23 Best Country Songs About Cars
Contents
“Hot Rod Lincoln” by Charlie Ryan
Song Year: 1995
This fun song tells the story of a hot rod race from the perspective of one of the drivers, who is reminiscing on the event. The drag race was intense and dangerous, and just before he could win, he got pulled over and arrested by the cops.
“I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice
Song Year: 2012
This song is surprisingly emotional and meaningful, as it talks about grief and loss very poetically. The narrator lost someone close to them, likely a brother, and the only way they can feel close to them again is to drive their old truck around town.
“Somethin’ Bout a Truck” by Kip Moore
Song Year: 2012
This quintessential country song about trucks talks about how fun and exciting hanging out in a truck can be, whether you're driving around an empty field, whipping down dirt roads, or cruising on the highway. As the song title suggests, there is just something magical about a truck that makes you feel free.
“That Ain’t My Truck” by Rhett Akins
Song Year: 1995
Rhett Akins connects time spent with his ex-girlfriend in his truck to love lost in this heartbreaking song. He talks about how he and his girlfriend used to have all sorts of fun driving around in his truck, but now he sees her in another guy’s truck (obviously), and it destroys him.
“Rough & Ready” by Trace Adkins
Song Year: 2003
In this song, the narrator (who we presume to be Trace Adkins) talks about how he is always rough and ready for a good time – just like his truck! Of course, the vehicle used in this song functions as a metaphor for a strong, homegrown country boy – ready for anything.
“Pickup Truck” by Shane Yellowbird
Song Year: 2006
In this tune, Shane Yellowbird sings about his car just like it’s his best friend. Unlike most of the other songs on this list, the narrator doesn't pick up girls with his pickup truck or flaunt it as a romantic tool of persuasion. Instead, he seems to be pretty content with just his pickup truck, as he alludes to his romantic misfortunes. The song's tone is a little downbeat, but mostly recounts how this pickup truck brings him joy even though he’s alone.
“We Rode in Trucks” by Luke Bryan
Song Year: 2007
In this song, Luke Bryan sings about the town he grew up in, and how he and his friends would always ride around in trucks and cause trouble. He talks about how there is something special about driving a car and finally feeling independent and like a man.
“Life Is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts
Song Year: 2006
You know this one. “Life Is a Highway” is a charming song about how life is a lot like driving your car down the highway. Sometimes there’s a little bit of traffic or danger, while other times you can be as fast and free as you want. It’s an inspiring and optimistic track about how no matter what life throws at you, you just keep moving forward.
“I Love My Truck” by Glen Campbell
Song Year: 1981
This song is an anthem for anyone who is simply obsessed with their car. The lyrics are about how hard life can be – how you need to be grateful for all the things in life that you do have. For this narrator, it’s all about his car.
“Pickup Truck Song” by Jerry Jeff Walker
Song Year: 1989
This touching song narrator bonded deeply with his grandfather when riding around in the car together. The central message of the song is that the journey is more important than the destination. It’s an uplifting but heartfelt track about how important the simple things in life can be. It also connects the experience of driving together to lasting memories of a loved one.
“Cab of My Truck” by Dierks Bentley
Song Year: 2005
In this song, Dierks Bentley talks about how he’s learned so much about love, life, and what’s important – all while in his truck.
The song retains a cheeky tone, capturing a man reminiscing about romantic experiences and unpaid parking tickets in equal measure. He describes his car as beat-up, old, and falling apart. Yet, he still loves it and knows it’s given him some of the best moments of his life.
Top Country Songs About Cars, Final Thoughts
Country songs about cars show the powerful impact something as simple as a vehicle can have on shaping the human experience. Cars and trucks aren’t merely a means of transportation, but allow an escape from family life, work, or personal troubles.
Cars can be all fun and exciting when you’re young, helping you feel a newfound sense of freedom and independence. Yet, these songs also show how cars can contribute to creating meaningful memories, whether they help you stay connected to a friend or lover who is no longer around – or provide a means of adventure on the open road.
