About The Song
“Hit the Road Jack” is a classic rhythm and blues song written by Percy Mayfield and recorded by the legendary American musician Ray Charles. The song was released in 1961 and quickly became one of Ray Charles’ signature tunes.
Here are some specific details about the song:
Title: Hit the Road Jack
Artist: Ray Charles
Writer: Percy Mayfield
Release Date: 1961
Genre: Rhythm and Blues
Background:
- The song’s lyrics depict a conversation between a man and a woman, where the man warns the woman that she must hit the road (leave) because he’s tired of her and has had enough of her games.
- Ray Charles’ soulful and emotional delivery of the lyrics, combined with the catchy melody, contributed to the song’s widespread popularity.
Chart Success:
- “Hit the Road Jack” was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1961.
- The song also earned Ray Charles a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording.
Legacy:
- The song has since become one of Ray Charles’ most well-known and enduring hits.
- It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, further solidifying its place in music history.
Musical Style:
- “Hit the Road Jack” showcases Ray Charles’ unique blend of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz elements.
- The song features Charles’ distinctive vocal style and is accompanied by a tight arrangement of instruments, including horns and a backing choir.
Cultural Impact:
- The song has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, contributing to its lasting cultural impact.
- Its memorable chorus and Ray Charles’ vocal performance have made it a timeless classic.
Overall, “Hit the Road Jack” stands as a testament to Ray Charles’ musical prowess and has left an indelible mark on the history of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
“Hit The Road Jack”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
(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)
Woah Woman, oh 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’d 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-a 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’d 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)