Jerry Was a Race Car Driver

Primus

About Jerry Was a Race Car Driver

"Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" is a song by the American funk metal band Primus. It was released as the first single from their 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese and reached number 23 on the U. S. Alternative Songs chart. The song tells the stories of two characters, Jerry, an ill-fated race car driver who collides with a telephone pole while driving intoxicated (hence the use of "was", in the title) and Captain Pearce, a retired fireman.


Year:
1991
3:11
907 
#3

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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
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
Just for fun

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.

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Primus

Primus is an American rock band based in San Francisco, California, currently composed of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry "Ler" LaLonde and drummer Jay Lane. Primus originally formed in 1984 with Claypool and guitarist Todd Huth, later joined by Lane, though the latter two departed the band at the end of 1988. Featuring LaLonde and drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander, Primus recorded their debut, Suck on This in 1989, followed by four studio albums; Frizzle Fry, Sailing the Seas of Cheese, Pork Soda, and Tales from the Punchbowl. Alexander left the band in 1996, replaced by Bryan "Brain" Mantia, and Primus went on to record the original theme song for the TV show South Park and two more albums, Brown Album and Antipop, before declaring a hiatus in 200… more »

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Written by: LES CLAYPOOL, REID L. III LALONDE, TIMOTHY W. ALEXANDER

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


27 facts about this song

Release Information
"Jerry was a Race Car Driver" was released by the band Primus as a single from their 1991 album 'Sailing the Seas of Cheese.'
Chart Performance
The song had success on the Billboard charts, where it reached No. 23 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Music Video Involvement
A claymation music video was made for the song, which received airplay on MTV. The video was directed by Mark Kohr who is popular for his work with Alanis Morissette and Green Day.
Record Label
The song was released under the record label of Interscope Records.
Band Line-up
At the time of recording the song, the band consisted of Les Claypool (vocals, bass), Larry "Ler" Lalonde (guitar) and Tim "Herb" Alexander (drums).
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by two characters; Jerry, a race car driver, and Captain Pierce, a fireman, both real-life people whom Les Claypool had encountered during his life.
Videogame Appearance
The song was featured in two video games, 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater' and 'Rock Band 3,' further enhancing its popularity among gaming communities.
Unique Musical Style
The song is noted for its unique musical style, which features complex basslines by Claypool and the contrast between quiet verses and louder choruses.
Length of Song
The original track length of "Jerry was a Race Car Driver" is 3 minutes and 11 seconds.
Live Performances
"Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" is regularly performed live by Primus, and multiple live versions of the song can be found online.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by many artists, including Limp Bizkit during a live performance at Woodstock ’99.
Award Nomination
The music video for the song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1992.
Genre Classification
"Jerry was a Race Car Driver" by Primus is considered as an alternative metal, funk metal, experimental rock and progressive rock genre song.
Release Date
This single was released in 1991.
Album Details
It is the first single from their third studio album, "Sailing the Seas of Cheese."
Track Length
The song runs for a length of about 3 minutes and 11 seconds.
Chart Performance
"Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" peaked at number 23 on the U.S. Alternative Songs (Billboard) chart.
Music Video
The music video of this song is very unique. It features Primus playing at an indoor mini-golf course, intercut with shots of classic cartoons and claymation.
Song Story
The song tells two separate stories, one about a man named Jerry who was a race car driver, and another about Captain Pearce, a retired fireman.
Song Trend
Jerry Was a Race Car Driver is one of the few Primus songs to feature guitarist Larry LaLonde on lead vocals, during the chorus.
Presence in Video Games
This song was utilized in the soundtracks of two popular video games, 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater' and 'Rock Band'.
Unique Sound
Known for its unique sound, the song features the use of tapping and slap bass techniques.
Band's Recognition
The song is often recognized for Les Claypool's complex and prominent bass lines.
Influence by Real Life Character
The name 'Jerry' mentioned in the song was actually influenced by a real person, a hometown race car driver.
Presence in Movies
This song was also used in the movie “The Big Empty” in 2003.
Use of Unconventional Instruments
The song uses a variety of non-traditional instruments, including a bowed double bass and a whistle.
Live Performances
"Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" has often remained a constant in Primus' live performances. The band has been playing the song since 1989, two years before it was officially released as a single.

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