About the song
Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down” is a country classic that encapsulates the spirit of the open road and the thrill of adventure. Penned by Reed himself along with Dick Feller, this iconic track first appeared on Reed’s album titled “Smell the Flowers,” released in 1972.
The song gained widespread recognition when it was featured prominently in the soundtrack of the 1977 film “Smokey and the Bandit,” starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field. This exposure propelled “East Bound and Down” to commercial success, reaching the number two spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and becoming one of Reed’s most beloved hits.
With its upbeat tempo, infectious melody, and Reed’s trademark fingerpicking guitar style, “East Bound and Down” perfectly captures the sense of freedom and excitement associated with life on the road. Its catchy chorus and memorable lyrics evoke images of truckers barreling down the highway, facing challenges and chasing dreams.
Reed’s smooth vocals and effortless delivery add to the song’s charm, making it a favorite among country music fans for decades. Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as a classic road trip anthem, inspiring generations of listeners to hit the highway and seek out new adventures.
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Lyrics
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
Oh, we gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ Bandit run
Keep your foot hard on the pedal, son never mind them brakes
Let it all hang out, ’cause we got a run to make
The boys are thirsty in Atlanta and there’s beer in Texarkana
And we’ll bring it back no matter what it takes
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
Oh, we gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ Bandit run
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
Oh, we gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ Bandit run
Old Smokey’s got them ears on, he’s hot on your trail
And he ain’t gonna rest ’til you’re in jail
So you gotta dodge him, you’ve gotta duck him
You gotta keep that diesel truckin’
Just put that hammer down and give it hell
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
Oh, we gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ Bandit run