About the song
“Always Drive a Cadillac” by The Everly Brothers is a track that showcases the duo’s knack for storytelling, humor, and a nod to American culture. Released during a period when The Everly Brothers were experimenting with various themes, this song reflects the aspirational dreams of success and the status symbols that come with it, particularly focusing on the iconic Cadillac.
The song’s title, “Always Drive a Cadillac,” immediately conjures images of luxury, success, and the American Dream. In post-war America, owning a Cadillac was synonymous with having “made it” in life, and the song taps into this cultural association. It’s a light-hearted and somewhat satirical take on the idea that driving a Cadillac represents one’s worth and success in society. Through clever lyrics, the song reflects on how owning this particular car elevates the status of the owner, both in their own eyes and in the eyes of others.
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The lyrics, though fun and upbeat, carry an underlying message about materialism and the pursuit of status. Phrases like “If you want to show you’ve got class, always drive a Cadillac” play into the idea that appearances are everything in certain social circles. The song presents this message with a sense of humor, making it less of a critique and more of a playful observation about societal values during the mid-20th century.
Musically, “Always Drive a Cadillac” is upbeat, featuring rockabilly elements that The Everly Brothers were known for, combined with their signature tight harmonies. The rhythm is driven by a steady, catchy beat, complemented by electric guitar riffs that give the song a cool, laid-back vibe. It’s a fun, toe-tapping tune that doesn’t take itself too seriously, much like its subject matter. The Everly Brothers’ smooth harmonies add charm to the song, giving it that unmistakable Everly Brothers sound that fans know and love.
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Despite the humorous tone, the song does hint at the pressure of keeping up appearances and living up to societal expectations. The Cadillac, in this case, becomes a symbol not just of success, but of the lengths people go to maintain a certain image. It’s an exploration of the materialistic side of the American Dream, wrapped up in a catchy, light-hearted tune that keeps listeners entertained.
In the context of The Everly Brothers’ larger body of work, “Always Drive a Cadillac” stands out as a playful departure from their usual love ballads and folk tunes. It shows their versatility as artists who can deliver a message with a wink, while still producing a polished and enjoyable song. The track is a reminder that The Everly Brothers were not only masters of harmony and emotion, but they also had a keen sense of humor and a deep understanding of American culture.
“Always Drive a Cadillac” is a fun, clever song that captures a slice of mid-century American life. It’s a playful look at the social pressures of success and the symbols that represent it, all delivered with the Everly Brothers’ signature style and charm. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an enjoyable listen, while its lyrics offer a tongue-in-cheek reflection on materialism and the pursuit of status.
Video
Lyrics
“Always Drive A Cadillac”
The class of ’63
I’ll never forget the day you gave
Your book and pen to me
It was all talked out and settled
You knew I’d understand
A girl with dreams as big as yours
Just had to make some plans
So I turned to your best picture
Most Likely To Succeed
The only one in the whole damn book
That didn’t show you with me
And it said that you liked inner strength
So I tried to be true to form
And I hid my teenaged broken heart
And instead I signed this poem
I hope you always drive a Cadillac
I hope you always drink champagne
I hope you always shine with the sunshine
I hope you never have to face the rain
Unless the clouds are lined in silver
May every heart you meet be gold
And may you find the world as kind as you’ve been told
All the news of you that got back home
Was no surprise to me
You came, you saw, you conquered
At every turn there were victories
And the men came and the men went
And some of them might have stayed
But their dreams weren’t silk or linen
And their invitations weren’t engraved
At the ten year class reunion
They read your personal note
And enlarged your cover photograph
In your full length sable coat
But the words underneath the picture
Were what mattered most to me
There was something in between the lines
That no one else could see…
It said:-
“I’ll always drive a Cadillac
And I’ll always drink champagne
And if you make time while the sun shines
You never have to face the rain
I travel fast because I go alone
Everybody gets bought and sold”
And I wondered if you’d really become that cold
That was the last word anyone heard from you
Until I got your card today
A single line and signature
That said, “I’m coming home to stay”;
I wonder what life has done to you
I wonder why you thought of me
But if you drop by to say hello
I wonder what you’ll think if you see
An old ragged high school yearbook
That falls open to just one page
With a picture of a young girl’s face
Full of beauty, dreams and rage
And words beside the picture
Is the verse that’s still so true
It’s the one I swore no one would read
Unless I showed it to you
To me you’ll always drive a Cadillac
Your laughter is my champagne
And you’ll carry my heart wherever you go
Even if I never see you again
But if you bring it back home to me
Maybe then it’ll mean you know
That the strongest love’s the love that let’s you go
To me you’ll always drive a Cadillac
Your laughter is my champagne
And you’ll carry my heart wherever you go
Even if I never see you again
But if you bring it back home to me
Maybe then it’ll mean you know
That the strongest love’s the love that let’s you go
I hope you always drive a Cadillac
I hope you always drive a Cadillac…