Neil Young, a self-proclaimed gearhead and enduring icon of folk rock, reflects on his life intertwined with automobiles in his memoir Special Deluxe. Even at 79, while peers ease into retirement, Young remains a fixture on the road, often seen behind the wheel of classics like his eco-converted "LincVolt"—a revamped 1959 Lincoln Continental. His automotive passion fuels his music, with tracks like his recent “Let’s Roll Again” spotlighting industry shifts. The song critiques legacy automakers (GM, Ford, Stellantis) and Tesla, urging them to innovate amid rising competition from Chinese rivals.

Set to the melody of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” the protest song “Let’s Roll Again” opens with a rallying cry aimed at automakers Ford, GM, and Chrysler. “Hey Ford, GM, Chrysler—time to rise and revise!” the lyrics urge, later adding, “Craft vehicles that serve communities, design pathways to safety and sustainability. Deliver innovations that protect futures and leave no trace of harm.”

Young, an advocate for sustainable electric vehicles, outlines his vision for Ford and GM’s future offerings in a later verse, urging: “Design compact, silent urban vans for eco-friendly deliveries—no roaring engines or toxic emissions. These aren’t speed machines, just planet-conscious workhorses.”

The chorus echoes a theme MotorTrend has closely tracked: China’s accelerating dominance in the EV market. Young croons, “Hit the road, America—join the race! China’s surging ahead with clean autos. Some days slip by, but freedom’s flavor stays sweet.”

Young’s closing lines take aim at Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, who has recently drawn attention for his influential connections to Trump-era politics. The lyrics provocatively state: “If you align with fascism, opt for a Tesla—its electric charge absolves all guilt. But if democracy fuels you, savor liberty’s flavor. Claim your desires and relish that freedom.” The rephrased verse retains the original critique of Musk’s perceived political associations and contrasts ideological stances, while emphasizing the song’s satirical tone.