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Story summary
- Van Halen released the song “Panama” in 1984, sharing its title with the country Panama.
- David Lee Roth said he wrote “Panama” about a racer named Panama Express or his 1969 Opel Kadett wagon.
- Roth claimed he created the song after a critic accused the band of writing about women, partying and fast cars.
- Van Halen performed “Panama” live after its release.
- The article documents 22 distinct versions of the track.
