Cadillacs have always held a special place in my heart, embodying not just a mode of transportation but a symbol of luxury, success, and the quintessential American dream.
Growing up, I remember the first time I sat in a Cadillac; the plush leather seats, the smooth ride, and the sense of prestige it carried left an indelible mark on me. This iconic car has been celebrated in music across genres, from rock and blues to hip hop and country, each song capturing a unique facet of its cultural significance.
In this playlist, I delve into 13 songs about Cadillacs, exploring how artists have immortalized this legendary vehicle in their lyrics.
Contents
- 1. “Cadillac Pimpin'” by YoungBloodZ
- 2. “Brand New Cadillac” by Vince Taylor and His Playboys
- 3. “White Walls” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Schoolboy Q
- 4. “Cadillac Ranch” by Bruce Springsteen
- 5. “Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac)” by OutKast
- 6. “One Piece At A Time” by Johnny Cash
- 7. “Throw Some D’s” by Rich Boy ft. Polow da Don
- 8. “Bring My Cadillac Back” by Baker Knight
- 9. “Slick Black Cadillac” by Quiet Riot
- 10. “Cadillac Song” by Ariana Grande
- 11. “Maybellene” by Chuck Berry
- 12. “Two Black Cadillacs” by Carrie Underwood
- 13. “Cadillactica” by Big K.R.I.T.
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1. “Cadillac Pimpin'” by YoungBloodZ
Released in 2002 as part of their album Drankin’ Patnaz, “Cadillac Pimpin'” by YoungBloodZ is a quintessential Southern hip-hop track that celebrates the luxurious and laid-back lifestyle associated with driving a Cadillac. The song features a catchy chorus by Cutty and verses by J-Bo, detailing experiences of cruising in a Cadillac, attracting attention, and enjoying life without worries. The lyrics emphasize the car’s status symbol, with lines like “I’m chillin’, wood spinnin’, no Bentleys, Cadillac pimpin'” highlighting the pride and style that come with owning a Cadillac. The track is characterized by its smooth beats and Southern rap style, making it a memorable anthem for Cadillac enthusiasts.
2. “Brand New Cadillac” by Vince Taylor and His Playboys
“Brand New Cadillac” is a rockabilly classic released in April 1959 by Vince Taylor and His Playboys. Originally a B-side to the single “Pledgin’ My Love,” the song gained significant popularity in Europe, particularly in Nordic countries. The track narrates a story of a man whose girlfriend drives off in a brand new Cadillac, leaving him behind. The energetic guitar riffs and driving rhythm capture the rebellious spirit of the era. The song’s catchy chorus, “Well my baby drove off in a brand new Cadillac,” became iconic, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the decades, including The Clash and The Brian Setzer Orchestra.
3. “White Walls” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Schoolboy Q
Released in 2013, “White Walls” is a hip-hop track by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Schoolboy Q. The song is a tribute to classic cars, specifically Cadillacs, and the culture surrounding them. The lyrics reflect on the dream of owning a Cadillac with white wall tires, symbolizing success and the fulfillment of aspirations. Macklemore’s verses describe his journey from humble beginnings to achieving his dreams, while Schoolboy Q’s verse adds a gritty edge to the narrative. The chorus, sung by Hollis, emphasizes the allure of the Cadillac: “I wanna be free, I wanna just live / Inside my Cadillac, that is my shit.” The song blends hip-hop with a nostalgic appreciation for classic American cars, making it a modern homage to the Cadillac.
4. “Cadillac Ranch” by Bruce Springsteen
“Cadillac Ranch” is a rock song by Bruce Springsteen from his 1980 album The River. The song uses the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation in Amarillo, Texas, as a metaphor for the inevitability of death and the passage of time. The lyrics describe various iconic American cars, including Cadillacs, ending up at the Cadillac Ranch, symbolizing their final resting place. Springsteen’s energetic performance and the driving rock rhythm convey a sense of urgency and celebration of life. The song reflects on themes of mortality and legacy, with the Cadillac serving as a powerful symbol of American culture and the fleeting nature of life.
5. “Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac)” by OutKast
Released in 1996 as part of their critically acclaimed album ATLiens, “Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac)” by OutKast is a standout track that showcases the duo’s unique blend of Southern hip-hop. The song features Big Boi and André 3000 rapping about their rise from the streets of Atlanta, symbolized by their Cadillac, a car often associated with success and status in hip-hop culture. The track’s production incorporates elements of dub, psychedelic rock, and outer space-inspired sounds, creating a distinctive and immersive listening experience. The lyrics emphasize their cool demeanor and ability to stay calm amidst chaos, as highlighted in the chorus: “In the middle we stay calm, we just drop bombs / Asking where we come from? South Coast slums / It’s just two dope boys in a Cadillac”. The song remains a classic representation of OutKast’s innovative style and Southern roots.
6. “One Piece At A Time” by Johnny Cash
“One Piece at a Time” is a novelty country song by Johnny Cash, released in 1976. Written by Wayne Kemp, the song tells the humorous story of a Detroit auto worker who dreams of owning a Cadillac but can’t afford one. Instead, he decides to smuggle out parts from the factory over several years and assembles his own Cadillac “one piece at a time”. The narrative details the mismatched, patchwork nature of the resulting car, which includes parts from various Cadillac models spanning decades. The song was Cash’s last to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and is notable for its playful take on the American dream and ingenuity. The song also inspired the creation of actual “psychobilly Cadillacs,” further cementing its place in pop culture.
7. “Throw Some D’s” by Rich Boy ft. Polow da Don
Released in 2006, “Throw Some D’s” is the debut single from Rich Boy’s self-titled album. The track, produced by Butta and featuring Polow da Don, became Rich Boy’s most commercially successful song, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is an ode to customizing Cadillacs, specifically adding Dayton rims, which are referred to as “D’s.” The chorus, “Just bought a Cadillac / Throw some D’s on that bitch,” captures the essence of the song, celebrating the transformation of a regular car into a symbol of wealth and status. The track’s catchy beat and memorable hook made it a staple in hip-hop playlists, and it has been certified platinum by the RIAA. The song’s success also led to several remixes, including versions by Kanye West and Lil’ Jon, further expanding its influence in the hip-hop community.
8. “Bring My Cadillac Back” by Baker Knight
“Bring My Cadillac Back” is a rockabilly track by Baker Knight and The Knightmares, released in 1956. The song tells the story of a man whose beloved Cadillac has been taken away, and he pleads for its return. The lyrics capture the desperation and longing for the car, which symbolizes freedom and status. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody are characteristic of the rockabilly genre, making it a lively and engaging song. The track showcases Knight’s distinctive vocal style and has remained a classic in the rockabilly music scene. The song’s appeal lies in its nostalgic reflection on the importance of the Cadillac in American culture during the 1950s.
9. “Slick Black Cadillac” by Quiet Riot
“Slick Black Cadillac” is a hard rock song by Quiet Riot, first released on their 1978 album Quiet Riot II and later re-recorded for their 1983 album Metal Health. The song is an energetic anthem celebrating the thrill of driving a sleek, black Cadillac. The lyrics emphasize the car’s power and allure, with lines like “Ooo, just a big black set of wheels / Is what it takes to get me off.” The driving guitar riffs and powerful vocals by Kevin DuBrow capture the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. The song became a staple in Quiet Riot’s live performances and is remembered for its high-energy delivery and celebration of the Cadillac as a symbol of rock star excess and freedom.
10. “Cadillac Song” by Ariana Grande
“Cadillac Song” is a pop-R&B track by Ariana Grande, included as a bonus track on the Target Deluxe Edition of her 2014 album My Everything. The song reflects on nostalgic memories of a past relationship, with the Cadillac serving as a metaphor for the good times shared. The lyrics, “Riding ’round in my Cadillac / Thinking ’bout the day that I first saw you,” convey a sense of longing and reminiscence. The song’s mellow melody and Grande’s emotive vocals create a wistful and reflective mood. The track stands out for its lyrical depth and the way it uses the Cadillac as a symbol of cherished memories and lost love.
11. “Maybellene” by Chuck Berry
Released in 1955, “Maybellene” is one of Chuck Berry’s most iconic songs and a pioneering track in the rock and roll genre. The song tells the story of a hot rod race between a V8 Ford and a Cadillac Coupe DeVille, intertwined with themes of infidelity and youthful rebellion. The protagonist chases his unfaithful girlfriend, Maybellene, as she speeds away in her Cadillac.
The lyrics vividly describe the race and the emotional tension, with lines like “The Cadillac doin’ about ninety-five / She’s bumper to bumper, rollin’ side by side” capturing the excitement and urgency of the chase.
“Maybellene” was notable for its fusion of rhythm and blues with country influences, creating a sound that appealed to both black and white audiences. The song’s raw energy and Berry’s innovative guitar work helped it reach number one on Billboard’s Rhythm and Blues chart and number five on the Pop chart. The recording features a driving beat, clear diction, and a sense of unrelenting excitement, making it a pivotal moment in the emergence of rock and roll.
12. “Two Black Cadillacs” by Carrie Underwood
“Two Black Cadillacs” is a country pop song by Carrie Underwood, released in 2012 as part of her album Blown Away. The song, co-written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Josh Kear, tells a dark and dramatic story of two women who discover they are both involved with the same man and decide to take revenge by killing him. The title refers to the two black Cadillacs driven by the women as they attend the man’s funeral, symbolizing their unity and the culmination of their plan.
The song received critical acclaim for its storytelling and Underwood’s powerful vocal performance. It reached number two on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA. The accompanying music video, inspired by Stephen King’s novel Christine, adds a visual narrative to the song’s themes of betrayal and vengeance, further enhancing its impact.
13. “Cadillactica” by Big K.R.I.T.
“Cadillactica” is the title track from Big K.R.I.T.’s 2014 album of the same name. The song is a blend of Southern hip-hop and futuristic themes, with the Cadillac serving as a metaphor for K.R.I.T.’s artistic journey and creative vision. The lyrics explore themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the drive to achieve greatness, with the Cadillac symbolizing the vehicle that takes K.R.I.T. on this journey.
The production of “Cadillactica” features lush, spacey beats and intricate instrumentation, reflecting the album’s concept of a fictional planet where K.R.I.T. finds inspiration and freedom. The song showcases K.R.I.T.’s lyrical prowess and ability to blend personal introspection with broader cultural commentary. It stands out as a testament to his growth as an artist and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of hip-hop.
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Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.