Ever since the invention of the car, it has been an integral part of our society. The automobile has changed so many aspects of life for us humans. It is hard to imagine an era before cars existed and how different things would be if they never came into being. Cars are more than just a mode of transportation; they have become symbols of status and identity because we associate them with who we are as people (and what kind) in this day and age. So, let’s take a look at 47 songs about cars and songs about driving that you can listen to while on your way home from work or school!
1) “Drive my car” by The Beatles
The song is about a narrator who convinces a girl to get in his car so that they can go somewhere and make love.
Next: The absolute best love songs of all time (our list of favorite romance hits)
2) “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” By Nat King Cole
This song is about the Mother Road, US Route 66. The road has been used for years for east-west travel in the United States, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and later.
3) “Drive” by Incubus
The lyrics of this song are about a person who is in love with someone they can’t have. They feel like they’re losing their mind because all they want to do is drive and be with the person they love. It tells the listener to never settle for anything less than what they truly want.
Next: Best songs about forbidden or secretive love
4) “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts
This song was originally written for the Disney movie, Cars. The lyrics are about taking risks and following your heart because you never know where it will take you in life. It means to tell the listener that they should follow their dreams no matter what obstacles or hardships come their way.
Next: Best Disney songs of all time (our list of favs)
5) “Mercury Blues” By Steve Miller Band
The song relates to cars, a Mercedes Benz and a Mercury. The singer is asking “Mercury” for a date.
6) “Ride Wit Me” by Nelly
The lyrics of this song are about a young man spending time with his girl and showing her off to all his boys. He feels like he wants to take over the world when they’re together because she makes him feel so good inside.
Next: Best hip hop love songs of all time (our list of picks)
7) “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” By Billy Ocean
The song is about a man who’s feeling lonely and would like for someone to spend time with him. The speaker in the song suggests that he could provide transportation, if someone wants it.
Next: Best songs about loneliness of all time (our list of picks)
8) “Greatest Love Story” By LANCO
In this country love song, the singer’s love interest is driving, and he doesn’t want her to go. He says that she can use his Cadillac.
Next: The best country love songs of all time (our list of favs)
9) “Shut Up and Drive” by Rihanna
Another song that uses the image of an automobile to represent something else is this one. The lines take on a sensuous tone in this scenario. However, she sings about different aspects of the car as if she were a car throughout the songs.
Next: Best sex songs of all time to make love to
10) “Drive By” by Train
This song is about a person who witnesses their significant other cheating on them. They feel like their whole world has come crashing down, and all they can think of doing is driving to try to clear their mind. It evokes the feeling of disbelief and heartbreak, and makes for a great overall listen.
Next: Best songs about cheating in a relationship of all time (our list of picks)
11) “Drive” by R.E.M
This song is about a person who has just witnessed some kind of violent act, whether it be murder or war. They are overcome with emotions because they cannot think straight about what they have seen. The song intends to tell the listener that it’s important to appreciate life and all the beauty in this world.
Next: The best songs about life of all time (our list of picks)
12) “Highway Blues” by Marc Seales
Fun fact: This song was included in the default songs of Windows XP. Listen to it now!
13) “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
This song is about a person who is on their way to hell because of their choices in life. They feel like they’re headed for disaster, and there’s no turning back. This song is definitely one of the most recognizable guitar riffs of all time!
14) “I Drove All Night” by Cyndi Lauper
This song is about a person who is driving all night because they can’t sleep. They’re trying to get away from their problems, and the only thing that makes them feel better is being on the road. Sometimes we all need to get away on the open road!
15) “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys
This song is about a person who is on their way to Boston because they’re starting a new life there. They’re leaving everything behind them and are ready for a fresh start. The message to the listener is that it’s important to be brave and take chances in life.
16) “Interstate Love Song” by Stone Temple Pilots
This song is about a person who has met someone that they are deeply in love with. They feel like it’s fate because their paths have crossed, and they’re meant to be together forever. It means to tell the listener that sometimes you meet the right person at the right time, and everything falls into place.
17) “Hot Rod Race” by Arkie Shibley and His Mountain Dew Boys
This song is about a couple of young men planning to race their cars on downtown’s main street. They’re bragging to each other, trying to psych out the competition and show off their driving skills.
18) “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
This song is about a young man who is running away from his problems and trying to find freedom and happiness in life. He feels like he was born to run and that the only way out is through.
Next: Best songs about freedom of all time (our list of favs)
19) “See The U.S.A. In Your Chevrolet” by Dinah Shore
This song is about a young woman who has received an invitation to go out with her boyfriend in his new car. She feels like it’s the perfect date because they’re going somewhere exciting, and she’ll be able to see all of America along the way.
20) “Riding in my car (Car Song)” by Woody Guthrie
This song is about a young man who is driving around in his car, enjoying the scenery, and listening to music on the radio. He’s looking for adventure and hoping to find something new and exciting.
21) “Maybellene” by Chuck Berry
This song is about a young man who is driving around in his car, trying to pick up women. He’s using all of his charms and skills to try and win them over. The message for listeners is that it’s important to be confident and flirtatious when attracting someone.
22) “Hot Rod Lincoln” by Charlie Ryan
This song is about a young man who has just bought a new hot rod car, and he’s feeling really proud of himself. He’s showing it off to all of his friends and bragging about how fast it can go.
23) “Little Deuce Coupe” by The Beach Boys
This song is about a young man who is driving around in his new coupe car. He’s showing it off to all of his friends and bragging about how fast it can go.
24) “Little Red Corvette” by Prince
This song is about a young man who has just bought himself a new Corvette car. The song’s about driving. He’s feeling really proud of himself and showing it off to all of his friends.
25) “Mercedes Benz” by Janis Joplin
The song is about a woman who leaves her hometown to become a star in LA, but she gets wrapped up with the wrong type of people and becomes addicted to illicit substances. It tells the story of her downfall and how she dies in a car crash.
26) “Chevy Van” by Sammy John
The song is about a man who falls in love with the woman of his dreams. He invites her to go on a road trip, and she agrees as long as he promises not to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Next: Top road trip songs to enjoy on the road
27) “Two Of Us” by The Beatles
“You and Me Sunday Driving, not arriving on our way home”. If you’ve ever felt the lonely pang of needing to reconnect with the past and people you used to know, then this song will make you want to hit the open road and reminisce on what may never exist again.
28) “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
The song is about a woman who is trying to escape her abusive relationship. She’s tired of being beaten down, so she takes her daughter and hits the open road in search of a better life. The song is about the hope and promise of a better future and the courage it takes to start over again.
Next: Best songs about toxic relationships of all time (our list of picks)
29) “Keep on Truckin'” by Eddie Kendricks
The song is about a man who loves to drive and talks about how fun it is to cruise around in his Chevy. It’s an upbeat tune that encourages people to get out of your head and keep on going because “life ain’t nothing but a party” when you’re strolling down the street with your eyes on the prize.
30) “Lord, Mr. Ford” by Jerry Reed
The song is about a man who meets the love of his life and starts making plans for their future together. He’s happy to follow her wherever she goes, but he makes it very clear that if they leave town in his Ford, then there better not be any “doors or locks.”
31) “Slow Ride” by Foghat
The song is about a man who is out on the town with his friends, and he’s determined to have a good time. He’s ready to take things slow and enjoy the ride, but his buddies are more interested in getting drunk and picking fights.
32) “Revenge of The Middle Aged Woman” by Tracy Byrd
We find this track a good breakup from the other songs on this list due to it’s funny storytelling about a woman getting back at her husband in more ways than one… We won’t spoil it here but definitely listen to this song!
Next: Top songs with fantastic storytelling
33) “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” by Primus
Looking to have a fun dance track about cars and nonsensical things? Look no furhter than Primus’ “Jerry Was A Racecar Driver” song to have a good time to!
34) “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
The song is about a man who is on the road and can’t wait to get back home to his family. He talks about all of the places he’s been and all of the people he’s met, but in the end, he just wants to be with the ones he loves.
35) “Pink Cadillac” by Natalie Cole
The song is about a woman who is in love with a man who drives a Pink Cadillac. She loves the way it looks, and she loves riding around in it, but most of all, she loves the thrill of being with someone who’s willing to break the rules.
36) “Beep Beep (The Little Nash Rambler)” by The Playmates
You can’t really dance to this song or get truly in the groove while listening to it – which actually makes it for a very unique and interesting listen. Check it out if you want something different.
37) “My Car” by Gary Numan
This weirdly obsessive song about cars is a classic. You’ll recognize the beat immediately when it starts playing.
38) “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar
Hagar wrote this song as a commentary on a real-life issue where he was pulled over for going over the speed limit.
39) “Drive” by The Cars
This iconic song by The Cars has many opinions on what it’s exactly about, but all we can say is that it’s slightly depressing and very real, making it an excellent addition to your playlist.
Next: Best depressing songs of all time (our list of picks to listen to when we’re down)
40) “409” by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys sure loved their cars! They loved them so much that they numerous hits about driving and cars throughout their discography. Which brings us to the next song on this list…
Next: The absolute best songs about the beach ever made
41) “Fun, Fun, Fun” by The Beach Boys
The song is about a girl who just wants to have some fun. He talks about how much she loves driving her car and spending time with the people that she cares for most in this world. It’s perfect for those who can appreciate all of life’s simple pleasures (that is, until daddy takes the T-bird away!).
42) “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett
The song is about a man who has fallen in love with the woman that drives his favorite car, a red Mustang. He talks about how much fun it was to ride around in her car, and he also sings about how bad he wants her body on top of him so that they can really get things going.
43) “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
The song is about a man who knows that if he wants to live life like an outlaw, then it’s time for him to climb into his car and really go out there. He talks about how much fun it can be when you’re not afraid of taking risks, but most importantly, he talks about the freedom that comes with living this way.
44) “If I ruled the world” by Nas
It starts with rapper Nas riding in a car with city lights blaring behind him. This iconic music video from the 90s makes this one of the best rap songs of all time, and certainly one of the best with cars in them.
45) “Takin’ It to the Streets” by Michael McDonald
Many people have theorized exactly what this song is about over the years, and while we can’t pinpoint it exactly, we can say that this is a great anthem for getting in your car and driving at the very least.
46) “Moonlight Drive” by The Doors
This is a historical song in the Doors’ discography, as it’s the first one that Jim Morrison wrote. It seems that this track really brought the Doors together.
47) “Going Mobile” by The Who
The song is about a man who has decided to quit his job and move around with no real plans in mind. He talks about how much fun life can be if you aren’t afraid to take risks or leave everything that you know behind.
Next:
The best songs about biking and motorcycles
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.