I Can't Drive 55

Put the pedal down with Sammy Hagar's "I Can't Drive 55"! This high-octane 1984 Hard Rock anthem is a rebellious ode to speed and frustration with limits. An undeniable "Cruisin Classic," its driving beat and defiant chorus make it a rock radio staple worldwide.

Released in 1984 on Sammy Hagar's successful solo album VOA, "I Can't Drive 55" became his signature solo anthem. It's a straightforward Hard Rock track fueled by energetic guitars, a driving rhythm section, and Hagar's powerful vocals. Famously inspired by his own frustration getting ticketed for speeding, the song directly protests the then-national 55 mph speed limit enforced across the United States.

Cemented as a quintessential "Cruisin Classic," "I Can't Drive 55" resonates with anyone who loves speed and dislikes restrictions, capturing a feeling of youthful rebellion. Its popularity was significantly boosted by an iconic MTV music video featuring Hagar driving fast and facing the consequences. The song's simple, defiant message ensures its enduring legacy as the ultimate anthem for lead-footed drivers everywhere.

SONG MEANING: The meaning of "I Can't Drive 55" is exceptionally direct: it's a rock and roll protest against the National Maximum Speed Limit of 55 mph enforced in the US at the time of its release (1984). The lyrics express pure frustration with being forced to drive slowly ("When I drive that slow, you know it's hard to steer") and the sheer desire to go much faster ("Write me up for 125").