Wanderlust World Wanderlust World "Panama" is performed by the legendary American rock band Van Halen. Released on April 1, 1984, it served as the lead single from their sixth studio album, 1984.
The song's driving riff, David Lee Roth's charismatic vocals, and its anthemic chorus made it an instant classic, peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. While often interpreted as a tribute to a car (the "Panama" being a race car Roth saw), the lyrics also playfully reference a woman. "Panama" remains a staple of classic rock radio and a highlight of Van Halen's high-energy live shows.