Maren Morris’s catchy tune “80s Mercedes” has become an anthem for those who love a blend of modern country with a nostalgic vibe. Interestingly, this popular track shares some lyrical DNA with her debut single, “My Church.” Both songs feature the theme of driving, highlighting the car as a space for freedom and self-discovery. In “My Church,” she sings about finding “holy redemption” while driving, while “80s Mercedes” explicitly centers around the allure of a classic car.
According to Maren Morris, the songwriting for “80s Mercedes” was a spontaneous and swift process, mirroring how “My Church” came to life. In fact, she penned “80s Mercedes” during the same week as her breakout hit. Morris explained, “I guess I was in a car driving mood that week during writing.” This “car driving mood” fueled the creative process, leading her to infuse the song with 80s and 90s cultural references.
Morris aimed to capture the exhilarating feeling of cruising with the windows down, combined with a sense of retro glamour. She envisioned “glitter on the seats, neon soul,” striving for a vibrant and colorful sonic landscape. The lyrics and musical arrangement work together to evoke that quintessential “Saturday night feeling,” perfect for a carefree drive.
This vibrant energy is further amplified in the “80s Mercedes” music video. Directed by Alon Isocianu, who has also worked with artists like Kelly Clarkson and Pentatonix, the video showcases Maren Morris driving her namesake car on open roads and through a brightly lit cityscape at night. Her white leather jacket perfectly complements the cool, confident vibe of the song, completing the visual representation of this 80s-inspired driving anthem.
