About the song
“Hit the Road Jack” is a memorable and iconic song that has left a lasting impact on the world of music. Written by rhythm and blues artist Percy Mayfield, this track was famously recorded by the legendary Ray Charles. Released in 1961, the song quickly soared to the top of the charts, becoming a number one hit in the United States. Its popularity was further cemented when it won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording, establishing it as one of Charles’s signature songs.
The origins of “Hit the Road Jack” trace back to Percy Mayfield, who first recorded the song in 1960. He initially sent an a cappella demo of the track to music executive Art Rupe. However, it was Ray Charles, with his distinct voice and energetic style, who brought the song to fame. Charles’s version, featuring the vibrant vocals of Margie Hendrix from The Raelettes, struck a chord with audiences and became an instant hit.
The song enjoyed remarkable success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks starting October 9, 1961. It also spent five weeks at number one on the R&B Sides chart, marking Charles’s sixth number-one hit in that category. “Hit the Road Jack” was not only celebrated for its commercial success but also recognized by critics. In 2010, it was ranked number 387 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” showing its enduring influence.
In 2013, the recording was further honored with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, highlighting its lasting significance in music history. Additionally, the Chantels released a response track titled “Well, I Told You,” which also enjoyed chart success.
“Hit the Road Jack” remains a quintessential example of rhythm and blues, showcasing Ray Charles’s incredible talent and the song’s timeless appeal.
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)