Neil Young is never one to hold back when it comes to mixing music with his message. From environmental justice to anti-war sentiments, the legendary singer-songwriter has always stood firm in using his art as a platform for change. And with his latest album Talkin’ to the Trees, Young continues to blaze that trail—this time with an electrifying new anthem titled “Let’s Roll Again.”
The track, already sparking conversation for its blunt lyrics and raw rock energy, has Neil pulling no punches. In one of the most talked-about lines, he sings, “If you’re a fasc**, then get a Tesla.”* Delivered with his signature growl and biting sarcasm, the lyric is a clear critique of what he sees as the commercialization and politicization of the electric vehicle (EV) movement, calling out those who champion green tech for image rather than purpose.
But to call “Let’s Roll Again” just a diss track would be missing the point. Underneath the provocative lines and fuzzed-out guitar riffs lies a powerful call to action—an urgent cry for a reimagining of our relationship with the planet. The song is infused with a gritty, road-ready spirit that harkens back to Young’s long-standing love affair with cars and highways, but with a decidedly modern twist. This time, the open road runs on battery power, not gasoline.
The new album, Talkin’ to the Trees, marks a fresh chapter for Young, who has been an outspoken advocate for sustainable energy and clean technology for decades. He famously converted his 1959 Lincoln Continental into a hybrid-electric vehicle years ago and has used his platform to criticize fossil fuel dependence long before it became a mainstream concern. This album is no different. It blends classic folk-rock arrangements with experimental electronic textures, weaving in nature-inspired imagery and environmentally-conscious themes throughout.
“Let’s Roll Again” stands out not just for its bold lyrics, but for its tone—defiant yet hopeful. It’s a song that calls out hypocrisy while still dreaming of a better way forward. The chorus, propelled by distorted guitars and pounding drums, chants the phrase “Let’s roll again” like a rallying cry for a new generation of activists, dreamers, and drivers who care about where the road leads—not just how fast you can get there.
Beyond the political commentary, there’s also a deeply personal note. Young’s connection to the earth has always been part of his songwriting DNA, and Talkin’ to the Trees seems to speak directly to that spiritual kinship. The trees, in this case, are both literal and metaphorical—witnesses to humanity’s destruction and guardians of what remains.
In a musical landscape where few artists of his generation continue to push boundaries, Neil Young remains uncompromising and fiercely relevant. With Talkin’ to the Trees, and especially with “Let’s Roll Again,” he proves once again that protest music isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s more vital than ever.
And yes, if you’re paying attention: the ride is electric, but the message is pure fire.