Jukebox classics: tributes to trucking through song

Trucking is a profession unlike any other. It requires grit, dedication and a willingness to sit behind the wheel of a big rig for 10-12 hours at a time. That’s not even considering all of the other steps involved, including daily inspections, regular maintenance, riding over harrowing mountain passageways and the list goes on.

America is home to more than 3.5 million truckers, which means there are a lot of stories to tell. And what better way to tell a story than through song? Ever since the inception and development of Route 66, singers and songwriters have dedicated their ballads to the hard-working men and women of the trucking profession.

There are dozens of great songs to choose from, but we thought it would be fun to select a handful of our favorites. Keep reading to see which trucking-themed songs made our list.

C.W. McCall – Convoy

C.W. McCall’s “Convoy” is probably the world’s most famous trucking song. It tells the story of a group of truck drivers transporting everything from hogs to logs and refrigerated goods across the United States. When the song hit the charts in 1975, it reached the number one spot on both the country and pop charts. This one has lasting power, too. Rolling Stone Magazine gave it the #98 spot on its list of the “100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.

Jim Nesbitt – I Ain’t Never Been Passed

If you’ve been a trucker for any time at all, you’ve likely been passed. But there’s nothing wrong with that. If anything, it means you’re doing your job the safe way. Nonetheless, it’s fun to hear Jim Nesbitt sing about his skills as a lead-footed truck driver. Add in the twang of steel guitar and a list of progressively questionable brags, and you’ve got a classic.

Red Simpson – Born To Be A Trucker

Red Simpson’s “Born to Be A Trucker,” tells the story of a hardworking driver who can’t quit his love of the road. Even when his sweetheart begs him to do so. Lyrics include:

Born to be a trucker drivin’ this old truck across the nation
Born to be a trucker that’s my only occupation
I guess I’ll keep on driving these trucks till I get old
Cause it’s the only way of livin’ this poor boy knows

Simple, yet poignant. Plus, if you listen to this song once, it’s sure to get stuck in your head.

What’s your favorite trucking song? If it didn’t make this list, visit our Facebook page and let us know.