The song “Low Rider” from the 1975 album “Why Can’t we be Friends” by War is often thought of as a drug song due to the take a little trip chorus and the line that says the low rider is a little higher but that was not the intention according to the members of the band.
A low rider is a car, and also a culture. “Low Riders” are modified with hydraulic lifts that allow the driver to lower each wheel and make the car bounce. They are often customized with outrageous paint jobs, tiny steering wheels and swivel seats. The culture formed around these cars is big in the Southwestern US, and popular in Latino culture. Most of the band grew up in Southern California and were immersed in low rider culture.
As for War’s history, they are a multi-ethnic musical group formed in 1969 in Long Beach, California. They are known for their blend of jazz, rock, funk, and R&B and their politically charged lyrics. They have released several critically acclaimed albums and are considered one of the pioneers of the funk rock genre.
“Calling ourselves War was a positive thing: we were waging war against war and the conflicts going on in our back yard. Our weapons were our instruments, which fired rhythms, melodies and most of all harmony. We were a multi-ethnic band and we used our songs to bring peace and love.”
The iconic lead vocals of “Low Rider” were performed by War’s saxophonist, Charles Miller.
REFLECTIONS OF A SWAMPER 