A Rock and Roll Music Joyride

From cars and trucks to planes and trains, there is a whole list of songs that mention some modes of transportation.

Here are my 10 favorite songs in no particular order that mention some form of transportation.

Cars — Gary Numan (1979)

This song reminds me of just how much our cars can mean to us. For some, a car is more than just a mode of transportation to get from point A to B. In a way, one’s car becomes a part of their personality or way of life. For some, a car is where one goes when they just want a few moments to themselves. It is a place to just take a few extra minutes to just listen to some music for a bit before getting back to our daily necessary tasks.

Little Red Corvette — Prince (1982)

If I had to pick a favorite sports car, I’d definitely pick the Chevrolet Corvette. It doesn’t matter the year. All generations look good to me in their own way! It is one of the most recognizable cars out there even to those who aren’t exactly car enthusiasts whatsoever.

Every time I hear this song, I imagine a sharp looking bright red corvette cruising down the road. This song even pops into my mind whenever I see a Corvette no matter what color it is.

Little Deuce Coupe — The Beach Boys (1963)

With their music most fitting for chilling in summer, the Beach Boys are known for singing a lot of songs about surfing. They also sang a lot of songs about cars too.

“Well, I’m not bragging babe, so don’t put me down (deuce coupe)

But I’ve got the fastest set of wheels in town (deuce coupe)”

— written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian

This song is about someone who really thinks their car is top notch! A sweet looking ride made for speed. This car has it all!

409 — The Beach Boys (1962)

Here is another fun Beach Boy song about a car. This one is about someone that thinks their car is something else and had saved up their money to buy their dream car.

Listening to this song, this car must be another one made for speed! Surely this car will leave others behind in the dust!

“Nothing can catch her

Nothing can touch my 409 (409, 409)”

— written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher

Convoy — C.W. McCall (1975)

“Ah, breaker one-nine, this here’s the Rubber Duck”

— written by Bill Fries

This is a really fun and catchy song and I rarely ever hear it. It’s a trucker song if the title of the song didn’t already give it away. This song came out in the 1970’s, a time when CB radios were all the rage. You will hear and learn (if you’re not already familiar) about a lot of CB radio slang throughout this song!

Mercury Blues — Alan Jackson (1993)

Country really isn’t my go to genre. There are a few country hits that are an exception. And this is one of them! Just like the previous songs from the Beach Boys, this song is about someone that really values their car.

Big Yellow Taxi — Counting Crows (2002)

This song was originally song by Joni Mitchell in 1970. While I like both versions, Counting Crows’ version has a more upbeat feel to it and it was the first version I was introduced to.

This song is about advocating for and protecting the environment. It mentions how people have changed the earth's environment in a negative sense such as clearing out a wooded area to pave a parking lot.

The song also mentions how one would rather deal with the flaws of nature than have things perfect. Forget about the insecticide. So what if the fruit has imperfections. Let nature be as it is was meant to be.

Fast Car — Tracy Chapman (1988)

I really like this song because of how deep and reflective it is. To me, it is about someone that just wants to get away from the troubles in their life or even simply, someone that just wants a carefree life. They’ll take someone that means a lot to them (a love / significant other) as the song indicates) with them and take a fast car towards better days ahead.

Runaway Train — Soul Asylum (1993)

This is one of my favorite songs from the ’90s. When I was a kid, I remember this song seemed to play a lot on the radio. Now when I hear it, I see it as another great song to just take a moment to listen to and reflect. It is so emotional!

Drive My Car — The Beatles (1965)

The Beatles had so many songs that I really like and this is one of them. This song has some good beats from the start and once you get to the first chorus, its easy to get into.

I think many of these songs are great to listen to while going on a cruise around the block or better yet — road trip!