Trucking has been part of American culture forever and every country song about a truck is proof of that. These songs celebrate the tough, adventurous truckers and the important role they play in keeping the country moving.
From the highways to the honky tonks great trucking songs have a special place in many hearts, they capture life on the road with a unique mix of story and song. Classics like “Convoy” and “Six Days on the Road” tell the daily struggles and triumphs of truckers and resonate with everyone across the country.
Trucking is a big part of American culture and that’s evident in how truckers are woven into country music. Country roads have inspired trucker songs about the American values of hard work, grit, and independence.
These trucking songs are a soundtrack for the road and a tribute to the dedication and perseverance of those who drive the highways. By singing about truckers country music is saying trucking is important to the country’s identity and economy and that the open road is a treasured part of American heritage.
Classic Trucking Songs
“East Bound and Down” by Jerry Reed
“East Bound and Down” by Jerry Reed is a classic trucking song. Featured in the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit this high-energy song became an instant favorite among truckers and country music fans.
The song captures the trucking lifestyle with its catchy chorus and lyrics that mirror the determination and grit of those who haul freight across the country. As the movie became popular “East Bound and Down” became a trucking anthem, celebrating life on the road and a tribute to the unsung heroes of the American highways.
“Six Days on the Road” by Dave Dudley
“Six Days on the Road” by Dave Dudley is a cornerstone of trucker music. Released in 1963 it became an instant hit and is still celebrated today for its authentic portrayal of life on the road. With its driving beat and relatable lyrics it captured long-haul trucking, the struggles, and the thrill of the open road. This song brought trucking into the mainstream and helped create a sub genre of country music dedicated to trucker stories. Dave Dudley’s classic song paved the way for future trucking songs and cemented the genre into American music history.
“Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” by Alabama
“Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” by Alabama tells a powerful story that resonates with truckers and their families. The song is about a trucker on the road and the family he leaves behind, the hopes and fears that come with this tough lifestyle.
Released in 1984 it hit big with audiences and climbed to number one on the Billboard Country Charts. The heartfelt lyrics and story combined with Alabama’s sound made “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” a favorite, a tribute to the truckers and the sacrifices their families make.
“Convoy” by C.W. McCall**
“Convoy” by C.W. McCall had a big cultural impact and became an anthem for truckers and a symbol of the 1970s trucking movement. Released in 1975 the song is about a rebellious convoy of truckers protesting regulations and the freedom of the open road.
It went beyond the music charts and inspired a 1978 movie of the same name that further cemented its place in pop culture. “Convoy” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and the Country charts and became an icon with its CB radio lingo and storytelling. It brought trucker talk into the mainstream celebrated the trucking lifestyle and left a lasting legacy in music and film.
Modern Trucking Songs
“Truck Yeah” by Tim McGraw
“Truck Yeah” by Tim McGraw is a modern trucking anthem. Released in 2012 it’s an upbeat trucking tribute, full of pride and energy that truckers and country fans love. The catchy chorus and driving beat capture the thrill and freedom of the open road and are a favorite among those who spend their days behind the wheel.
“Truck Yeah” did well and went into the trucker songs playlists of truckers all over the country. The success of trucking anthems proves trucking songs are here to stay and celebrate the hard work and adventurous spirit of America’s truckers.
“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” by Alan Jackson
“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” by Alan Jackson is a personal and nostalgic song that will make you feel good. Released in 2002 the song is about Jackson’s childhood memories of learning to drive various vehicles including a truck with his dad. The memories are warm and sentimental and about the bond between a father and son and the simple joys of growing up.
Not strictly a trucking song but the driving and road references tie it to the trucking theme. “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” is about the emotional value of vehicles and driving in family life so it’s a great tribute that will resonate with truckers and anyone who loves the open road.
“Big Wheels in the Moonlight” by Dan Seals
“Big Wheels in the Moonlight” by Dan Seals is a song that captures the romance and mystique of the trucking life. Released in 1988 the song is about a young man’s fascination with the big trucks he sees rolling by in the moonlight, freedom, and adventure. This will resonate with truckers as it’s their story and their dreams of the open road. “Big Wheels in the Moonlight” is one of Dan Seals’ best songs, he’s a great storyteller and this song is a hit on the country charts and a favorite among truckers and country fans.
Florida Georgia Line
“Cruise”
“Cruise” is a standout on their debut album “Here’s to the Good Times” released in 2012. The catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and energy of the song grabbed country music fans and it was an instant hit. “Cruise” combines traditional country with a modern twist and appeals to a wide audience.
It’s a record breaker on the charts where it’s the best-selling digital country song of all time and spent 24 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The impact on the country music scene was huge and helped launch the “bro-country” movement and established the Florida Georgia Line as a major force in modern country music.
“This Is How We Roll” featuring Luke Bryan
“This Is How We Roll” by Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan is a high-energy trucker anthem that captures the trucker lifestyle with its fun and relatable lyrics. Released in 2014 the song is about the camaraderie and fun of life on the road and will resonate with truckers who love freedom and adventure. The collaboration between Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan brought two of country music’s biggest stars together and made the song even bigger. “This Is How We Roll” did well on the Billboard Country Charts and went to number one on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Trucking Songs by Legendary Artists
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash is a country music legend and has several trucking songs in his catalog, “I’ve Been Everywhere” is one of them. Written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack the Cash version was a hit in 1996. The song lists a rapid fire of cities and towns, it’s about the constant travel and wide open spaces of a trucker’s life. The energy and pace of the song match the constant motion and varied experiences of truckers.
Johnny Cash also has other trucking songs like “Daddy Sang Bass” and “Drive On” Both songs are about journey, resilience, and the open road and solidified his connection to the trucking community and his status as a legend in this genre.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” is a classic that captures life on the road and is a favorite among truckers and travelers. Released in 1980 it was a hit and the catchy melody and Nelson’s voice made it an instant classic. The lyrics about the joys and freedom of traveling and performing resonate deeply with the trucking community who live the perpetual motion and adventure.
Beyond this classic song, Nelson’s impact on trucking music is huge. His storytelling and portrayal of the traveling lifestyle have left a lasting mark on the genre and have inspired many artists and songs about the trucking life. Nelson’s contributions have made him a legend in both country music and the American trucking culture.
Randy Travis
Randy Travis’s “Three Wooden Crosses” is a powerful story song that’s relevant to the themes found in country and trucking music. Released in 2002 the song tells the story of four travelers, a farmer, a teacher, a preacher, and a hooker, and their journey. The twist and message of faith and redemption will resonate with listeners including truckers who spend most of their lives on the road contemplating these themes.
Randy Travis’s contribution to the genre goes beyond this song as he’s consistently written songs about life, faith, and the human experience. His storytelling and soulful voice have made him a country music legend and his music continues to inspire and connect with the trucking community and beyond.
Hidden Gems
“Asphalt Cowboy” by Jason Aldean
“Asphalt Cowboy” by Jason Aldean is a hidden gem that tells the trucker’s life story through its lyrics and themes. The song explores the loneliness and sacrifices of truckers and paints a picture of life on the open road away from loved ones. Aldean’s delivery is emotive and captures the loneliness and resilience of the modern-day cowboys, the sense of duty, and the bitter-sweet reality of nomadic life.
The lyrics are about the miles, the connections, and the longing for home and it’s a tribute to those who keep America moving. Through “Asphalt Cowboy” Jason Aldean gives a nuanced and respectful portrayal of the trucker’s world and shows he can tell stories that resonate with listeners, especially within the trucking community.
“Pickup Man” by Joe Diffie
“Pickup Man” by Joe Diffie is a fun and lighthearted trucking song that celebrates the pickup truck. Released in 1994 the song humorously tells how owning a pickup truck can be a game changer in a man’s social life, turns heads, and wins hearts. With its catchy melody and witty lyrics “Pickup Man” became an instant country music and trucking fan favorite.
The song’s lightheartedness and relatability took it to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart where it stayed for four weeks. In Joe Diffie’s career “Pickup Man” is one of his biggest hits and shows he can blend humor with traditional country. The song cemented his status as a country music favorite and it’s a timeless classic that still makes listeners smile who enjoy the lighter side of trucking.
“Highway Junkie” by Gary Allan
“Highway Junkie” by Gary Allan is a raw and gritty trucking song that captures the rough and fast-paced life on the road. Released in 1998 as part of his album “It Would Be You” the song explores the addictive nature of the highway and the trucker who is hooked on the nomadic lifestyle.
Allan’s powerful vocals and lyrics paint a picture of the struggles and thrills of being a “highway junkie”. The song touches on loneliness, the constant need for freedom, and the hardships of those who live life on the road. Through “Highway Junkie” Gary Allan gives an unvarnished look at the trucking world, the good and the bad, and it’s a song that will resonate with those who know the real deal of life on the road.
Classic Trucking Songs
“Teddy Bear” by Red Sovine
“Teddy Bear” by Red Sovine is a classic trucking song that’s dear to the hearts of truckers and country music fans everywhere because of its emotional impact and story. Released in 1976 the song tells the story of a young boy nicknamed Teddy Bear who communicates with truckers over the CB radio after his trucker daddy has passed away. The boy is disabled and in a wheelchair and wants to experience life on the road and it shows the compassion and camaraderie within the trucking world.
Truckers rally around Teddy Bear, organizing a convoy to take him for a ride in their trucks and show him the brotherhood and kindness of the trucking world. The song’s story and Sovine’s delivery have made it a favorite among truckers and “Teddy Bear” is a classic tribute to the bonds and generosity of those who live life on the road.
“18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea
“18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea is a song that resonates with the trucking world because of its story and relatable themes. Released in 1988 the song is about a trucker named Charlie who’s about to retire after 30 years on the road. As he’s making his final run home he’s dreaming of reuniting with his wife and enjoying their golden years together. The chorus with the symbolic “18 wheels and a dozen roses” captures the hard work and romance of many truckers’ lives. Kathy Mattea’s warm vocals bring the story to life and you can feel the anticipation and joy of Charlie’s homecoming. “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses” was a big hit and topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and is still a favorite among truckers for its honest portrayal of their lives and dreams.
Songs from Bands and Groups
Sawyer Brown’s “The Dirt Road”
Sawyer Brown’s “The Dirt Road” is a trucking song and the band can tell the story of the trucker’s journey through their music and lyrics. Released in 1992 the song resonates with the trucking world because it talks about the challenges and rewards of taking the road less traveled.
The song is a journey of ups and downs just like the life of a trucker going through rough roads and long stretches of highway. With its upbeat tempo and relatable story “The Dirt Road” is about resilience, perseverance, and determination to keep moving forward no matter what. Sawyer Brown’s country rock and heartfelt lyrics have made them a part of the trucking music genre and “The Dirt Road” is a classic that celebrates the grit and spirit of truckers everywhere.
The Road Hammers’ “East Bound and Down” Cover
The Road Hammers’ cover of “East Bound and Down” is a fun tribute to Jerry Reed and fans of the original and the band love it. Released in 2005 this high-energy version pays homage to Reed’s classic trucking song from the movie “Smokey and the Bandit” and captures the open road with a modern twist.
The Road Hammers are known for their country rock style and bring their signature high-octane energy to the song making it a standout in their catalog. Their cover honors Jerry Reed and solidifies their position as a contemporary country band. By bridging the gap between old and new country The Road Hammers have become a band for everyone from traditionalists to new listeners.
Conclusion
The connection between trucking and country music is a timeless one and a testament to the spirit and culture of both. From classics like Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” to modern hits like Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Roll” these songs are the open road. They are about resilience, freedom, and camaraderie of the trucking world. The legacy of these songs is that they speak to listeners across generations and are the soundtrack to the working lives of truckers. They are entertainment and a sense of pride and solidarity for those who drive the highways.
