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.

# 9 – Mercedes Benz – Janis Joplin

Mercedes Benz by Janis Joplin is a memorable a cappella track that combines simplicity with biting social commentary. The song, recorded on October 1, 1970, during what would be Joplin’s final recording session, was completed in a single take, capturing the raw essence of her performance. With no instrumentation, just Joplin’s voice and the striking lyrics, the song stands out on her posthumous album Pearl (1971). While it may seem like a lighthearted plea for luxury items, such as a Mercedes-Benz car and a color TV, the song reflects a deeper critique of materialism and consumer culture. Joplin, along with co-writers Bob Neuwirth and poet Michael McClure, crafted the song in a spontaneous poetry jam in a bar, giving it an organic and almost impromptu feel.

Read More: Top 10 Janis Joplin Songs

# 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.”

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.

# 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.

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.

# 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.

# 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.

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.

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.

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One Response

Baybluesman March 2, 2025

Five more memorable tunes, for me, that came to mind immediately while reading the article, include:
“Hot Rod Lincoln” – Commander Cody and The Lost Planet Airmen, from 1971’s “Lost In The Ozone” album
“Mercury Blues”- Steve Miller Band, from 1976’s “Fly Like An Eagle” album
“Turn This Car Around”- Tom Petty, from the underappreciated 2006’s “Highway Companion” album.
Little Red Corvette (although it is not necessarily about the sports car….) – Prince, from 1983’s “1999” album .
“Drive My Car” – The Beatles, from 1965’s revolutionary turning-point album “Rubber Soul”.