According to Allmusic's review of the song, "the lyric takes the cool image of the low rider — the Chicano culture practice of hydraulically hot-rodding classic cars — and using innuendo, extends the image to a lifestyle". The song's most distinguishable feature is its driving bass line, which is present for nearly all of the song. It also ends with a siren-like noise that then becomes a saxophone solo.
The song has been covered and/or sampled by a myriad of artists including Blues Traveler, Peter Cetera, George Clinton, and Korn. It is also the theme song to the sitcom George Lopez.
Low Rider
War Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The low rider is a little higher (yeah)
The low rider drives a little slower
Low rider is a real goer
Hey
Low rider is the one to meet, yeah
Low rider don't use no gas now
Low rider don't drive too fast
Take a little trip, take a little trip
Take a little trip and see
Take a little trip, take a little trip
Take a little trip with me
The song "Low Rider" by War is a classic funk hit that celebrates a unique automotive culture. The lyrics describe the characteristics of the iconic "low rider" car, which is customized to ride low to the ground, often featuring intricate paint jobs and hydraulic systems that allow them to "hop." The first line of the song, "All my friends know the low rider," emphasizes the close-knit community of low rider enthusiasts who share a passion for these vehicles.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Low rider" multiple times, emphasizing the pride and identity that comes with owning one of these cars. The second line of the chorus, "The low rider is a little higher," acknowledges the irony of the name, highlighting how these customizations make the cars appear even lower to the ground. The verses describe the low rider's unique features, from its slow driving speed to its intricate knowledge of every street. The lyrics also mention that low riders don't use a lot of gas or drive too fast, emphasizing the style and culture over practicality.
Overall, "Low Rider" is an upbeat, fun-loving ode to the low rider culture that celebrates the creativity and individuality of this unique automotive subculture.
Line by Line Meaning
All my friends know the low rider (yeah)
Everyone in my social circle is familiar with the low rider
The low rider is a little higher (yeah)
The low rider vehicle stands lower to the ground than other cars
The low rider drives a little slower
The low rider moves at a relaxed, leisurely pace
Low rider is a real goer
The low rider is in high demand and very popular
Hey
An exclamation or greeting to capture attention
Low rider knows every street, yeah
The low rider is well-versed with all the roads and routes
Low rider is the one to meet, yeah
The low rider is the vehicle you want to ride and be seen with
Low rider don't use no gas now
The low rider has low fuel consumption and does not require much gas
Low rider don't drive too fast
The low rider moves at a moderate speed, not too fast or reckless
Take a little trip, take a little trip
Let's go on a short journey or ride
Take a little trip and see
Let's explore and discover something new together
Take a little trip, take a little trip
Let's go on another short journey or ride
Take a little trip with me
Join me and let's experience something memorable together
Lyrics © HENSTONE MUSIC
Written by: Sylvester Allen, Harold Ray I. Brown, Morris Dewayne Dickerson, Le Roy L. Jordan, Charles Miller, Lee Oskar, Howard E. Scott, Jerry Goldstein
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rubedogg6969
Who else thinks WAR belongs in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame!
@millardbusey221
F The RARHOF
@mauricejones1050
They should've been in decades ago. What a bunch of crap.
@sidDkid87
the r&r hof is NOT WORTHY of WAR!!!
@alexrosales1175
You said this on a George Benson song too and your right.
@dongray6834
Rock n Roll should be just called music hall of fame .
@granthutchins2016
The coolest song ever with just the right amount of cow bell.
@BlahDBlahDBlah
I gotta tell ya... I could use more cowbell.
@Sven237
The real O.G. music
@daveclemens3134
Damn right boy!