About the song
“Hit the Road Jack” is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Written by the talented Percy Mayfield and recorded by the legendary Ray Charles, this song has become an iconic anthem that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Released in 1961, “Hit the Road Jack” was a US number 1 hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording. This achievement was a testament to Charles’ exceptional talent and his ability to transcend genres, making him one of the most influential musicians of all time.
The song’s origins date back to 1960, when Mayfield first recorded it as an a cappella demo. However, it was Charles’ version, featuring The Raelettes vocalist Margie Hendrix, that brought the song to the masses. Charles’ rendition of “Hit the Road Jack” was a masterclass in soulful storytelling, with his smooth vocals and masterful piano playing bringing the song to life. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics made it an instant hit, and it quickly became one of Charles’ signature songs.
Over the years, “Hit the Road Jack” has been covered by numerous artists, including Canadian band The Stampeders, who released their own version in 1976. This version, taken from their album Steamin’, reached No. 6 in Canada and No. 40 in the US, further cementing the song’s enduring popularity. In 2013, Charles’ original recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to the song’s lasting impact on the music industry. With its timeless melody and unforgettable lyrics, “Hit the Road Jack” remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire new generations of music lovers.
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)