About the song
“Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades with its unforgettable rhythm and powerful message. Released in 1961, this song quickly became one of Ray Charles’ most iconic hits. Its compelling beat and catchy chorus have made it a favorite across generations.
Ray Charles, often referred to as “The Genius,” was a pioneering figure in the world of music. He blended gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B to create a unique sound that broke musical barriers. “Hit the Road Jack” stands out as a prime example of his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The song was written by Percy Mayfield, a talented songwriter and blues artist who perfectly captured the essence of a tumultuous relationship with his lyrics.
This track was included in Ray Charles’ album “Greatest Hits,” which features a collection of his most successful songs. “Hit the Road Jack” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, securing the number one spot for two weeks. It also reached number one on the R&B Sides chart, further cementing its place in music history.
The song’s narrative is straightforward yet impactful, portraying a man’s plea for his partner to leave, driven by the refrain “Hit the road, Jack, and don’t you come back no more.” This line has become an enduring phrase, synonymous with parting ways in popular culture.
Ray Charles’ dynamic delivery, combined with the Raylettes’ strong backing vocals, creates a vibrant and engaging listening experience. The song’s arrangement, featuring a prominent piano riff and robust brass section, showcases Charles’ exceptional musicality and the rich, layered sound that characterized his work.
“Hit the Road Jack” remains a beloved song that resonates with listeners to this day. Its influence can be seen in various covers and adaptations, proving the enduring legacy of Ray Charles’ musical genius. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, “Hit the Road Jack” is a song that captures the spirit and soul of an era, reflecting the timeless talent of Ray Charles.
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)