About the song
Let’s take a journey back to the swinging sounds of “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles.
Written by Percy Mayfield, “Hit the Road Jack” became one of Ray Charles’s signature songs upon its release in 1961. The track is featured on Charles’s album “The Genius Hits the Road,” which showcases his remarkable versatility as a musician.
“Hit the Road Jack” quickly ascended the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for two weeks. Its catchy melody, lively rhythm, and Charles’s soulful vocals captivated audiences, making it an instant classic.
The song’s witty lyrics and playful call-and-response style between Charles and the Raelettes, his female vocal group, added to its charm and appeal. It became a staple of Charles’s live performances and remains one of his most beloved tracks.
“Hit the Road Jack” has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its infectious energy and universal theme of independence and empowerment continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Ray Charles’s masterful interpretation of “Hit the Road Jack” showcases his unparalleled talent as a musician and his ability to infuse soul and emotion into every note he sings. It’s a song that never fails to get toes tapping and hearts singing along, reminding us why Ray Charles is considered a true legend of American music.
Video
Lyrics
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more
What you say?
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more
Old woman, old woman, don’t treat me so mean
You’re the meanest old woman that I’ve ever seen
I guess if you said so
I’ll have to pack my things and go (that’s right)
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more
What you say?
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more
Now baby, listen baby, don’t ya treat me this way
‘Cause I’ll be back on my feet some day
(Don’t care if you do ’cause it’s understood)
(You ain’t got no money, you just ain’t no good)
Well, I guess if you say so
I’ll have to pack my things and go (that’s right)
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more
What you say?
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more
Well (don’t you come back no more)
Uh, what you say? (Don’t you come back no more)
I didn’t understand you (don’t you come back no more)
You can’t mean that (don’t you come back no more)
Oh, now baby, please (don’t you come back no more)
What you tryin’ to do to me? (Don’t you come back no more)
Oh, don’t treat me like that (don’t you come back no more)