Drove All Night,” though recorded in 1987, was released posthumously in 1992. Cyndi Lauper’s 1989 version became a massive global hit, and Celine Dion later transformed it into a dance track, showcasing the song’s enduring appeal across genres. It’s a powerful ballad about driving for love.
Rush – Red Barchetta
Rush’s “Red Barchetta,” from their 1981 album Moving Pictures, tells a vivid story of a young man secretly driving his uncle’s vintage Ferrari Barchetta in a futuristic, restrictive society. Inspired by Richard Foster’s short story, it’s a thrilling tale of freedom and forbidden drives.
Sam Hunt – Body Like a Back Road
Country star Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road,” a crossover hit from 2020’s Southside, compares his girlfriend’s body and their relationship to a leisurely drive on a back road. “Way back like Cadillac seats” and “highway to heaven” are lyrical highlights, blending romance and car imagery.
Sammy Hagar – I Can’t Drive 55
Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55,” a 1984 fan favorite, was inspired by a speeding ticket. Rebelling against the 55 MPH speed limit, the song and its music video, featuring Hagar trying to outrun cops in a Ferrari, became an anthem for speed enthusiasts.
Shania Twain – In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver)
Shania Twain’s witty and empowering “In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver),” from her 2002 album Up!, asserts female control behind the wheel. Warning her man against backseat driving, Shania declares her independence and authority when she’s driving.
Shirley Horn – The Rules of the Road
Jazz singer Shirley Horn’s cool rendition of “The Rules of the Road,” from her 2001 album You’re My Thrill, compares the complexities of romance to “The Rules of the Road.” Originally recorded by Tony Bennett, Horn’s version adds a sophisticated jazz touch to this metaphorical car song.
Sir Mix-A-Lot – My Hooptie
Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “My Hooptie,” a 1989 single, is a humorous ode to his dilapidated 1969 Buick. Describing its mismatched tires and loose bumper, Sir Mix-a-Lot finds humor and affection for his “hooptie” despite its flaws.
Slick Rick feat. Doug E. Fresh – Sittin’ in My Car
Slick Rick’s “Sittin’ in My Car,” featuring Doug E. Fresh, from 1995, depicts Slick Rick waiting in his Jeep for a date. While waiting, he reflects on past romantic disappointments, making the car a setting for contemplation and anticipation.
Smokey Robinson – Cruisin’
Smokey Robinson’s silky smooth “Cruisin’,” a 1979 hit, is perfect for romantic drives. This ballad is ideal for a leisurely Sunday drive, setting a mood of romance and relaxation.
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars,” a 2006 love song from Eyes Open, emphasizes simple pleasures and shared moments. Watching cars drive by becomes a symbol of quiet connection and contentment in this widely loved ballad.
Steppenwolf – Born to be Wild
Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild,” from 1968, popularized in Easy Rider, is perhaps the most iconic motorcycle driving song. An anthem of freedom and rebellion, it celebrates the thrill of riding motorcycles and seeking adventure on the open road.
Taylor Swift – Getaway Car
Taylor Swift’s “Getaway Car,” from her 2018 album Reputation, uses a “Getaway Car” metaphor to describe the doomed nature of starting a new relationship to escape a previous one. It’s a dramatic pop song about relationship dynamics and escape strategies.
Tom Cochrane – Life Is A Highway
Tom Cochrane’s “Life Is A Highway,” a 1991 hit, compares life’s journey to driving on a highway, urging listeners to make the most of it, especially with a loved one by their side. It’s an upbeat and motivational road-of-life anthem.
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. The song also nods to Del Shannon’s “Runaway,” connecting driving with musical inspiration and aspirations.
Tracy Chapman – Fast Car
Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” a bluesy Top Ten hit from 1988, tells a poignant story of seeking a better life through escape in a “fast car.” Working a dead-end job, Chapman dreams of leaving and asks, “Is it fast enough so we can fly away?” making it a song of hope and desperation.
Traveling Wilburys – End of the Line
The Traveling Wilburys’ “End of the Line,” from their 1989 debut The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, delivers a message of self-acceptance and contentment. “Don’t have to be ashamed of the car I drive/I’m just glad to be here, happy to be alive” promotes appreciating life over material possessions.
Vince Taylor & His Playboys – Brand New Cadillac
Vince Taylor & His Playboys’ “Brand New Cadillac,” a 1959 rock and roll single, tells of a girl leaving her boyfriend in a new Cadillac, while he chases her in his Ford. Covered by The Clash, it’s a classic rockabilly tale of cars and romantic pursuit.
War – Low Rider
War’s “Low Rider,” a 1975 classic from Why Can’t We Be Friends?, paints a vivid picture of lowrider culture. With simple lyrics, the song evokes the laid-back vibe of cruising in a custom lowrider, making it a quintessential chill driving track.
White Zombie – Black Sunshine
White Zombie’s “Black Sunshine,” from 1992’s La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One, is a metal anthem about a fast Ford Mustang named “Black Sunshine.” Featuring a spoken-word intro by Iggy Pop, it’s a high-energy car song with a dark and powerful edge.
Wilco – Passenger Side
Wilco’s “Passenger Side,” from their 1995 debut A.M., humorously describes relying on a sober friend for rides due to a suspended license. The song is a lighthearted take on car dependency and personal struggles.
Willie Nelson – On the Road Again
Willie Nelson’s Grammy-winning “On the Road Again,” a 1980 hit, celebrates the life of a touring musician. Written for the film Honeysuckle Rose, it became one of Nelson’s signature songs, embodying the spirit of constant travel and performance.
Wilson Pickett – Mustang Sally
Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally,” a 1966 R&B hit, humorously laments buying his girlfriend Sally a 1965 Ford Mustang, as she now only wants to drive around in it. Originally by Mack Rice, Pickett’s version made it a global car anthem.
Did we miss your favorite song about cars or driving? Let us know in the comments below!
