About the song
“Hit the Road Jack,” written by Percy Mayfield and famously performed by Ray Charles, remains an enduring classic in the realm of rhythm and blues. Released in 1961, this song swiftly climbed to the top of the charts, claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing its place as one of Ray Charles’ definitive tracks.
The genesis of “Hit the Road Jack” began with Percy Mayfield, who originally recorded it as an a cappella demo. Mayfield’s rendition caught the attention of music executive Art Rupe, setting the stage for its transformation into a chart-topping hit when Ray Charles took up the song. Featuring vocals from Margie Hendrix of The Raelettes, Charles’ rendition of “Hit the Road Jack” resonated deeply with audiences, blending Charles’ soulful voice with a memorable call-and-response style chorus.
The song’s success extended beyond its initial chart performance. It garnered critical acclaim and accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording. In recognition of its cultural impact and enduring popularity, “Hit the Road Jack” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked “Hit the Road Jack” at number 387 on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” underscoring its enduring influence on music history. The song’s upbeat tempo, infectious melody, and memorable lyrics have cemented its place in the hearts of listeners worldwide, making it a staple of radio playlists and a frequent cover choice for artists across genres.
Moreover, the song’s legacy includes inspiring an answer song by The Chantels titled “Well, I Told You,” which added another layer to its cultural impact. Ray Charles’ rendition of “Hit the Road Jack” remains emblematic of his ability to blend soul, rhythm, and blues into a compelling musical narrative, ensuring its place in the pantheon of American music classics.
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)