The Meaning Behind The Song: Jerry Was A Race Car Driver by Primus

May 2024 · 4 minute read

When it comes to iconic songs, few can beat “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” by Primus. Released in 1991 as part of their album “Sailing the Seas of Cheese,” the song tells the story of a man named Jerry who loses his life as a race car driver. But there’s more to the song than just its catchy tune and memorable lyrics. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the meaning behind “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver.”

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The Inspiration Behind the Song

To understand the meaning behind “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver,” it’s important to know the story behind the song’s creation. According to lead singer and bassist Les Claypool, the song is based on a real person named Jerry who was a race car driver in his hometown of El Sobrante, California. Claypool would often hear stories about Jerry’s reckless driving and partying from his friends, and the image of Jerry as a fast and dangerous driver stuck with him.

Claypool wrote the song as a tribute to Jerry after he tragically died in a car accident. The lyrics of the song reflect both the admiration for Jerry’s talent as a driver and the cautionary tale of the risks involved in such a dangerous sport.

The Lyrics of “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”

The lyrics of “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” paint a vivid picture of the life and death of a driver. The first verse describes Jerry’s intense love for speed and how he quit his job to pursue a career as a race car driver:

“He drove the starter up his ass,
Fired the grapeshot from his hips.
He poured himself onto the tracks,
And went down on the fingertips.”

The second verse tells the story of Jerry’s tragic demise in a gruesome crash:

“Jerry was a race car driver,
And he drove so goddamn fast.
He never did win no checkered flag,
But he never did come in last.”

“He said, ‘Son, you’re gonna drive me to drinkin’,
If you don’t stop drivin’ that hot rod Lincoln.'”

The lyrics of the song are a cautionary tale of the dangerous thrill-seeking lifestyle of race car drivers. Despite Jerry’s undeniable talent and love for driving, his reckless behavior ultimately led to his early death.

The Music of “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”

Beyond the lyrics, “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” is known for its one-of-a-kind sound. The signature bass line played by Claypool is instantly recognizable and has become an iconic part of the song’s legacy.

Claypool’s unique style of slap bass and percussive playing techniques lend a frenzied energy to the song, perfectly capturing the spirit of Jerry’s wild and unpredictable driving style. The song also features Tim Alexander’s hard-hitting drumming and Larry LaLonde’s bluesy guitar solo.

The Impact of “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”

Since its release in 1991, “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” has become one of Primus’s most beloved and popular songs. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics ensure that it remains a crowd favorite at live shows and on classic rock radio stations.

What’s more, the song has inspired countless other musicians and songwriters. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach recalled how “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” was a huge influence on his own music, saying that “no one else sounded or played like Primus, and that made everything they did stand out.”

Conclusion

In many ways, “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” is the quintessential showcase of what makes Primus such a unique and unforgettable band. From the lyrics to the music, the song perfectly captures the thrilling, dangerous world of race car driving, and the risks that come with it.

But beyond that, the song is also a testament to the life and legacy of Jerry, the real-life driver who inspired it. Through their music, Primus has helped to immortalize Jerry’s memory, and ensured that his story will continue to be told for years to come.

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