Musicians get inspiration from many things; food, life, and….. Cars! Cars have long been a source of inspiration for musicians across genres, and it’s easy to see why. A scenic drive is good enough to clear your head, while flooring the pedal will give your body goosebumps. No mood can’t be fixed with a perfect car ride or race. This article examines 15 songs inspired by some of your favorite automobiles.

“Little Red Corvette” by Prince

Prince’s 1982 hit uses a Corvette as a metaphor for a fast-moving woman, showcasing his signature blend of funk, rock, and sexuality. The song’s catchy hook and Prince’s electrifying performance make it an enduring classic.

“Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett

Released in 1966, Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally” is a cultural touchstone. With its infectious rhythm, captivating lyrics, and Pickett’s raw vocals, the song has become synonymous with automotive freedom and remains a beloved anthem for car enthusiasts and music lovers.

“Beep Beep” by The Playmates

This 1958 novelty song features the iconic “beep beep” sound effect as the singer brags about his car’s ability to outrace a Cadillac. The song’s playful lyrics and catchy melody make it fun to sing along to and include in your road trip tracks.

“Shut Up and Drive” by Rihanna

Rihanna struck gold with this 2007 hit. The track is a high-energy dance-pop track that celebrates the thrill of driving. With its catchy chorus and innuendos, it has become popular among car enthusiasts looking to add excitement to their playlists.

“Hot Rod Lincoln” by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen

Most people are unaware, but this track covers a 1955 song. Like the original, the subject revolves around a hot rod race between a Ford, a Mercury, and a souped-up Lincoln. The energy might be quite pacey, but the humorous lyrics will have you breaking the replay button.

“Radar Love” by Golden Earring

“Radar Love” tells the story of a driver who feels a psychic connection with his lover as he drives through the night. The Rocky Anthem is a fun listen due to the driving beat and guitar riffs, which have made it a top pick among various age groups and playlists.

“Ridin'” by Chamillionaire

2005 was a good year for driving music as Chamillionaire came out with the perfect single. The lyrics are aggressive, but the catchy hook makes up for the rambunctiousness of the subject matter. “Ridin” is one of those songs that definitely defined a whole generation of musicians.

“Drive” by The Cars

This poignant ballad discusses a rocky relationship while sprinkling a few metaphorical references that might be misconstrued as a drive. Ironically, the band behind this interesting hit is called “The Cars,” so it’s unsurprising their lyrics went down this path.

“Greased Lightnin'” by John Travolta

From the 1978 film Grease, this high-energy rock song features Travolta’s character, Danny Zuko, bragging about his souped-up car. The song has a really catchy melody and references car parts, which makes it a favorite among film fans and car enthusiasts.

“Maybellene” by Chuck Berry

Next, we have the top contender for one of the first rock and roll songs, and a car is involved. Many car enthusiasts sing the praises of V8 engines, but very few of them have presented their feelings in such a glorious manner. The track revolves around a cheating lover pursued in a V8 Ford.

“Roadrunner” by The Modern Lovers

Due to its modest structure and writing, minimalists will love this track. The hypnotic guitar riff and digestible lyrics evoke the hypnotic experience of driving on the open road. If you need a song to listen to while working, sleeping, studying, swimming, or whatever, this is it.

“Freeway of Love” by Aretha Franklin

Ms. Franklin wasn’t one to mince her words, and this song definitely lives up to its reputation. The high-energy song celebrates the thrill of driving on the open road. It features an infectious chorus, and Franklin’s powerful vocals have made it a winner among fans of soul music and car buffs.

“Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty

Another rock anthem hits this list, and boy, does it touch the right spot. Petty’s 1989 charter is a driving rock anthem that captures the feeling of chasing after a dream. The song’s memorable riff and Petty’s iconic vocals are unmistakably glorious.

“Drive” by Incubus

This mellow alternative rock track explores the symbolic meaning of driving. While not explicitly about cars, the song’s title and references to driving have made it a popular choice for guys looking for a more reflective addition to their playlists.

“Beamer, Benz or Bentley” by Lloyd Banks ft. Juelz Santana

Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana joined forces to bring us this banger, and they didn’t disappoint. The song was so successful it garnered the attention of various heavyweights, prompting a massive list of unofficial remixes. Even Lloyd himself couldn’t resist signing off on an official remix.