For Noah Kahan‘s No. 1 album The Great Divide, the singer-songwriter went back home to Vermont. Following the success of Stick Season, Kahan went home to escape his newfound fame and to return to his former life. He felt disconnected from his home and sought to return home to reset. Kahan didn’t return with the intention to write a new album, but he was soon inspired by his surroundings. The Great Divide is about the people back home, with some of the tracks dedicated to certain people there. It’s what made his new album a little more personal than his previous releases.
The third track on The Great Divide is “American Cars.” It’s a dedication to Kahan’s older sister, Anastasia, and her role in the family. Kahan views his older sister as a balance to the family’s dynamic and is excited that she’s also returning to Vermont for a visit. She has moved to New York and arrives home for a visit, pulling up in an American-made car. In the song, Kahan longs for her visit and is waiting for her on the porch.
Headlights, your plates, 4CB3A / Didn’t know you drove American cars
Ray-Bans on your face, you’ve been drivin’ all day / But you’re here, and we’re so grateful you are
‘Cause you’re gonna fix it, you’re gonna patch it up / ‘Cause, honey, we’re fragile, you’ve always been so tough
You know that I miss you, you always come runnin’ back / Whenever I ask, whenever I ask
Noah Kahan On Writing “American Cars”
In an interview with Rolling Stone in May 2026, Kahan discussed writing the song. “The chords almost bring you to a certain melody. And so, I started not trying to fight against it and try to be different. I was like, just sing along these chords with the movement. I started writing about my sister who, whenever there’s a problem, she’s the put together one. Comes home, takes care of business.”
Kahan went on to say, “She’s always pulling up from New York, so she’s always in the big rental; she has the glasses on. She’s ready to handle business. The song was basically, ‘you gotta get your a** home. We really need you this time.’ And even though it’s selfish to force problems on you, you’re a bada**, come help us solve them.”
And I hate to drag you back here, but I think he’s really lost it
He’s been sittin’ on the porch, oh, rantin’ like a prophet
And I can’t stand the nights, yeah, that dinner time silence
I cut the tension with a knife, and I pray you started drivin’
Photo by Sacha Lecca/Rolling Stone via Getty Images