One more song off of that great debut album. It might be one of the best debut albums of anyone.
This was written by Cars singer/guitarist Ric Ocasek and keyboard player Greg Hawkes. It’s one of the few songs Hawkes received songwriter credit on.
Most teenage boys in the eighties will remember this song. It was featured in the 1982 movie Fast Times At Ridgemont High during an unforgettable scene where the actress Phoebe Cates gets out a swimming pool while actor Judge Rienhold has his fantasy. This song was not included in the music soundtrack available for the film.
While it was never released as a single, the song was popular on rock radio stations and known as a great one to listen to through headphones. With lead vocals by Cars bass player Benjamin Orr, this song uses various studio production techniques to explore the stereo spectrum as the sound goes back and forth between the speakers.
From Songfacts
The song draws parallels between manipulating a stereo recording and moving through life. It’s a rare song where the word “tremolo” appears, which means manipulating a single note.
This song is often used to reference the famous Fast Times At Ridgemont High scene in which it appears. TV series that have paid homage include:
Family Guy in the 2001 episode “The Kiss Seen Round the World,” when Meg fantasizes about newscaster Tom Tucker.
One Tree Hill in the 2009 episode “I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight” when Clay sees Sara getting out of his pool.
Stranger Things in the 2019 episode “Suzie, Do You Copy?” when a group of women ogle a male lifeguard at the pool. Later in the episode, Dustin says his girlfriend is like Phoebe Cates, “only hotter.”
The song has also appeared in episodes of Parenthood, Scrubs, Alias and The Sopranos.
Moving In Stereo
Life’s the same I’m moving in stereo
Life’s the same except for my shoes
Life’s the same you’re shakin’ like tremolo
Life’s the same it’s all inside you
It’s so easy to blow up your problems
It’s so easy to play up your breakdown
It’s so easy to fly through the window
It’s so easy to fool with the sound
It’s so tough to get up
It’s so tough
It’s so tough to live up
It’s so tough on you
Life’s the same I’m moving in stereo
Life’s the same except for my shoes
Life’s the same you’re shakin’ like tremolo
Life’s the same it’s all inside you
Life’s the same I’m moving in stereo
Life’s the same except for my shoes
Life’s the same you’re shakin’ like tremolo
Life’s the same it’s all inside you
…