I Can't Drive 55

by

Sammy Hagar

Album: VOA      Released: 1984

US Chart: 26     

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This could be considered Hagar's foray into social awareness. While some Rock stars were concerned about the environment or civil rights, Hagar was upset with the lowering of highway speed limits. He had a lot of support for his cause.

In 2001, Hagar finally updated this to reflect new speed limits on American highways. He re-recorded it as "I Can't Drive 65" for the NASCAR album Full Throttle.

This was Hagar's biggest hit as a solo artist. He joined Van Halen a year after it was released.

This remains a Classic Rock radio standard, consistently garnering massive airplay.

The name of the album, VOA, stands for Voice of America.

This song is heard in the 1989 film Back To The Future II, starring Michael J. Fox. (thanks, Ricky - Los Angeles, CA)

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Comments:

This is one of those songs that just makes me drive fast (hot for teacher being another). I saw Sammy's 512BB Ferrari at Cabo Wabo in Tahoe, he really drove the hell out of that thing, and good for him!
- Matt, Santa Cruz, CA

Sammy should rewrite the song saying "I Can't Drive 65!"
- Craig, Manitowoc, WI

this is one of the catchiest and cool classics i have ever heard, great song
- Nathan, Marion, IA

this is also on his red album
- james, beloit, WI

Claudio the mechanic at the beginning of the video is to be credited for helping Sammy and Eddie meet. He worked on both of their cars and knew that VH had just dumped DLR. Take your rightful place in the annals of rock history Claudio. Many thanks!
- Keith, Ankeny, IA

i heard on the radio that sammy wrote this song because of his HIGH insurance rates because of all his speeding tickets,something like $5,000 a month he paid
- TIM, COLTON,CA, CA

In the video, Sammy is driving a Ferrari 512BB on a race track. First gear to red line on that car is about 60mph! That is why he can't get out of first gear.
- David, Leesburg, VA

This song was written by Sammy when he was driving from Albany, NY to Lake Placid, NY to visit his son, who was going to private school there. Sammy owned a house there.
- Pat, South Riding , VA

The first time I heard this song, I was watching Back to the Future Part II. It's one of the best rock songs ever written.
- Ricky, Los Angeles, CA

I think my mother needs to listen to this song. She hates driving faster than 60 MPH. One of these days, I'm going to play this song for her so she'll stop driving like a granny.
- Ricky, Los Angeles, CA

Here is another rumor to add to the list. I heard Sammy Hagar wrote this song after being pulled over by a state police officer on his way to a concert. The speed limit, you guessed it kiddies, 55!
- Brian, Albany, NY

I like Sammy, as well as DLR and their respective solo work and Van Halen contributions. But let's face it, this song is about rebellion and arrested adolecence (wasn't Sammy in his late 20's/early 30's when he recorded this song?). It appealed to teenaged boys, like me at the time, as I'm sure it was supposed to. Yes, the video is funny now, but considering the MTV content at the time it's no worse than the rest. He seems to continue to live the same lifestyle twenty-some years later, but don't forget his business ventures: clothing lines, bar franchises, etc. Like Maria from Atlanta said, it's a great road trip song.
- Todd, Denver, CO

I have to say, the video to this one is so ridiculous, looking at it now, I laughed so hard that my /eyes/ were watery. Priceless, just priceless. I don't know if Hagar intended it that way or not, but I don't see how he couldn't have.
- Randy, Fords, NJ

This is a song you could call complete and total genius. And at first you'd roll your eyes. And then you'd think about it. And then you wouldn't know if I was kidding or not. Disposable as this song appears to be on the surface...who has not been there?
- Chris, Marana, AZ

I heard that the reason he first wrote this song, was because when he travelled he liked driving himself, and most of the car's that he rented wouldn't go the speed limit of 55 or faster. That's what I heard anyway. Don't know if it is true or not. Thank God for faster cars now.
- Andrew, Kemp, TX

This song created a protest by the law enforcement community when the video was first played on MTV. They demanded equal time... MTV agreed-- for a while-- allowing public service style commericals to be played condeming the evil act of speeding. Those were short lived as opposed to the Hagar video which continued to be requested and played.
- Tim, Covington , GA

I have to say that this song will always be great for those hot summer days n the road.
- Maria, Atlanta, GA

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