"Panama" by Van Halen

Rev your engines for Van Halen's iconic 1984 hard rock anthem, "Panama"! A massive hit from the 1984 album, this track explodes with raw guitar power and glam metal swagger. Its driving riff and high energy make it a ultimate cruisin' classic and workout song.

Released as a chart-topping single in 1984 from the diamond-selling album 1984, "Panama" showcased Van Halen firing on all cylinders. While incorporating the era's polished production, its core is pure hard rock, driven by Eddie Van Halen's unforgettable guitar riff, making it perfect, high-octane workout music and a quintessential cruisin' track.

This 1984 hard rock/glam metal staple features David Lee Roth's charismatic vocals, a relentless rhythm section, and the famous bridge punctuated by engine roars (Eddie's Lamborghini). "Panama" remains one of Van Halen's most beloved and enduring hits, a high-energy anthem tailor-made for cruising or working out.

SONG MEANING: Despite the title and car engine sounds, David Lee Roth has stated the song is actually about a stripper he encountered. The lyrics use automotive metaphors ("Ain't nothin' like it, her shiny machine," "got the feel for the wheel") to describe intense lust, sensuality, and the exhilarating feeling inspired by the woman, not a vehicle.