old style car song ala Jan & Dean
Power pop with a decidedly 60's sound. Lotsa Brian Wilson influence in vocals and arrangements in general.
Story behind the song
I had a chorus called "That's My Ride" kicking around for a few years and a verse melody with no usable lyrics. Malibus afficienado Gary DeYoung came up with some great hotrod lyrics... and this is how it came out.
Will be the lead track on the new CD, "Summertime Girls". to be released before the end of spring!
Lyrics
All these custom cars, yeah they look real nice
They sit around at shows for a trophy prize.
But my '57 Chevy is not for show
It's old and worn but always ready to go.
Everybody says, "She don't look too sweet"
But I let her do her talking out on the street
So leave the parking lot, if you dare
And come out on the road against my old Bel Air.
Yeah buddy that's my ride.
You better step aside.
'Cuz you’re never gonna win another race again.
Wasn't looking for trouble, I was headed home,
When I saw this roadster, all shiny chrome
He came up fast and tried to take my lane,
We fought for the lead then he started to gain.
He was in high gear, but I had one more left
So I shifted and let my V-8 do the rest
I shut him right down, right then and there
No custom machine can take my old Bel Air.
Yeah buddy that's my ride.
You better step aside…
It’s my old Bel Air
I got a balanced and blueprinted big block here,
With overdrive trans and a 390 gear.
So tell that chopped and channeled, Model A,
And that 49 Merc, not to get in my way.
I've seen the 40 Ford coupe, but I don't care,
Add 'em to the list who lost to my old Bel Air.
Ditto on everything that Johnny said. You and Johnny both really make this Genre your own. As good as anything done commercially by Beach Boys, Jan and Dean and any one else of the era.