10 Best Songs About Cars

# 10 – My Mother The Car

Now, come on, have a sense of humor. This one is for the old timers out there who grew up with this classic Television show. As the theme song of the 1965 television series My Mother the Car, it stands out for blending elements of comedy and fantasy, reflecting the quirky premise of a man whose deceased mother is reincarnated as an antique 1928 Porter touring car. The song’s playful tone mirrors the whimsical nature of the series itself, which, despite being short-lived, has achieved a certain cult status over the years. Written and performed by Paul Hampton, the theme’s upbeat rhythm and lighthearted lyrics introduce the fantastical storyline in which the car (voiced by Ann Sothern) communicates with its owner, Dave Crabtree (played by Jerry Van Dyke), through its radio.

Recording details of the theme song are limited, but it was composed by Ralph Carmichael with Hampton contributing lyrics. This creative pairing produced a tune that complements the light and comedic elements of the show. The score is full of lively brass and catchy rhythms that immediately set the tone for the eccentric premise. Although the series itself was critically panned and later ranked as one of the worst television shows in history, its theme song remains a memorable relic of 1960s television’s experimental storytelling.

Lyrically, the song doesn’t delve into complex emotions or heavy metaphors, but it perfectly captures the whimsical essence of the show’s premise. It introduces the car as a character in a humorous way, playing on the absurdity of a talking vehicle. The simple, catchy repetition in the lyrics makes it easy to remember, ensuring that the song remains tied to the nostalgic memory of a bizarre but charming show. As the first song on this list, “My Mother the Car” opens the discussion by showcasing how cars have been used as central figures in pop culture, here becoming the vehicle (pun intended) for an entire comedic fantasy narrative. From here, the list will explore other ways the concept of a car, both literal and metaphorical, is woven into music.

# 9 – Mercedes Benz – Janis Joplin

# 8 – Wheels – Lone Justice

“Wheels” is a track from Shelter, the second album by Lone Justice, released in November 1986. Produced by Little Steven, Jimmy Iovine, and the band itself, the album was recorded across three major studios: A&M in Hollywood, Atlantic in New York City, and The Village Recorder in Los Angeles. The song reflects Lone Justice’s blend of country rock with hints of folk and rock elements, powered by Maria McKee’s commanding vocal presence. The band, which included McKee on vocals, Ryan Hedgecock and Shane Fontayne on guitar, Gregg Sutton on bass and backing vocals, Bruce Brody on keyboards, and Rudy Richman on drums, created a sound that was both rugged and heartfelt, well-suited to the themes of longing and reflection present in “Wheels.”

Lyrically, “Wheels” captures the emotional weight of memories attached to a lost love, symbolized by the sound of car wheels. The line “I know the sound of your wheels” emphasizes how the narrator associates the familiar sound of wheels with the emotional pain and unresolved feelings of a past relationship. The song draws on the universal theme of heartache, using the metaphor of a car’s wheels to represent how the past keeps coming back, like a vehicle returning to the same place over and over again. This metaphor is strengthened as the lyrics reveal the narrator’s struggle to escape the memories of a love that they wish they could forget. The repetitive nature of the chorus, “Yeah, yeah, yeah / I know the sound of your wheels,” creates a sense of inevitability, echoing the relentlessness of these haunting memories.

In the context of Shelter, the song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics are complemented by Lone Justice’s blend of country rock with cinematic touches. The production brings out the raw emotion in McKee’s voice, enhancing the sense of vulnerability within the song’s story. The band’s use of guitars, bass, and drums evokes the open road imagery, making “Wheels” a perfect addition to this list of car-themed songs, alongside “Mercedes Benz” by Janis Joplin, which also explores a car as a symbol of desire and yearning. Where Joplin’s song takes a satirical approach, “Wheels” is more somber, reflecting the emotional toll of loss rather than material wants. This contrast highlights the different ways cars are used as metaphors in music, whether representing freedom, escape, or painful reminders of the past.

Overall, “Wheels” is a poignant example of how Lone Justice uses evocative lyrics and a strong musical foundation to tell stories that resonate with universal themes of love, loss, and the struggle to move on from the past.

Read More: 11 Best Lone Justice Songs

# 7 – Let Me Be Your Car – Rod Stewart

“Let Me Be Your Car” is a unique and energetic collaboration between Rod Stewart and Elton John, written by Elton John and his long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin. This track appears on Stewart’s fifth solo album, Smiler, released on September 27, 1974. The album itself was a mix of original tracks and covers, showcasing Stewart’s eclectic musical influences, and it reached number one in the UK album charts and number 13 in the US. Produced by Rod Stewart and Elton John, the recording of Smiler took place in various locations, including A&M Studios in Hollywood and Morgan Studios in London, capturing the raw energy and charisma of both artists.

“Let Me Be Your Car” is a bluesy, rock-infused track that uses car-related metaphors to convey desire, confidence, and a sense of freedom. In the song, Stewart offers to “be your car,” suggesting that he can provide the excitement and reliability that his love interest seeks. The lyrics, penned by Bernie Taupin, are playful and laden with double meanings, comparing the narrator to a car, ready to take his partner on a thrilling ride. The repeated lines “Let me be your car for a while” and “Shift me into gear and I’ll be there” evoke the imagery of a powerful, fast-moving vehicle, while also hinting at the desire to be in control and trusted in a relationship.

Musically, the song thrives on the vocal interplay between Stewart’s raspy, raw voice and the classic Elton John sound, which adds depth to the driving energy of the track. The instrumentation is highlighted by powerful piano work, rhythm guitars, and a steady beat, with John’s influence clear in the catchy, upbeat structure. This collaboration showcases Stewart’s ability to merge rock with blues influences while drawing from the unique energy brought by Elton John and Taupin’s songwriting.

When compared to other songs on this list, “Let Me Be Your Car” shares a similar thematic approach with “Wheels” by Lone Justice, where cars serve as metaphors for emotional movement and connection. However, where “Wheels” deals with the haunting sound of a lost love’s car, Stewart’s track takes a more confident, assertive tone, using the car as a symbol of power, trust, and adventure. Both songs reflect how vehicles are used in music as symbols of relationships and personal identity, yet Stewart’s approach is more playful and seductive, while Wheels evokes melancholy and longing.

In terms of lyrical analysis, the metaphor of the car allows Stewart to express a sense of strength and reliability in the relationship, with references to being stuck in the “fast lane” and invoking figures like Frankenstein and Jekyll and Hyde to show the complexity and intensity of his emotions. The line “I’ve got an engine underneath my hood” suggests that despite outward appearances, there is passion and drive beneath the surface, adding layers to the song’s theme of love as a powerful journey. The car imagery reinforces the idea of being ready for the ride, offering companionship and adventure.

“Let Me Be Your Car” stands out as a quintessential example of how artists in the 1970s used metaphors to craft deeper meanings, and it holds its own among other car-themed songs with its mixture of humor, romance, and rock-driven energy.

# 6 – Cars – Gary Numan

“Cars” is a groundbreaking single by English musician Gary Numan, released on August 24, 1979, as part of his debut solo album The Pleasure Principle. Numan had previously achieved success with his band Tubeway Army, but with “Cars,” he stepped fully into the spotlight, cementing his place in music history. The song quickly became a major international hit, topping charts in multiple countries, including the UK and Canada, and reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Known for its futuristic sound and pioneering use of synthesizers, “Cars” is still one of the most iconic tracks of the late 1970s and early 1980s, recognized as a quintessential example of synthpop.

The track was recorded at Marcus Music Studio in London, with Gary Numan handling most of the synthesizer and keyboard work, along with Cedric Sharpley on drums and Paul Gardiner on bass guitar. Produced by Gary Numan and recorded between May and June 1979, “Cars” is noted for its minimalistic approach, with Numan’s detached vocals and the dominant electronic arrangement creating a sense of isolation and alienation. The synthesizers take center stage, giving the track its distinctive, robotic texture. This was one of the first hits to so heavily feature synthesizers, making it revolutionary at the time of its release and a defining moment in electronic music’s emergence into the mainstream.

Lyrically, “Cars” offers an intriguing exploration of modern disconnection, with the car serving as a symbol of both protection and emotional distance. Numan uses the metaphor of the car to describe a sense of safety and control, juxtaposed with an underlying loneliness. The lyrics “Here in my car, I feel safest of all” suggest that the car acts as a fortress against the outside world, while lines like “I can listen to you, it keeps me stable for days” reflect the emotional isolation that comes with seeking refuge in a mechanical object. This theme of detachment is further emphasized by Numan’s cold, robotic vocal delivery, which mirrors the song’s synthetic instrumentation.

When compared to other songs in this list, like Rod Stewart’s “Let Me Be Your Car,” Numan’s “Cars” stands out for its focus on technology and the future, in contrast to the more romantic and human-centered metaphors seen in Stewart’s track. While Stewart uses the car as a playful symbol of love and desire, Numan presents it as a means of escaping human connection entirely. This adds a darker, more introspective layer to his song, making it distinct within the car-themed songs in rock history.

“Cars” resonated with listeners around the world, both for its innovative sound and its relatable depiction of the car as a personal sanctuary. It became a landmark single, influencing a generation of musicians in the burgeoning new wave and synthpop movements.

Read More: Gary Numan Songs Ranked

# 5 – Red Barchetta – Rush

“Red Barchetta” is a standout track from Rush’s iconic 1981 album Moving Pictures. Written by drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, the song was inspired by Richard Foster’s 1973 short story “A Nice Morning Drive,” which explores a future where aggressive, hulking Modern Safety Vehicles dominate the roads, leaving smaller, older cars to be targeted in a violent sport of “bouncing.” In the song, Peart envisions a similar dystopia where most cars have been outlawed under a “Motor Law,” except for the classic red Barchetta, which becomes a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and nostalgia.

Recorded between October and November 1980 at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec, Moving Pictures was produced by Rush alongside Terry Brown. “Red Barchetta” showcases the band’s seamless blend of intricate musicianship and evocative storytelling. The track features Geddy Lee on bass and vocals, Alex Lifeson on guitar, and Neil Peart on drums, with each musician contributing to the song’s powerful, cinematic quality. The song is often hailed as one of the band’s finest narrative pieces, blending progressive rock with vivid lyrical imagery that takes the listener on a high-speed journey.

Lyrically, “Red Barchetta” tells the tale of a young man who escapes the oppressive confines of the Motor Law by visiting his uncle’s hidden farm, where an old red Barchetta sports car has been preserved in pristine condition. Every Sunday, the narrator commits a “weekly crime” by taking the car out for a thrilling ride through the countryside, culminating in a high-stakes chase with futuristic “air cars.” The adrenaline-fueled race ends when the narrator outsmarts his pursuers by crossing a one-lane bridge, which the wider air cars cannot navigate. The song captures the tension between the old and the new, freedom and control, as well as the joy of driving.

“Red Barchetta” is a celebration of the classic car, a nostalgic ode to a bygone era of automotive freedom, making it a fitting addition to this list of car-themed songs. When compared to Gary Numan’s “Cars,” which explores the sense of isolation within the confines of a car, “Red Barchetta” focuses on the liberating experience of driving. Both songs reflect on cars as symbols of personal freedom but approach the theme from vastly different angles—Numan’s track is more about protection and detachment, while Rush’s anthem is a romanticized escape from a restrictive future. The song’s narrative depth and dynamic energy make it one of the most beloved car-themed rock songs, perfectly capturing the thrill of the open road.

# 4 – 409 – The Beach Boys

“409” is a quintessential car song from The Beach Boys, known for its place in the early 1960s hot rod culture. Written by Brian Wilson, Mike Love, and Gary Usher, the track was released in 1962 as the B-side to the band’s hit single “Surfin’ Safari.” It was later featured on their Surfin’ Safari album the same year and included again in the 1963 album Little Deuce Coupe. The song is credited with igniting the hot rod music craze of the 1960s, which became a defining element of The Beach Boys’ early identity, tying their surf-rock sound to the burgeoning car culture of Southern California.

The song’s title refers to Chevrolet’s powerful 409-cubic-inch-displacement “big block” V-8 engine, which was renowned for its strength and speed. The lyrics describe the pride and thrill of owning such a car, emphasizing the narrator’s hard work to save up for the vehicle. The phrase “four speed, dual quad, Posi-Traction 409” highlights the technical specifications of the car’s engine, which achieved the coveted 1 horsepower per cubic inch. The vivid description of the car’s performance at the track, with its unbeatable speed, mirrors the larger-than-life excitement that car enthusiasts felt for high-performance vehicles during the 1960s.

In terms of production, “409” was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, under the guidance of producer Nik Venet. The band’s lineup at the time featured Mike Love on lead vocals, Brian Wilson on bass and backing vocals, Carl Wilson on lead guitar, David Marks on rhythm guitar, and Dennis Wilson on drums. Brian Wilson’s use of sound effects—featuring the revving of a car engine—adds an extra layer of authenticity to the song, immersing the listener in the world of drag racing.

Lyrically, “409” focuses on the pride of car ownership and the thrill of speed, themes that would come to define the hot rod genre in rock music. The track’s high-energy pace and enthusiastic vocal delivery perfectly complement the narrative of owning and driving a fast car. Comparatively, this song stands out alongside other entries on the list, such as Gary Numan’s “Cars,” which explores the more introspective and isolating experience of being in a car. Where Numan’s track delves into detachment and safety, The Beach Boys’ “409” celebrates the joy of pushing a vehicle to its limits and the communal excitement of car culture.

“409” remains a landmark in car-themed rock music, blending the feel-good harmonies of The Beach Boys with the adrenaline-fueled excitement of hot rod culture. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the youthful passion for cars that was so prominent during the time, making it a crucial addition to any list of car-themed rock songs.

# 3 – Rocket 88 – Jackie Brenston

“Rocket 88,” recorded in Memphis in March 1951, is widely recognized as a landmark in music history, often cited as one of the first true rock and roll songs. Credited to Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats, the song was actually performed by Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm, with Brenston on lead vocals. It became an immediate success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart, and helped shape the emerging sound of rock and roll. The song celebrated the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, a powerful symbol of American car culture in the postwar era, drawing on the cultural and automotive landscape of the time.

The recording of “Rocket 88” took place at Sam Phillips’ Memphis Recording Service, which would later become the birthplace of Sun Records, famed for launching the careers of artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The track was rooted in the jump blues style but stripped down to its rawest elements. It emphasized driving piano rhythms from Turner, a powerful vocal delivery from Brenston, and a sharp tenor saxophone solo by Raymond Hill. This energetic, unpolished sound captured the youth and excitement of 1950s car culture and set the stage for the rise of rock and roll.

Lyrically, the song celebrates the thrill of driving, focusing on the power and speed of the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 engine. The lyrics are straightforward but loaded with cultural significance, presenting the car as a symbol of freedom and an object of admiration. Compared to other songs on this list, such as The Beach Boys’ “409”, which also glorifies a high-performance car, “Rocket 88” stands out for its role in the very foundation of rock and roll. While “409” celebrates hot rods in a fun and surf-rock style, “Rocket 88” exudes a raw energy, embodying the early rock sound and rebellious spirit that would define much of the genre in the years to come.

Its impact continues to resonate, and its influence can be traced in every subsequent car-themed rock song, solidifying its place in the pantheon of both automotive and musical history.

Read More: The Story Of Classic Rock

# 2 – Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett

“Mustang Sally” is a defining rhythm and blues (R&B) track that became iconic after Wilson Pickett covered it in 1966, transforming the song into a timeless classic. Originally written and recorded by Mack Rice in 1965, Pickett’s rendition added an unmistakable energy and soul, solidifying its place in both R&B and pop culture. The song was featured on Pickett’s album The Wicked Pickett and is widely considered one of his signature tracks. It also became an anthem for the 1960s car culture, combining elements of romance and rebellion with the powerful image of a fast car, specifically a 1965 Ford Mustang.

Pickett’s version was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with the famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section contributing to the song’s distinctive sound. The track is driven by a pulsating rhythm section, brass flourishes, and Pickett’s gravelly, impassioned vocal delivery. Musicians involved in the session include Roger Hawkins on drums, Jimmy Johnson on guitar, and David Hood on bass, all of whom helped shape the soulful, gritty atmosphere of the song. With its tight, bold arrangement, the brass section adds a layer of excitement that perfectly complements the song’s playful and somewhat confrontational lyrics.

Lyrically, “Mustang Sally” revolves around a man frustrated with a woman—Sally—who spends too much time riding around in her flashy Mustang, ignoring him in the process. The song captures the carefree, fast-paced lifestyle of the 1960s, using the Mustang as a symbol of independence and freedom. The repeated chorus, “All you wanna do is ride around Sally,” taps into the metaphor of the Mustang as not just a car, but a vehicle for living freely without commitment. Compared to other songs on this list, such as The Beach Boys’ “409”, which celebrates the joy of owning a car, “Mustang Sally” takes a more personal, relationship-driven approach, highlighting how the freedom associated with the car can create tension.

Critically, the song has been hailed for its infectious groove and undeniable energy. The call-and-response style between Pickett and the backing vocals adds to its dynamic flow, while the horns punctuate the track, giving it a bold and brassy feel. “Mustang Sally” has remained relevant across generations, becoming a staple of R&B and even crossing over into rock and roll. It continues to be a standout car-themed song, standing alongside other greats like Gary Numan’s “Cars” for its ability to weave together the imagery of automobiles and human experience.

Read More: Top 10 Wilson Pickett Songs

# 1 – Racing In The Street – Bruce Springsteen

“Racing in the Street” is the concluding track for this list of the 10 Best Songs About Cars, bringing the emotional depth and raw storytelling that Bruce Springsteen is known for. Featured on his 1978 album Darkness on the Edge of Town, this song embodies Springsteen’s vivid storytelling and ability to weave human emotion into the grit and romance of car culture. The song was recorded over several months, with sessions beginning on July 2, 1977, at Atlantic Studios in New York City and later completed at the Record Plant. Produced by Springsteen and his longtime collaborator Jon Landau, the song showcases the musical contributions of the E Street Band, particularly Roy Bittan’s elegant piano work, which opens and closes the track, creating a melancholic yet hopeful tone.

Musically, “Racing in the Street” is a ballad that alternates between restrained, quiet passages and swelling, emotional crescendos. Along with Bittan’s piano, Max Weinberg’s soft yet impactful drumming and Danny Federici’s organ come together to form a somber atmosphere that frames the song’s story. The protagonist’s pride in his 1969 Chevy with a 396 engine and his joy in racing create a sense of freedom that contrasts with the bleakness of his everyday life. This tension between the joy of racing and the hardships of life mirrors the themes found in other car-centric songs on this list, such as The Beach Boys’ “409” and Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally”, but Springsteen goes deeper by exploring the emotional toll that life and the open road can have on relationships.

Lyrically, the song paints a picture of a man who has built his car from scratch with his partner, Sonny, and now races in the streets of the Northeast for money. The car represents an escape from the dead-end routine of life, as well as a form of personal pride and identity. However, this passion begins to take a toll on his relationship, as his partner—initially won over by the thrill of racing—now feels abandoned and trapped in a life that hasn’t lived up to her dreams. This emotional complexity separates “Racing in the Street” from more celebratory car songs like Gary Numan’s “Cars”, which focus on the freedom cars provide without delving into the darker aspects of that freedom. In Springsteen’s song, the car is both a source of exhilaration and alienation, leading to guilt and sorrow for the narrator.

The song concludes with the protagonist seeking redemption and reconciliation, vowing to take his partner to the sea to “wash these sins off our hands.” The ending, like much of the song, can be interpreted in different ways—some see it as hopeful. In contrast, others view it as bleak, reflecting the same tension that exists throughout the song between freedom and responsibility, passion and pain. As the final song on this list, “Racing in the Street” encapsulates the full range of what cars have represented in music—symbols of freedom, power, identity, but also of emotional distance and unfulfilled dreams. It leaves listeners with a poignant reflection on the intersection of life, love, and the open road.