About the song
“Hit the Road Jack,” a timeless classic written by Percy Mayfield, achieved iconic status through Ray Charles’ definitive recording in 1961. Originally penned and recorded by Mayfield as an a cappella demo, the song caught the attention of music executive Art Rupe before finding its true resonance in Charles’ rendition, featuring the soulful backing vocals of Margie Hendrix from The Raelettes.
Ray Charles’ recording of “Hit the Road Jack” soared to the top of the charts, claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks starting October 9, 1961. This achievement was mirrored on the R&B Sides chart, where it dominated for five weeks, marking Charles’ sixth number-one hit on that chart alone. The song’s infectious rhythm, Charles’ distinctive vocals, and its memorable call-and-response structure made it an instant classic and one of Charles’ signature tunes.
Recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording, “Hit the Road Jack” solidified its place in music history. Its enduring popularity was further underscored when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013, a testament to its cultural and musical significance.
Beyond its chart success and critical acclaim, “Hit the Road Jack” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its inclusion on Rolling Stone magazine’s prestigious list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” cements its status as a quintessential piece of American music.
Moreover, the song inspired a response from The Chantels with their own rendition titled “Well, I Told You,” which reached number 29 on the charts, showcasing the enduring influence and cultural impact of Charles’ original recording.
“Hit the Road Jack” remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences with its infectious groove and timeless appeal, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of rhythm and blues history.
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)