"(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" is a popular song of rhythm and blues standard featured in the 2006 Disney/Pixar animated film, Cars. The soundtrack features two versions of the song. One is covered by Chuck Berry while the other is covered by John Mayer. Berry's version is heard toward the resolution of the film where Luigi, Guido, and the rest of the townsfolk upgrade Lightning McQueen in order to make him look like a real town customer. Mayer's version is heard during the end credits of the film. The song overall provides detailed real life facts about the route and its destinations.
The song was also covered by The Cheetah Girls to promote the movie. This version was included as a bonus track on The Cheetah Girls 2 soundtrack.
History
The song was composed in 1946 by American songwriter Bobby Troup. It was first recorded in the same year by Nat King Cole, and was subsequently covered by many artists including Chuck Berry in 1961, The Rolling Stones in 1964, and Depeche Mode in 1987. The title was suggested to Troup by his first wife, Cynthia.
Lyrics
Well, if you ever plan to motor west,
Take my way, it's a highway that's the best.
Get your kicks on Route 66.
Well, it winds from Chicago to L.A.
More than 2,000 miles all the way.
Get your kicks on Route 66.
Well, it goes from St. Louis, Joplin, Missouri,
Oklahoma City looks oh so pretty,
You'll see Amarillo,
And Gallup, New Mexico,
Flagstaff, Arizona, don't forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino
Won't you get hip to this timely tip,
And take that California trip?
Get your kicks on Route 66.
(Instrumental)
Well, it goes from St. Louis, Joplin, Missouri,
Oklahoma City looks, oh so pretty,
You'll see Amarillo,
And Gallup, New Mexico,
Flagstaff, Arizona, don't forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino,
Won't you get hip to this timely tip,
When you make that California trip?
Get your kicks on Route 66.
Get your kicks on Route 66.
And I'll meet you on Route 66.
Get your kicks on Route 66.
