The Meaning Behind “Panama” by Van Halen and David Lee Roth’s Iconic Response to Critics

“Panama” was Van Halen’s response to criticism. Singer David Lee Roth said the song was a response to critics’ claims that he only writes about “women, partying, and fast cars.” Wait a minute, he thought. Van Halen doesn’t have a song about fast cars. Well, they do now.

When Van Halen released 1984, the band was on the verge of a split. And it would become one of the most divisive splits in rock history. Endless debates would rage over which Van Halen front man was better: David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar.

For today, let’s instead explore what Roth is singing about in “Panama”.

Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love

Roth’s lyrics typically don’t require much investigation. For example, you don’t need me to tell you what “Hot For Teacher” means. But hearing “Panama”, one might wonder, is Roth using car metaphors to talk about a girl?

Jump back, what’s that sound?
Here she comes, full blast and top down.
Hot shoe, burning down the avenue,
Model citizen, zero discipline.

According to Roth, he’s singing about a drag racing car called the “Panama Express.”

Don’t you know she’s coming home to me?
You’ll lose her in the turn,
I’ll get her.

Or he’s singing about his 1969 Opel Kadett, which he named “Panama”. Perhaps the meaning is a fluid one. Roth’s interviews often feature free association. He answers questions in a kind of Gazzarri’s-induced free verse, with disparate thoughts occasionally landing on an improvised rock-and-roll thesis.

So, “Panama,” he repeats in the chorus over one of Eddie Van Halen’s best riffs.

Ain’t nothing like it, her shiny machine,
Got the feel for the wheel, keep the moving parts clean.
Hot shoe, burning down the avenue,
Out an on-ramp coming through my bedroom.

Runnin’ With the Devil

But the true magic in Roth’s performances, beyond the primal screams, can be found in his spoken word bits.

Yeah, we’re running a little bit hot tonight.
I can barely see the road from the heat coming off it…
I reach down between my legs and,
Ease the seat back.

The track builds with all the drama of a packed racetrack, an overheated engine, and both the fear and thrill of insane speed. “Panama” is so good, even Hagar put it in the setlist.

She’s blinding, I’m flying,
Right behind in rearview mirror now.
Got the fearing, power steering,
Pistons popping, ain’t no stopping now.

Photo by David Tan/Shinko Music/Getty Images