In the history of music, cars, and especially hot rods, have always held a special place. Songs about these symbols of speed, freedom, and rebellion have been a part of our musical landscape since they first rumbled into our lives, capturing the zeitgeist of each decade. Let’s take a musical journey from the 1930s to the 2010s, highlighting an unforgettable hot rod song from each decade.
1930s: “Hot Rod Race” by Arkie Shibley
The 1930s was the decade when hot rod culture began to establish itself and it was Arkie Shibley’s “Hot Rod Race” that brought this culture into the musical sphere. Released in 1939, this song is often considered one of the first to incorporate hot rods, depicting a thrilling race between two modified cars. Its influence can be seen in later hot rod tunes that used the same narrative framework.
1940s: “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats
Arguably the first rock and roll song, “Rocket 88” in 1951 is about a new Oldsmobile “Rocket 88” car, considered by some to be the first muscle car or “hot rod”. This Ike Turner-led song established hot rods as a popular theme in music, paving the way for later songs about fast cars and the freedom they represent.
1950s: “Maybellene” by Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry’s “Maybellene,” released in 1955, blended elements of country, blues, and the emerging genre of rock ‘n’ roll. The song tells the story of a man in a V8 Ford, racing against his unfaithful girlfriend in a Cadillac Coupe DeVille. This song firmly established hot rods as a symbol of rebellion and individualism in popular music.
1960s: “Little Deuce Coupe” by The Beach Boys
Few bands are more associated with hot rod culture than The Beach Boys. “Little Deuce Coupe,” released in 1963, is an ode to a 1932 Ford Model B. The song, filled with automotive jargon, portrays the Deuce Coupe as a symbol of youth and adventure, embodying the spirit of the 1960s.
1970s: “Hot Rod Lincoln” by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen
A revved-up cover of Charlie Ryan’s 1955 song, “Hot Rod Lincoln,” became a hit in 1971 for Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. The song’s humorous narrative about a cross-country car race reflects the eclectic and irreverent spirit of the 1970s music scene.
1980s: “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar
The 1980s saw rock ‘n’ roll taking on a more rebellious edge, and Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55” fit right in. Released in 1984, this high-octane anthem against speed limits became a rallying cry for all who felt the need for speed in their hot rods.
1990s: “Drive” by The Cars
While not a traditional hot rod song, The Cars’ “Drive” became an anthem of the 1990s. Released in 1994, the song’s moody, introspective lyrics and understated melody reflect a departure from the exuberance of past decades, mirroring the evolution of the hot rod culture.
2000s: “Red Rag Top” by Tim McGraw
Country music in the 2000s saw a resurgence in car-themed songs. “Red Rag Top,” released in 2002, tells a heartfelt story around a 1969 red ragtop convertible. Although not strictly about hot rods, the song is steeped in nostalgia and a yearning for simpler times, mirroring a return to hot rod culture’s roots.
2010s: “Fastest Girl In Town” by Miranda Lambert
“Fastest Girl In Town,” a Miranda Lambert single from 2012, is a country rock anthem in which the singer unabashedly identifies with the titular fast-driving female character. With its rebellious spirit and clear nods to hot rod culture, this song encapsulates the ongoing allure of speed and freedom.
This wasn’t an easy list to put together and hard choices were made. Should Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” be on here in stead of Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55?” Maybe! Or Johnny Cash’s “One Piece at a Time” instead of “Hot Rod Lincoln by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airman? Let me know what you think!
Hot rods have been a consistent theme in music, with each decade putting its unique spin on this enduring symbol of rebellion, freedom, and speed. As we look to the future, we’re looking forward to what the next hot rod anthem will sound like.