Panama

Song meaning of Panama by Van Halen

Beneath its catchy melody and captivating vocals by David Lee Roth, there's a narrative that perfectly captures the spirit of extravagant rock star lifestyle and the misinterpreted beginnings of the song's name.

A straightforward challenge led to the creation of "Panama": David Lee Roth was chastised for exclusively penning songs about partying, ladies, and fast automobiles. As a reaction, Roth chose to write a song that initially appeared to stray from this pattern but then threw even more energy into one of those same themes. The end product was an electrifying rock song that embraced the exhilaration of speed and the colourful way of life of its writers.

The song "Panama" is not about the Central American nation, despite what many people think. Roth was inspired by a race car he saw sitting in the streets of Las Vegas that was called "Panama Express." Enticed by the machine's strength and elegance, Roth imagined a song that perfectly captured the unadulterated exhilaration and unbridled spirit of racing.

Lyrics of the song Panama by Van Halen

Jump back, what's that sound?

Here she comes, full blast and top down

Hot shoe, burnin' down the avenue

Model citizen, zero discipline

Don't you know she's coming home with me

You'll lose her in the turn

I'll get her

Panama, Panama

Panama, Panama

Ain't nothin' like it, her shiny machine

Got the feel for the wheel, keep the moving parts clean

Hot shoe, burnin' down the avenue

Got an on ramp comin' through my bedroom

Don't you know she's coming home with me

You'll lose her in the turn

I'll get her

Panama, Panama

Panama, Panama

Yeah, we're runnin' a little bit hot tonight

I can barely see the road from the heat comin' off of it

Ah, you reach down, between my legs and ease the seat back

She's blinding, I'm flying

Right behind the rear view mirror now

Got the feeling, power steering

Pistons popping, ain't no stopping now

Panama, Panama

Panama, Panama

Panama, Panama

Panama