Songs about cars and driving illustration
If love songs dominate the music world, tunes about cars and driving are definitely a close second. Since cars rolled onto the scene, these powerful, sleek machines have inspired musicians across genres. Buckle up and explore 100 of the greatest songs about cars and driving.
2Pac – Picture Me Rollin’
As a West Coast rap icon, it’s almost mandatory for 2Pac to have several car anthems. In “Picture Me Rollin’,” from his 1996 album All Eyez on Me, 2Pac paints a vivid picture of cruising the streets of Los Angeles in his customized Mercedes Benz. He also nods to a Lexus and a Chevy Big Body, showcasing his car appreciation.
50 Cent – Get in My Car
50 Cent is known for his impressive car collection, and he flaunts his passion in this 2005 track from The Massacre. While the music video shows him in a striking yellow Ferrari convertible, he raps about his Mercedes Benz, specifically mentioning the gleaming chrome finish of his rims. He also gives a shout-out to Dayton spokes, a classic custom rim popular in Lowrider culture.
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Get In My Car
AC/DC – Highway to Hell
AC/DC takes a one-way trip to the underworld in this hard rock anthem. The song, which became the title track of their 1979 album, was inspired by the band’s relentless touring and their numerous journeys on Perth’s Canning Highway, humorously nicknamed “Highway to Hell” by the band.
Alan Jackson – Mercury Blues
Originally co-written and recorded in 1948 by blues artist K.C. Douglas, “Mercury Blues” is an enduring tribute to the Mercury, a premium yet accessible car line from Ford that lasted until 2010. Covered by numerous artists like Meat Loaf and Steve Miller Band, Alan Jackson took it to the Top Five on the country charts in 1993, cementing its place as a classic car song.
Ariana Grande – Honeymoon Avenue
In this heartfelt ballad from her 2013 debut album Yours Truly, Ariana Grande cleverly uses a car journey as a metaphor for a troubled relationship. Looking back through the rearview mirror, she reflects on the bumps and turns she and her partner have encountered. Stuck in relationship traffic, she longs for the smooth beginnings of “Honeymoon Avenue.”
Bass Mekanik – Bass Mechanic
Pioneers of bass music, Bass Mekanik (Neil Case and DJ Billy E), started their journey in a Miami car audio shop, creating test tones for car subwoofers. This bass-heavy electronic track from their 1999 album V 5.0 is perfect for cruising down palm-lined highways with the volume cranked up, showcasing the power of car audio systems.
The Beach Boys – Fun, Fun, Fun
The Beach Boys capture teenage rebellion and car culture in this 1966 hit. “Fun, Fun, Fun” tells the story of a girl who secretly takes her father’s Ford Thunderbird for a joyride. The Southern California group, known for their love of surfing and cars, previously celebrated another Ford model, the 1932 Model 18, in their song “Little Deuce Coupe,” showing their deep connection with car themes in music.
Fun, Fun, Fun (Mono)
Beastie Boys – High Plains Drifter
Beastie Boys take on the persona of a blue-collar outlaw in “High Plains Drifter,” a standout track from their 1989 album Paul’s Boutique. Driving across the country, the anti-hero engages in car theft, shoplifting, and evading the law. Despite his criminal activities, he’s equipped with an 8-track player and an early cell phone, highlighting a blend of old and new car technology.
The Beatles – Drive My Car
In this upbeat track from The Beatles’ 1966 album Rubber Soul, The Beatles sing about a girl with ambitions who playfully asks a boy to be her driver. “Drive My Car” is a clever play on words, hinting at deeper romantic intentions beyond just driving. Guitarist George Harrison later explored the driving theme again with “Faster,” a song genuinely about cars and inspired by his fascination with Formula 1 racing in 1977.
Beck – The Golden Age
Beck‘s 2002 album Sea Change explores themes of loneliness and heartbreak. The opening track, “The Golden Age,” sets the tone, describing the solace found in driving, rolling down the windows, and letting the evening breeze provide comfort and escape.
Beck – The Golden Age (Official Music Video)
Big Tymers – Get Your Roll On
Hailing from New Orleans, Big Tymers boast about their luxury cars in “Get Your Roll On,” a hit from their 2000 album I Got That Work. Birdman and Mannie Fresh express their preference for Benzes and Bentleys with large rims, loud exhausts, and visible price tags, showcasing status and wealth through car ownership.
Billy Ocean – Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car
Billy Ocean’s “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” is a passionate plea to a woman, urging her to join him for a romantic drive. While the lyrics might be viewed differently today, this 1988 single was a global phenomenon, reaching No. 1 in the US, Australia, South Africa, and more. This iconic driving song also featured in the soundtrack of the teen comedy License to Drive.
Bob Seger – Makin’ Thunderbirds
Bob Seger pays tribute to the classic 1950s Thunderbird in this energetic song from his 1982 album The Distance. “Makin’ Thunderbirds” uniquely shifts perspective, focusing on the factory worker who proudly built these iconic cars, rather than just driving them, highlighting Detroit’s car manufacturing heritage.
Makin’ Thunderbirds
Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
Bruce Springsteen‘s “Born to Run,” a 1975 classic, encapsulates teenage romance, big dreams, and the urgent desire to escape small-town life, specifically Freehold, NJ, via Highway 9. The song is an anthem of youthful yearning and the open road as a path to freedom.
Cake – The Distance
Cake’s deadpan alt-rock hit “The Distance,” from their 1996 album Fashion Nugget, starts with the imagery of a car race, engines revving and sharp turns. However, it quickly transcends racing to become a metaphor for perseverance and relentless pursuit, even after a race or relationship has ended, driven by an inner need to keep striving.
Canned Heat – On The Road Again
Canned Heat achieved their breakthrough hit with “On The Road Again,” a hypnotic blues tune with a distinctive one-chord progression. Featured on their 1968 album Boogie with Canned Heat, the song, with Alan Wilson’s unique falsetto vocals, perfectly captures the wistful feeling of constant travel and life on tour.
On The Road Again
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. The song paints a dreamy picture of family travel and carefree childhood adventures in a car.
The Cars – Drive
“Drive,” a poignant 1984 ballad by The Cars, became one of their biggest international hits, reaching the Top 5 in numerous countries. The song’s romantic theme extended to the music video, where frontman Ric Ocasek met model Paulina Porizkova, who later became his wife, linking the song closely with personal journey and connection.
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. While boasting about car activities, the song and its video also address serious issues of racial profiling and police brutality, adding social commentary to the driving theme.
Charlie Ryan and the Livingston Bros. – Hot Rod Lincoln
“Hot Rod Lincoln,” popularized by Charlie Ryan in 1955, tells the exciting tale of a hot rod race. Originally, Arkie Shibley released a song in 1950 about a race between a Ford and a Mercury. Charlie Ryan’s version elevates the story with a young driver in a souped-up Model A Lincoln unexpectedly overtaking both, becoming a classic narrative of hot rod culture.
Chet Baker – Spinning Wheel
Legendary jazz trumpeter Chet Baker offers a vibrant instrumental cover of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “Spinning Wheel” on his 1970 album Blood, Chet and Tears. While the song’s psychedelic nature is open to interpretation, the original lyrics suggest not getting caught up in minor issues, as everything tends to resolve itself, even in the unpredictable ride of life.
Chuck Berry – No Particular Place to Go
Chuck Berry’s early hit “Maybellene” in 1955 was a car chase story. Almost a decade later, he scored another car-related hit with “No Particular Place to Go” in 1964. This witty song depicts a carefree drive with a sweetheart, enjoying music and kisses. Humorously, romantic progress is hilariously stalled by a stubborn seatbelt, adding a touch of everyday reality to car romance.
Cybotron – Cosmic Cars
Detroit techno pioneers Cybotron released “Cosmic Cars,” a futuristic and pulsating track, before their 1983 debut album Enter. Reflecting Detroit’s urban decay through innovative electronic music, “Cosmic Cars” offers escapism, suggesting a journey away from earthly problems into a cosmic, car-driven future.
The Dead Milkmen – Bitchin’ Camaro
“Bitchin’ Camaro,” a signature song by The Dead Milkmen from their 1985 album Big Lizard in My Backyard, is a punk parody of pop culture. Set against a bluesy riff, the Philly band humorously talks about a trip to the Jersey Shore in a “bitchin’ Chevy Camaro” to buy Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe T-shirts, satirizing consumerism and 80s rock culture.
Deep Purple – Highway Star
Deep Purple’s “Highway Star,” from their 1972 album Machine Head, is an ode to the passion for cars. Appropriately written on a tour bus, this high-energy track features iconic guitar and organ solos, celebrating speed and the thrill of the drive.
Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, Ruben & Jewell – Let Me Ride
Dr. Dre, with Snoop Dogg, Ruben, and Jewell, celebrates lowrider culture in “Let Me Ride,” a 1993 hit from The Chronic. Cruising through Compton in his 1964 Chevrolet Impala, he references Dayton rims and hydraulic switches, glorifying the custom car scene and West Coast hip-hop style.
The Dresden Dolls – The Jeep Song
Punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls in “The Jeep Song” sing about being haunted by a past relationship and the ubiquitous 1996 Jeep Cherokee, a common sight in Boston. Driving her blue Volvo, the protagonist can’t help but be reminded of her ex every time she sees the mid-priced SUV, humorously highlighting everyday reminders of past relationships through car imagery.
Eddie Cochran – Somethin’ Else
Eddie Cochran’s 1959 rockabilly single “Somethin’ Else” portrays a young man’s desire for a convertible to impress a girl. Eventually, he buys an older 1941 Ford and finds the courage to ask her out, showing that even an older car can be the vehicle to romance and personal growth.
Elastica – Car Song
Elastica’s cheeky Britpop track “Car Song,” from their 1995 self-titled debut, is about intimate moments in a Ford Fiesta (or Honda). It’s a playful and direct song about youthful encounters and car as a space for private adventures.
Foghat – Slow Ride
While “Slow Ride” by Foghat might have suggestive undertones, thanks to films like Dazed and Confused, it’s forever linked with 70s cars and a smoky atmosphere. This iconic hard rock track from their 1975 album Fool for the City became an anthem for a generation and car culture of the era.
Frank Ocean – White Ferrari
Frank Ocean’s “White Ferrari,” from his 2016 album Blond, wistfully reflects on a past teenage romance. The song blends personal memory with an interpolation of The Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere,” creating a layered and emotional car-themed ballad.
Gary Numan – Cars
Gary Numan‘s new wave classic “Cars” expresses a sense of safety and isolation in a vehicle. Simple yet incredibly catchy, “Cars” from The Pleasure Principle reached No. 1 in the UK and Canada and Top Ten in the US, becoming an iconic synth-pop car anthem.
The Go-Go’s – Skidmarks on My Heart
The Go-Go’s 1981 song “Skidmarks on My Heart,” from Beauty and the Beat, humorously portrays jealousy towards a boyfriend overly devoted to his Pontiac GTO. The lyrics “I buy you cologne/You want axle grease/You say get a mechanic/I say get a shrink” perfectly capture the frustration of car obsession overshadowing romance.
Skidmarks On My Heart
Golden Earring – Radar Love
Dutch rockers Golden Earring scored an international hit with “Radar Love” in 1973. This cult favorite from their album Moontan tells the story of a long-distance driver receiving telepathic messages from his girlfriend, symbolized as “Radar Love,” creating a unique blend of driving and romantic connection.
Grace Jones – Pull Up to the Bumper
Grace Jones delivers a playfully suggestive double entendre in her funky 1981 club hit “Pull Up to the Bumper.” Singing “Pull up to my bumper baby/In your long black limousine,” the song is both a dance track and a flirtatious invitation. It’s celebrated as an LGBTQ+ anthem and one of the best dance songs, showcasing car imagery in a sensual context.
Iggy Pop – The Passenger
Iggy Pop celebrates the nomadic musician’s life in “The Passenger,” a classic from his 1977 album Lust for Life. Inspired by riding in David Bowie’s car across North America and Europe, Iggy Pop captures the freedom of movement and observation from the passenger seat, even without a license or car of his own.
Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats – Rocket 88
Considered by many as the first rock and roll song, “Rocket 88” from 1951 is a tribute to the Oldsmobile Rocket 88. While credited to Jackie Brenston, the song was written and recorded by Ike Turner, based on Jimmy Liggins’ “Cadillac Boogie,” marking a pivotal moment in music history by focusing on a car model and its cultural impact.
Jan & Dean – Dead Man’s Curve
Jan & Dean’s “Dead Man’s Curve,” a 1964 hit, tragically narrates a teen road race between a Corvette Stingray and a Jaguar XKE in Los Angeles. Prophetically, Jan Berry of the duo was seriously injured in a car accident in his own Stingray near the actual “Dead Man’s Curve” two years later, adding a chilling layer to the song’s narrative.
Janis Joplin – Mercedes Benz
Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz,” from her posthumous 1971 album Pearl, is a tongue-in-cheek a cappella commentary on consumerism. She asks God for a Mercedes Benz, among other luxuries, in a humorous critique of material desires, contrasting with her friends’ Porsches.
Jimmy Smith – King of the Road
Jimmy Smith, the Hammond B-3 organ master, and jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery deliver a soulful instrumental version of Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” on their 1968 album Further Adventures of Jimmy and Wes. This jazz take on a country classic, featuring Ray Barretto, highlights the song’s versatility and enduring appeal.
John Fogerty – Hot Rod Heart
Former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty celebrates simple pleasures of country joy-riding in “Hot Rod Heart,” from his Grammy-winning 1997 album Blue Moon Swamp. It’s about enjoying the radio, fresh air, and escaping daily life in a Buick or Harley, capturing the essence of car freedom.
Kanye West feat. Paul Wall & GLC – Drive Slow
Kanye West, Paul Wall, and GLC use car culture as a metaphor for a fast lifestyle in “Drive Slow,” a cautionary tale from West’s 2005 album Late Registration. Referencing various car models like Chevy Caprice and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, along with accessories like Vogue tires and Brabus rims, the song explores themes of status, speed, and the potential pitfalls of a fast-paced life.
Johnny Cash – One Piece at a Time
Johnny Cash’s novelty song “One Piece at a Time,” a 1976 country No. 1 hit, tells a humorous story of a GM plant worker who steals Cadillac parts, one per day, to build his own car. The comical twist is that each part is from a different year, resulting in a Frankenstein Cadillac from 1949 to 1970.
Kendrick Lamar – Backseat Freestyle
Kendrick Lamar offers social commentary with a touch of humor in “Backseat Freestyle,” from his 2012 album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. The song portrays a teenager dreaming of luxury cars like Maseratis and living a lavish lifestyle, reflecting youthful aspirations and social critique.
Kesha – Gold Trans Am
Kesha sings about intimate encounters in a gold Trans Am in her 2012 song “Gold Trans Am,” a bonus track from the deluxe edition of Warrior. Interestingly, Kesha owned a gold Trans Am, and her songwriter mother, Pebe Sebert, co-wrote this suggestive song, blurring the lines between art and personal life.
Kraftwerk – Autobahn
Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn,” from their 1974 album of the same name, is an iconic driving song. The 22-minute title track, named after the famous German highway, marked Kraftwerk’s first song with lyrics and became an international hit. With simple German lyrics “Wir fahr’n fahr’n fahr’n auf der Autobahn” (“We drive drive drive on the Autobahn”), it captures the hypnotic experience of highway driving.
L’Trimm – Cars That Go Boom
Female hip-hop duo L’Trimm pay tribute to powerful car stereos in their infectious 1988 classic “Cars That Go Boom.” As long as the bass is strong, Tigra and Bunny are ready to pull over their Jaguar or Lamborghini, celebrating car audio culture and bass-heavy music.
Lana Del Rey – White Mustang
Lana Del Rey mourns a failed summer romance with a Mustang-driving musician in her 2017 ballad “White Mustang.” The song captures the allure of a certain type of man and car, reflecting on fleeting love and car-related imagery in a melancholic tone.
Lana Del Rey – White Mustang (Official Music Video)
Les McCann – Green, Green Rocky Road
Jazz pianist Les McCann delivers a soulful, high-energy rendition of “Green, Green Rocky Road” in his 1965 single. This folk song, based on a children’s game and credited to Len Chandler and Robert Kaufman, is transformed into a lively jazz piece about a journey, both literal and metaphorical.
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,” the rappers boast about driving a Chevy Impala with 20-inch rims and a high-end Mercedes Benz with Vogue tires and a “presidential package,” showcasing status and car customization in hip-hop.
LL Cool J – The Boomin System
LL Cool J wrote “The Boomin System,” from his 1990 album Mama Said Knock You Out, as an anthem for car audio enthusiasts. It celebrates those who love to maximize their car’s bass, roll down windows, and share their music with the world.
Lost Boyz – Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz
Lost Boyz’s debut single “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz” from their 1996 album Legal Drug Money, gives shout-outs to various car brands popular on both coasts. The Queens, NY crew references Jeeps, Lexus Coupes, BMWs (“Bimaz”), and Mercedes Benzes, highlighting car preferences across different regions and social scenes.
Lucinda Williams – Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams’ Grammy-winning title track “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” from her 1998 album of the same name, evokes nostalgic Southern childhood road trips. The song vividly recalls sights and sounds of travel in the American South, connecting personal history with car journeys.
Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Luke Bryan – My Ol’ Bronco
Country star Luke Bryan pays tribute to his beloved 70s Ford Bronco in “My Ol’ Bronco,” from his 2015 EP Spring Break…Checkin’ Out. The song celebrates the simple joys and sentimental value of a well-used, classic vehicle, highlighting personal connection with cars.
M.I.A – Bad Girls
M.I.A.‘s anthemic 2012 song “Bad Girls” celebrates female empowerment, with lyrics 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, linking car freedom with broader social and gender issues.
Massive Attack – Be Thankful for What You Got
Trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack transformed William DeVaughn’s 1974 soul song “Be Thankful for What You Got” on their 1991 debut album Blue Lines. The song’s message is about appreciating what you have, even if it’s not a Cadillac, promoting contentment and gratitude.
MC Nas-D & DJ Freaky Fred – It’s My Cadillac (Got That Bass)
“It’s My Cadillac (Got That Bass)” by MC Nas-D and DJ Freaky Fred is a quintessential Miami bass track from their 1992 album of the same name. It celebrates the joy of owning a Cadillac and having a powerful car sound system, core elements of Miami bass and car culture.
Meridian Dan feat. Big H & JME – German Whip
British MC Meridian Dan, with Big H and JME, celebrates high-end German cars in “German Whip,” a 2014 single. Rapping about Audis, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, and Porsches, the fast-paced song revitalized the UK grime scene and highlighted car status in urban music.
Metallica – Fuel
Metallica’s “Fuel,” from their 1997 album Reload, is driven by motor racing imagery. Interpreted as being about a fast lifestyle, the Grammy-nominated song became a fan favorite and was later licensed by Dodge for vehicle ads, linking its high-energy theme with car performance.
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 his 2005 album Who Is Mike Jones?. The song name-drops Vogue tires, flashy rims, Cadillac Escalades, and his hometown, celebrating regional car styles and hip-hop identity.
Model 500 – Night Drive (Thru-Babylon)
Juan Atkins (Model 500), a Detroit DJ and producer, was inspired to create the funky electro track “Night Drive (Thru-Babylon)” in 1985 by his late-night drives on Michigan’s I-96. The song captures the atmosphere and rhythm of nighttime highway driving.
Natalie Cole – Pink Cadillac
Natalie Cole scored a Top Ten hit in 1988 with her cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac.” Transforming the song, Cole declares her love is bigger than other car brands, emphasizing the luxurious and iconic pink Cadillac as the ultimate symbol of affection.
Pink Cadillac
Nelly – Ride Wit Me
Nelly’s Top 5 hit “Ride Wit Me,” from his 2000 album Country Grammar, name-checks luxury vehicles like Mercedes Benz E-Class and Range Rovers. The music video features a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and a Peterbilt 379 truck filled with women, visually amplifying the car and party theme.
Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license
Olivia Rodrigo’s breakthrough debut single “drivers license” is an emotional teenage heartbreak anthem. Despite finally getting her driver’s license and the freedom it represents, post-breakup drives become melancholic journeys through her town, filled with memories of lost love.
Outkast – Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)
Cadillacs and their Southern cultural significance are central to Outkast’s album ATLiens. “Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)” from the 1996 album celebrates driving Cadillacs in Atlanta, specifically Coupe DeVilles and Fleetwoods, linking luxury cars with Southern hip-hop identity.
PJ Harvey – Driving
PJ Harvey’s early demo “Driving” is a haunting song about a woman in a white gown escaping in her car. The song’s mystery leaves it open to interpretation—escape from a wedding, a relationship, or something more symbolic—with the car as a vehicle for flight and transformation.
The Playmates – Beep Beep
The Playmates’ novelty song “Beep Beep” from 1958 humorously tells the story of a Cadillac owner being challenged to a race by a Nash Rambler. The song’s tempo increases with the escalating race until a comedic punchline at the end, making light of car stereotypes and unexpected races.
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 cautionary tale of Jerry, a race car driver who tragically crashes his Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 after drinking. The song combines dark humor with car racing themes, contrasting with the story of Captain Pearce, a retired firefighter.
Prince – Little Red Corvette
Prince uses a sleek red corvette as a metaphor for a fast and fleeting romantic encounter in his iconic hit “Little Red Corvette,” from his 1982 album 1999. The song equates a one-night stand with a beautiful, but quickly gone, sports car.
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 their 1975 album A Night at the Opera, humorously portrays a man more passionate about his car than his girlfriend. Featuring Brian May’s guitar riffs and sound effects from Taylor’s Alfa Romeo, it’s a rock anthem to car love.
Queen – I’m In Love With My Car (Official Video)
Reba McEntire – I’d Rather Ride Around with You
Reba McEntire chooses a joyride with her sweetheart over a cousin’s wedding in “I’d Rather Ride Around with You,” a cheerful country hit from her 1996 album What If It’s You. The song celebrates spontaneous romance and the simple joy of driving with someone special.
Rich Boy feat. Polow Da Don – Throw Some D’s
Rich Boy, with Polow Da Don, raps about financial success and buying a Cadillac in “Throw Some D’s,” a Top Ten single from his 2007 self-titled debut. The song links car ownership, specifically a Cadillac, with achieving wealth and status in hip-hop culture.
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 Ross’s 2010 album Teflon Don. The song also nods to James Bond, the most famous Aston Martin driver, associating the car with sophistication and 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, uses car metaphors for romance. Comparing herself to a ‘57 Cadillac and Maybachs and Ferraris to her desires, she urges a partner to “shut up and drive,” blending car imagery with sensuality and speed.
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 happy vagabond. Despite having little money, the character finds joy in freedom and travel, capturing the romanticism of the open road and simple living.
The Rolling Stones – Route 66
The Rolling Stones open their 1964 debut album with “Route 66,” a classic ode to America’s most famous highway. Adding their swagger to this R&B standard, they envision their first US tour, singing about stops along Route 66, connecting the highway with musical journey and American exploration.
Route 66
Ronny & the Daytonas – GTO
Surf rockers Ronny & the Daytonas express admiration for the sporty Pontiac GTO in their 1964 hit “GTO.” As their debut single, it earned them a gold record and their only Top 5 hit, becoming an anthem for muscle car enthusiasts.
Rose Royce – Car Wash
Rose Royce’s chart-topping disco hit “Car Wash” from 1976 became the theme song for the movie Car Wash. With lyrics about finding dignity in honest work, “You might not ever get rich/But let me tell you, it’s better than digging a ditch,” it celebrates the car wash job as respectable and even fun.
Roy Orbison – I Drove All Night
“I Drove All Night,” a powerful ballad originally written for Roy Orbison in 1987, wasn’t released by him until 1992, after his death. Cyndi Lauper’s 1989 version became a global hit, and Celine Dion later transformed it into a dance track, demonstrating the song’s lasting appeal across genres and its central theme of passionate driving.
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 world where sporty cars are outlawed. Inspired by Richard Foster’s A Nice Morning Drive, it’s a tale of rebellion and the thrill of forbidden driving.
Sam Hunt – Body Like a Back Road
Country star Sam Hunt compares his relationship to a leisurely drive down a back road in his crossover hit “Body Like a Back Road,” from his 2020 album Southside. Using car imagery to describe a long-lasting relationship (“way back like Cadillac seats”), the song equates love to a comfortable, scenic drive.
Sammy Hagar – I Can’t Drive 55
Inspired by a speeding ticket, Sammy Hagar wrote “I Can’t Drive 55.” Referencing the 55 MPH speed limit, the 1984 fan favorite is about the frustration of speed restrictions and the desire for fast driving, amplified by a music video featuring Hagar trying to outrun police in a Ferrari.
Shania Twain – In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver)
Shania Twain’s empowering and witty song “In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver),” from her 2002 album Up!, asserts female control behind the wheel. She warns her partner against being a backseat driver, establishing her dominance and independence when she’s driving.
In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver) (Red Version)
Shirley Horn – The Rules of the Road
Jazz singer Shirley Horn delivers a sophisticated rendition of “The Rules of the Road” on her 2001 album You’re My Thrill. Originally recorded by Tony Bennett in 1962, the song compares the complexities of romance to the “Rules of the Road,” using driving as a metaphor for relationship navigation.
Sir Mix-A-Lot – My Hooptie
Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “My Hooptie,” a 1989 single, is about his dilapidated 1969 Buick. Unlike his more famous songs, this one humorously details the sad state of his old car, with mismatched tires and a loose bumper, but still finds positives like heat and fuzzy dice, celebrating the character of even a beat-up car.
Slick Rick feat. Doug E. Fresh – Sittin’ in My Car
Slick Rick’s “Sittin’ in My Car,” featuring Doug E. Fresh, from 1995, depicts him waiting in his Jeep for a girlfriend. While waiting, he reflects on past relationship disappointments, using the car setting as a backdrop for personal reflections on love.
Smokey Robinson – Cruisin’
Smokey Robinson’s smooth ballad “Cruisin’,” from his 1979 album When There’s Smoke…, became one of his biggest hits outside The Miracles. The sultry song is the perfect soundtrack for a romantic drive, capturing the mood of relaxed romance and car rides.
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
Snow Patrol’s 2006 love song “Chasing Cars,” from Eyes Open, emphasizes simplicity and connection. It highlights that simple moments, like watching cars drive by, can be as meaningful as grand gestures, finding depth in everyday car-related imagery.
Steppenwolf – Born to be Wild
Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild,” from 1968, became iconic through Easy Rider as the ultimate motorcycle driving song. It’s an anthem for freedom, adventure, and the open road, associated with the rebellious spirit of motorcycle culture.
Taylor Swift – Getaway Car
Taylor Swift uses the metaphor of a “Getaway Car” in her dramatic 2018 single from Reputation. The song explores the realization that using a new relationship as an escape from a previous one (“Getaway Car”) is ultimately unsustainable and damaging.
Getaway Car
Tom Cochrane – Life Is A Highway
Tom Cochrane compares life’s journey to driving on a highway in “Life Is A Highway,” from his 1991 album Mad Mad World. The upbeat song vows to embrace life’s twists and turns, especially with a loved one by his side, making it an optimistic anthem for life’s road trip.
Tom Petty – Running Down a Dream
Tom Petty celebrates the joy of driving on a sunny day and pursuing musical dreams in “Running Down a Dream.” The song, referencing Del Shannon’s “Runaway,” captures the optimism and freedom of car travel and chasing aspirations.
Tracy Chapman – Fast Car
Tracy Chapman’s bluesy hit “Fast Car,” from her 1988 debut album, portrays a longing for a better life. Working a dead-end job, she dreams of escaping with a “fast car,” posing the question of whether it can be fast enough to drive them away from their current struggles.
Traveling Wilburys – End of the Line
The Traveling Wilburys (George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison) offer a message of self-acceptance in “End of the Line,” from their 1989 album The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. The song promotes being content with oneself and one’s circumstances, even “Don’t have to be ashamed of the car I drive,” focusing on inner peace and gratitude.
Vince Taylor & His Playboys – Brand New Cadillac
Vince Taylor wrote “Brand New Cadillac” in 1959 about a girl who leaves her boyfriend for a Cadillac. The protagonist chases her in his Ford, pleading for her return. While Vince Taylor’s version wasn’t a hit, The Clash’s cover on London Calling in 1979 made it a rockabilly classic, showcasing the enduring appeal of car-themed stories in music.
War – Low Rider
War’s “Low Rider,” from their 1975 album Why Can’t We Be Friends?, paints a vivid picture of lowrider culture with deceptively simple lyrics. It evokes the slow, cruising pace of custom lowriders, combining car culture with a relaxed, feel-good vibe.
White Zombie – Black Sunshine
White Zombie sings about a high-speed Ford Mustang named “Black Sunshine” in their 1992 metal track from La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One. Featuring a spoken-word intro by Iggy Pop, the song is a high-energy tribute to powerful cars and speed.
White Zombie – Black Sunshine ft. Iggy Pop
Wilco – Passenger Side
Wilco’s “Passenger Side,” from their 1995 debut album A.M., humorously portrays a man relying on a sober friend for rides due to a suspended license. The song is a lighthearted take on personal limitations and car dependence.
Willie Nelson – On the Road Again
Willie Nelson celebrates the touring musician’s life in his Grammy-winning 1980 hit “On the Road Again.” Written for the film Honeysuckle Rose, the song became one of his signature hits, capturing the joys and challenges of constant travel.
Wilson Pickett – Mustang Sally
Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally” laments a girlfriend, Sally, who is now obsessed with driving her new 1965 Ford Mustang. Originally written and recorded by Mack Rice, Pickett’s 1966 version became a global R&B hit, humorously depicting car infatuation.
Did we miss one of your favorite car and driving songs? Let us know in the comments below!
