Ray Charles’s “Hit the Road Jack,” released in 1961, is a powerful anthem of rejection and independence that showcases Charles’s unique blend of rhythm and blues with a soulful edge. Written by Percy Mayfield, the song quickly became one of Ray Charles’s most iconic hits, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording in 1962.
About The Song
“Hit the Road Jack” features an unforgettable call-and-response between Charles and his backup singers, The Raelettes, with a driving piano riff that perfectly complements the song’s theme of a man being told to leave by a woman who has had enough. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable lyrics, combined with Charles’s impassioned delivery, create a sense of urgency and finality that resonates with listeners.
This track not only highlights Ray Charles’s exceptional vocal and musical talents but also his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The song’s blend of gospel-influenced rhythms with a strong blues foundation marked a significant moment in the evolution of popular music, contributing to Ray Charles’s legacy as a pioneer of soul music.
As we revisit “Hit the Road Jack,” we celebrate Ray Charles’s innovative spirit and his significant influence on the music industry. The song remains a classic, a testament to Charles’s ability to connect with audiences and to craft songs that stand the test of time.
Video
Lyric
[Intro]
[Chorus: The Raelettes & Ray Charles]
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back no more
What’d you say?
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back no more[Verse 1: Ray Charles & The Raelettes]
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 say so
I’ll have to pack my things and go (That’s right)[Chorus: The Raelettes & Ray Charles]
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back no more
What’d you say?
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back no more
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[Verse 2: Ray Charles & The Raelettes]
Now, baby, listen, baby, don’t you 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 a no good
Well, I guess if you say so
I’ll have to pack my things and go (That’s right)[Chorus: The Raelettes & Ray Charles]
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back no more
What’d you say?
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road, Jack, and don’t ya come back no more[Outro: Ray Charles & The Raelettes]
Well (Don’t ya come back no more)
Uh, what’d you say? (Don’t ya come back no more)
I didn’t understand you (Don’t ya come back no more)
You can’t mean that (Don’t ya come back no more)
Oh, now, baby, please (Don’t ya come back no more)
What you’re trying to do to me? (Don’t ya come back no more)