Ham's Body Shop, Inc.

Top 5 Songs About Cars, Drivers and Speeding

We love our anthems, ballads and party songs here in the old USA and of course, we also worship our cars. Here is our list of the Top 5 songs about cars, good times, and—of course—driving around Grants Pass OR. Depending on how old you are, many of these songs will bring back fond memories about the cars you drove back in the day. This list is provided by Ham's Body Shop, Inc., a shop that knows a great song when we hear it!

1.) “Panama” by Van Halen

For true rock excitement, Van Halen’s “Panama” in unparalleled. When this album (also called "Panama") came out in 1984, it quickly became an anthem for fans who love speed, hot rods and party times. With the sizzling lyrics sung by David Lee Roth, "Panama" tells a story about “burning down the avenue”, with “pistons popping”.

2.) “No Particular Place to Go” by Chuck Berry

This classic car song from 1964 features all of the Chuck Berry signature sounds that we expect from the late classic rocker. In “No Particular Place to Go,” is about a guy who is driving around with his girl, without any worries. With a catchy beat and an engaging chorus, this song deserves to be our #2.

3.) “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett

Mack Rice wrote “Mustang Sally,” but Wilson Pickett made it a soul classic in 1966 and it became a huge hit. The Sally in the song is a woman, and “[A]ll she wants to do is ride around town.”

4.) “Rip It Up” by Little Richard

This little ditty hit the charts back in 1956 and it quickly became a hit for the prolific Little Richard. Little Rich tells his intentions early in the lyrics and it is to "rock it up, rip it up, shake it up, and bawl tonight." It’s Saturday night, and he just got paid, and the whole thing starts in an Oldsmobile that is destined to speed all night long. 60 years later, this song is still popular and you will hear it played frequently on all your classic rock stations.

5.) “I Can’t Drive 55″ by Sammy Hagar

With one of the best lyrics of all time, Sammy explains his quandary in this song when he exclaims “Take my license, all that jive, I can’t drive 55…” Don't feel bad Sammy. No one drives even close to 55 mph anymore, and that's why this song is so revered by drivers nationwide, even though the song hit the charts more than 30 years ago.

Here in Grants Pass and throughout the entire state of OR, we covet the old songs about cars and driving. Do you have some that didn't make our list? If so, please let us know and maybe compile your very own.