The music is built around Les Claypool's funky idiosyncratic finger-tapped bass line and silly story-telling style vocals, as well as eccentric guitar accompaniment from Larry LaLonde, including a guitar solo (which has been included in many of the Top 100 guitar solos lists on the internet and in magazines)[citation needed], and Tim Alexander's tight drumming. The chorus is followed by a metallic riff that mimics an engine revving. The result was a catchy song that helped Primus expand their fanbase. "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" received heavy airplay on rock radio, and peaked at number 23 on the Modern Rock Tracks in 1991.
The song features a sample of Bill Moseley's character Chop Top from the film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, chuckling to himself then remarking: "Dog will hunt!"
The phrase, "El Sob #1", is a reference to El Sobrante, CA, Claypool's hometown.
Jerry is proud to display a Bocephus sticker on his Oldsmobile 442 racecar, pegging him as a man from the south and muscle-car aficionado.
The title of the song may be an allusion to the Robert A. Heinlein short-story, "Jerry Was a Man".
"Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" appeared in the first Tony Hawk's Pro Skater video game. [1]
Jerry Was A Race Car Driver
Primus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And he drove so goddamn fast
He never did win no checkered flag
But he never did come in last
Jerry was a race car driver
He'd say el sob number one
With a Bocephus sticker
On his 442 he'd light 'em up
Captain Pierce was a fireman
Richmond engine number three
I'll be a wealthy man when I get
A dime for all the things that
Man taught to me
Captain pierce was a strong man
Strong as any man alive
It stuck in his craw that they
Made him retire at the age of 65
Jerry was a race car driver
22 years old
Had one too many cold beers one night
And wrapped himself around a telephone pole.
The song "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver" by Primus is a fast-paced and intense tribute to Jerry, a race car driver who is revered for his speed and driving skills. The opening lines of the song set the scene for the action that is to come. Jerry was a race car driver who drove so fast that he never won any checkered flag, but he was never last. He was the kind of driver who would put a Bocephus sticker on his 442 and light them up just for fun.
The second verse of the song tells the story of Captain Pierce, who was a fireman on Richmond engine number three. Jerry looked up to him and believed that he would be rich if he got a dime for all the things that Captain Pierce had taught him. Captain Pierce was a strong man who was as strong as any man alive, but he was forced to retire at the age of 65, which made him very angry.
The final verse of the song tells the tragic end of Jerry's story. He was only 22 years old when he wrapped himself around a telephone pole one night after drinking one too many cold beers. The song is a warning against the dangers of reckless driving and excessive drinking.
Line by Line Meaning
Jerry was a race car driver
Jerry was a professional driver of race cars
And he drove so goddamn fast
Jerry drove very fast when he was racing
He never did win no checkered flag
Jerry never won a race and was never declared the winner by receiving the checkered flag
But he never did come in last
Jerry always finished ahead of at least one other driver in the race
Jerry was a race car driver
Jerry's primary identity and occupation was as a race car driver
He'd say el sob number one
Jerry would declare that he was the best by saying "el sob number one"
With a Bocephus sticker
Jerry had a sticker associated with Hank Williams Jr. known as Bocephus
On his 442 he'd light 'em up
Jerry would cause the tires of his race car, a 442 model, to spin quickly and generate smoke or fire after stepping on the accelerator
Just for fun
Jerry would cause the tires to spin in his car for his own entertainment or enjoyment
Captain Pierce was a fireman
Captain Pierce's primary identity and occupation was as a fireman
Richmond engine number three
Captain Pierce was associated with Richmond Engine Number Three, presumably a fire truck or equipment
I'll be a wealthy man when I get
The artist believes they will become wealthy in the future
A dime for all the things that
The singer will receive payment of ten cents for every occasion where certain things occur
Man taught to me
The things being referred to were taught to the singer by Captain Pierce
Captain pierce was a strong man
Captain Pierce was characterized as physically strong
Strong as any man alive
Captain Pierce was as strong as any living person
It stuck in his craw that they
Captain Pierce was deeply bothered by the fact that they
Made him retire at the age of 65
Captain Pierce was forced to retire from his position as a fireman at the age of 65
Jerry was a race car driver
Jerry's primary identity and occupation is once again reiterated
22 years old
Jerry's age is provided
Had one too many cold beers one night
Jerry consumed an excessive amount of beer on one occasion
And wrapped himself around a telephone pole.
Jerry was involved in an accident while driving and the car collided with a telephone pole, resulting in severe damage or injury to Jerry
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: LES CLAYPOOL, REID L. III LALONDE, TIMOTHY W. ALEXANDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BartSimpson90s
N A C H O S.
@Jagr-eg5nw
Steamyyy
@michaelhutchison3715
D O G W I L L H U N T
@mr_mister3248
Thanks bart
@BartSimpson90s
@@mr_mister3248 you're welcome
@hummingtoadeadsong
G O
@lorddestructor4696
Drums: Metal
Bass: South Park
Guitar: Noise
Voice: N A C H O S
@McGillicuddy849
Please, god no, not South Park.
@mordecaifroehlich8256
Ok but the guitarist just fucking shreds every song, like he’s not even listening to what everyone else is doing he just keeps ducking shredding 😂😂😂
@billwilson3641
Being here