Jerry Was a Race Car Driver
Primus
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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.
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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 PerformanceThe song had success on the Billboard charts, where it reached No. 23 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.
|
Music Video InvolvementA 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 LabelThe song was released under the record label of Interscope Records.
|
Band Line-upAt the time of recording the song, the band consisted of Les Claypool (vocals, bass), Larry "Ler" Lalonde (guitar) and Tim "Herb" Alexander (drums).
|
Song InspirationThe 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 AppearanceThe 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 StyleThe 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 SongThe 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 VersionsThe song has been covered by many artists, including Limp Bizkit during a live performance at Woodstock ’99.
|
Award NominationThe 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 DateThis single was released in 1991.
|
Album DetailsIt is the first single from their third studio album, "Sailing the Seas of Cheese."
|
Track LengthThe 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 VideoThe 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 StoryThe 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 TrendJerry 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 GamesThis song was utilized in the soundtracks of two popular video games, 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater' and 'Rock Band'.
|
Unique SoundKnown for its unique sound, the song features the use of tapping and slap bass techniques.
|
Band's RecognitionThe song is often recognized for Les Claypool's complex and prominent bass lines.
|
Influence by Real Life CharacterThe name 'Jerry' mentioned in the song was actually influenced by a real person, a hometown race car driver.
|
Presence in MoviesThis song was also used in the movie “The Big Empty” in 2003.
|
Use of Unconventional InstrumentsThe 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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Jerry Was a Race Car Driver Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1014382/Primus/Jerry+Was+a+Race+Car+Driver>.
Discuss the Jerry Was a Race Car Driver Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In