Driving has always been an integral part of our lives and has served as the backdrop for countless memorable moments.
Music has a unique way of capturing these moments and transforming them into timeless works of art.
As a result, driving has long been a subject of inspiration for musicians and songwriters.
Whether it’s the open road, the thrill of the speed, or the feeling of freedom, the automobile has been a muse for countless hit songs.
From classic rock anthems to modern pop bangers, songs about driving have the power to take us on a musical journey, evoking memories and emotions associated with our own experiences behind the wheel.
In this article, we will explore some of the greatest songs about driving and the stories behind them. So buckle up, turn up the volume, and let’s hit the road!
1. L.A. Woman – The Doors
This magnificent song by The Doors, released in 1971 in the album of the same name, is a tune that when you hear the first seconds, the sound of the engine, makes you feel that you need to go to your car and drive until it has no tomorrow.
Besides, the song presents some curious facts.
In one segment of the track, we hear the phrase “Mr. Mojo Risin” repeated many times.
The phrase works as an anagram for “Jim Morrison”, the lead singer who recorded his vocals in the studio’s bathroom.
2. Turn The Page – Bob Seger
This track by Bob Seger was released in 1973 on the album Back in ’72.
The inspiration for it is the ups and downs that every rock musician faces.
The song alludes to the things you do on the road and the time you have for yourself when you go to different places.
Turn The Page is surrounded by some mysticism and influenced bands such as Metallica which covered this song and included it as the first single of their album Garage Inc.
In addition, Jon Bon Jovi said one time that this song was a big influence on the track Wanted Dead or Alive.
3. Bad To The Bone – George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Bad To The Bone is a classic rock and roll song released in 1982 and included on the album of the same name.
This track tells the story of a guy who is a rebel with a tough attitude and, as the title evokes, is unapologetically bad to the bone.
Although there’s no direct connection with “driving”, the music’s fast-paced rhythm and the lyrics’ rebellious attitude create a sense of driving toward an adventurous and exciting future.
4. Born To Be Wild – Steppenwolf
This track is undoubtedly a timeless rock anthem that was released in 1968 as part of the album Steppenwolf.
The song portrays a person’s yearning for freedom and a thirst for adventure, wishing to live life to the fullest.
Once you listen to the song you won’t be able to hold back your feelings about riding a motorcycle, right to your freedom.
The song’s upbeat rhythm and chanting chorus make it a classic that encourages living a wild life on the edge.
5. Route 66 – Chuck Berry
Although it was made famous by Chuck Berry, Route 66 was originally written by Bobby Troup in 1946.
This legendary song needs no introduction and many great artists have covered it including, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Pappo, and many more.
The piece describes many of the places Route 66 passes through and makes you want to drive through them all while listening to this track along the way.
Chuck Berry gave this song a rock and roll feel, picking up the tempo and making it more danceable.
6. La Grange – ZZ Top
The infectious guitar riffs and the upbeat rhythm of La Grange make it a driving force in the world of rock and roll.
This blues-rock song was released in the 1973 album titled Tres Hombres.
The track is about a brothel in Texas and references the idea of visiting that place but focuses on the journey that takes one there.
7. Drive My Car – The Beatles
In this position, we have Drive My Car by The Beatles, a catchy, upbeat pop-rock song that brings a sense of adventure. Included on the 1965 album Rubber Soul, the track is a love song about a guy who offers to be a girl’s chauffeur hoping she will become his lover.
8. Shut Up and Drive – Rihana
Rihanna made her voice heard back in 2007 when this pop song sounded everywhere.
Included in her studio album Good Girl Gone Bad, the song is about a girl who’s tired of waiting for her guy to make a move and wants him to take action.
Driving is a metaphor in the track. It evokes the idea of driving a car as a symbol of taking control and being in the driver’s seat of one’s life.
The beat and empowering lyrics of Shut Up and Drive make it a popular song for anyone looking to take charge of their own life.
9. Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen
Once you listen to this rock song, it will make you hit the road in search of a better life.
Released in 1975 and included in the album of the same name, Born To Run is the story of a boy and girl who are trying to escape their mundane lives and seek a better future together.
Not only the lyrics but also the fast-paced rhythm and the epic chorus of the piece make it a timeless classic for anyone in search of adventure.
10. Road To Nowhere – Talking Heads
Road To Nowhere by Talking Heads is a pop rock song released on the 1985 album Little Creatures.
Through its thought-provoking lyrics, this track is about the idea of life being a trip with an uncertain destination.
The song expresses that even though the destination may be unknown, the journey is still worth taking.
11. The Passenger – Iggy pop
12. Highway To Hell – AC/DC
13. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
14. Low Rider – War
15. Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
16. 19-2000 – Gorillaz
17. Bad Girls – M.I.A.
18. I Drove All The Nigh – Cindy Lauper
19. On The Road Again – Willie Nelson
20. Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen
21. Long Road To Ruin – Foo Fighters
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