Kenickie, a member of the greaser gang at the center of the musical, has purchased a used car with the savings from his summer job, giving it the nickname "Greased Lightnin'." While the other greasers are skeptical of the car because it is in such poor shape, he is able to win them over with a rousing rock and roll number describing the modifications needed to transform it into a hot rod capable of arousing the ladies. The lyrics portray Kenickie (in the film, Danny) as more of a dreamer or even poseur than a real gearhead because some of the features he describes are mutually exclusive with others: a car with an "automatic ... Hydramatic" transmission therefore could not have "a four speed on the floor" i.e. manual transmission, and "four-barrel quads" are carburetors inconsistent with true "Fuel injection cut off". (In the film, despite the contradictions in the lyrics, the greasers along with a shop teacher succeed in rebuilding the car into racing condition.) Both the musical and the film imply that at least some of the parts Kenickie uses are stolen.
In the original recording, as was in the case with the stage musical on which it was based, several unairable profanities of a sexual nature are peppered throughout the lyrics, which deterred a number of stations from playing the song and possibly prevented it from reaching the top 40 in the United States. It was one of the few songs from the original Chicago-centric version of Grease to transition, uncut, from Chicago to Broadway and to film. Jim Jacobs later released a revised set of lyrics suitable for school performances that remove the sexual references, and most televised edits of the film cut the offending lyrics.
In the original musical, the song is Kenickie's featured number, with the other greasers serving as his backup singers. The film expands upon the car's purpose. Whereas the stage musical gives no particular reason for Kenickie's desire to build the car (which does not play a major factor in the play beyond that point), the film explains that the greasers' rivals, named the Scorpions in the film, had challenged them to a quarter-mile drag race, requiring them to have a competitive car for the duel. With Danny at the helm (and a reprise of "Greased Lightnin'" playing in the background), Greased Lightnin' wins the race. The film is also notable for having Danny (played by John Travolta, who had already had top-40 hits before Grease) sing lead on the song, while Kenickie (Jeff Conaway) contributed with a few call-and-response lines.
In keeping with the musical's tendency to use styles of music popular in the late 1950s, the song "Greased Lightnin'" is in a slightly modified twelve-bar blues form, and it's inspired on the 1959 single White Lightning by the Big Bopper.
Greased Lightning
John Travolta Lyrics
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Systematic
Hydromatic
Why its a Grease Lightning (Grease lightning)
We'll get some overhead lifters
And some four barrel quads oh yeah
(keep talking whoa keep talking)
(I'll get her ready I'll kill to get her ready)
With a four speed on the floor they'll be waiting at the door
You know that I ain't braggin she's a real pussy wagon
Grease Lightning
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
Go Grease Lightning you're burning up the quarter mile
Grease lightning go grease lightning
Go grease lightning you're coasting through the hit lap trial
Grease lightning go grease lightning
You are supreme the chicks'll cream for grease lightning
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
The lyrics of John Travolta's song Greased Lightning describe a customized car that is fast and powerful. The opening lines of the song establish the car's technological specifications: it is automatic, systematic, and hydromatic. These words suggest that the car is state-of-the-art, with advanced features that make it easy to operate and maintain. The chorus of the song urges the car on, encouraging it to go faster and burn up the quarter mile.
The next lines of the song suggest that the car's power comes from its engine. The singer mentions "overhead lifters" and "four barrel quads," which are types of engine components that can increase the car's horsepower. Other features like "fuel injection cutoffs" and "chrome-plated rods" also suggest that the car's engine is highly customized and designed for speed. However, the tone of the song is somewhat irreverent - the singer brags about the car's power, but does it in a joking, almost tongue-in-cheek manner.
Overall, the lyrics of Greased Lightning capture the excitement and passion of car culture, which was a popular theme in 1950s and 1960s rock music. The song presents the car as an object of desire and status, something to be shown off and bragged about. However, the lyrics also suggest a sense of rebellion and nonconformity. The car is portrayed as a way to stand out from the crowd and assert one's individuality.
Interesting facts about the song:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
This car is automatic
This vehicle operates without manual input
Systematic
It has a consistent and orderly process of operation
Hydromatic
This car has a hydraulic transmission system that works automatically
Why, it's Grease Lightning (Grease Lightning)
This car is named Grease Lightning
We'll get some overhead lifters
We'll install mechanical devices that enhance the performance of the engine
And some four barrel quads, oh yeah (keep talking, whoa keep talking)
We'll also include powerful carburetors to fuel the engine
Fuel injection cutoffs and crome plated rods, oh yeah (I'll get her ready, I'll kill to get her ready)
We'll equip the car with state-of-the-art fuel injection system and shiny chrome-plated engine parts
With a four-speed on the floor, they'll be waiting at the door
This car has a manual four-speed transmission which makes it highly sought after
You know that I ain't braggin', she's a real pussy wagon
I'm not being arrogant, this car has the ability to attract women with its appeal and performance
Grease Lightning, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
This car is ready to go as fast as it can!
Go Grease Lightning, you're burning up the quarter mile
This car is incredibly fast and can do a quarter mile in no time
Grease lightning, go grease lightning
This car, named Grease Lightning, is unstoppable and ready to go
Go Grease Lightning, you're coasting through the hit lap trial
This car can easily cruise through any race or track without difficulties
Grease lightning, go grease lightning
This car, named Grease Lightning, is superior and unstoppable!
You are supreme, the chicks'll cream for grease lightning
This car is unbeatable and has the ability to make women go crazy over it!
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JIM JACOBS, WARREN CASEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind