About the song
“Hit the Road Jack” is a renowned song penned by the blues and rhythm artist Percy Mayfield and brought to life by the legendary Ray Charles. Originally recorded by Mayfield in 1960 as an a cappella demo, the song was sent to music executive Art Rupe but truly gained fame through Charles’s iconic rendition.
Released in 1961, Ray Charles’s version of “Hit the Road Jack” soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, holding that position for two weeks starting October 9. The song’s infectious rhythm and Charles’s powerful performance made it a defining track of his career. Featuring the soulful vocals of Margie Hendrix from The Raelettes, the song became an instant classic and a hallmark of Charles’s influence in rhythm and blues.
“Hit the Road Jack” not only topped the Hot 100 but also achieved significant success on the R&B charts, where it was the number one song for five weeks. This track earned Ray Charles a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording, underscoring its impact and enduring appeal.
The song’s legacy is solidified in its ranking as number 387 on Rolling Stone’s 2010 list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” a testament to its lasting influence in the music industry. In 2013, Ray Charles’s 1961 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further cementing its place in music history.
In addition to Charles’s celebrated version, The Chantels released a response song titled “Well, I Told You,” which also found its way onto the charts, highlighting the song’s broad cultural impact.
“Hit the Road Jack” remains a quintessential piece of American music, celebrated for its dynamic performance and its role in shaping the landscape of rhythm and blues. Its continued recognition and respect reflect the song’s enduring charm and Ray Charles’s unparalleled artistry.
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)