Introduction
“Hit the Road Jack” is a song written by Percy Mayfield and recorded by Ray Charles. It was released in 1961 and became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a blues-infused R&B anthem about a man telling his woman to leave him alone.
Background and Inspiration
Mayfield wrote the song in the early 1960s. He was inspired by a conversation he overheard between a man and a woman. The man was telling the woman to leave him alone, and Mayfield was struck by the man’s bluntness and directness.
Recording and Release
Charles recorded the song in 1961 at Atlantic Studios in New York City. The song was produced by Jerry Wexler and released by Atlantic Records. The song was an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in just a few weeks. It also became a hit in several other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Impact and Legacy
“Hit the Road Jack” was a major hit for Charles and helped to solidify his reputation as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time. The song has been covered by many artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Otis Redding. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including The Blues Brothers and The Sopranos.
Did you know?
- The song was originally written for a different singer, but Charles convinced Mayfield to let him record it.
- The song’s iconic piano riff was created by Charles’ longtime collaborator, Raynard Miner.
- The song was used in a popular commercial for Diet Coke in the 1990s.
- The song is considered one of the greatest R&B songs of all time.
- In 2004, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
“Hit the Road Jack” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving song that has resonated with listeners for generations. Ray Charles’ version of the song is definitive, and it is a joy to listen to. If you are looking for a song that will get you moving and feeling good, then “Hit the Road Jack” is the perfect song for you.
Video
Lyrics: Hit The Road Jack
(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)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)