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Timeless Tracks: Panama

One of the biggest songs on one of the biggest albums from one of the biggest rock bands of all time. Panama by Van Halen from the 1984 album. It has nothing to do with the South American country!

The story goes, during a trip to Las Vegas, David Lee Roth (the lead singer at the time) spotted a race car with the name Panama Express. The car and name had a lasting impression on him.

He also claims a journalist once accused him of only writing songs about women! Rath saw that as a challange and decided to write a hit about a car! He built the lyrics around that idea, not a woman but a dream car!

Panama is basically a love letter to a powerful vehicle blasting down a Nevada speedway.

Have a listen!

  • Ben Holmes has lived on the South Shore of Nova Scotia for most of his life and has a deep passion for the culture and community of Nova Scotia and the Maritimes. He believes strongly in the importance of radio and other local media, and the role they play in keeping communities informed, connected, and entertained.
    He is the host of “Breakfast With Ben” on CKBW in Bridgewater. When he is not talking, at least not into a microphone, Ben enjoys spending time outdoors, cycling, watching films, taking road trips, and being around family and friends.

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Bridgewater, CA
1:35 pm, May 21, 2026
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